King Charles III certainly enjoys a busy schedule. One of the hardest-working royals, who racked up over 500 engagements last year, 2023 looks to be no different as he celebrates his Coronation.
But how does the 74-year-old keep in shape alongside completing his tours and many duties? His fitness - which has been said to eclipse that of many his age - is likely down to his rumoured fitness regime.
Specifically, King Charles is reported to follow the 5BX routine (Five Basic Exercises), created by the Royal Canadian Air Force.
The 11-minute workout designed to keep pilots fit wherever they found themselves - as the routine does not require equipment - is also popular with royalty, and King Charles, who previously served in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, is said to complete the workout twice a day.
It is understood he bookends his day with the routine, which includes simple moves like sit-ups and push-ups.
Talking to the BBC during the pandemic, of her then 71-year-old husband, Queen Camilla revealed: "He is probably the fittest man of his age I know. He'll walk and walk and walk. He's like a mountain goat, he leaves everybody miles behind."
The senior Royal has long enjoyed keeping fit with a variety of activities. A keen polo player in his youth, he is a skilled equestrian, and he also racks up plenty of miles on foot with his daily lunchtime walks.
But most would likely agree his military routine is the hardest of all his physical challenges, for while the moves are simple to perform, the high reps would likely test many, and if they start to feel easy, there are six difficulty levels you can work through. For instance, level one's kneeling push-ups (where you rest your legs on the floor) get upgraded to shoulder slap push-ups (where your arms push off the floor) by level six.
Explaining 5BX's benefits, fitness expert behind Made Wellness Centre, Penny Weston said: "It's a tough workout, but definitely worth it! It is ideal for anyone looking to get fit that doesn't have much time on their hands. It is very similar to most of the HIIT classes we see now, so not much has changed."
However, there are a few additions she'd suggest for anyone looking to make it their daily go-to.
"There are definitely some other exercises I would include in there though, such as glute bridges, they are a great way to build strength in your glutes but also stability in your core. I would also say that stretching pre and post exercise is just as important as the actual workout, and with the quick HIIT workouts a lot of people can forget about this," she added.
Will you be giving the workout a go? Let us know in the comments below.
