While King Charles III is known for many things, being somewhat of a fitness fanatic is one of his lesser-known traits.
However, the monarch has been known to follow a military fitness routine called the 5BX, and was once dubbed 'a mountain goat' by Queen Camilla due to his love for walking.
With that in mind, the Mirror's Amber O'Connor wanted to learn more about the routine and to give the workouts a try for herself.
Speaking to an expert before starting the gruelling exercise, Penny Weston, the fitness expert at the helm of the Made Wellness Centre, explained that it was originally designed by the Canadian Armed forces.
"The 5BX is a fitness plan that was created in the early 60s by Canadian Armed forces," she said.
"It is an eleven-minute plan with six levels containing a variety of exercises. The difficulty increases with each level, and the exercises include running on the spot, sit-ups and push-ups," she said.
"It was originally designed because the Canadian Armed forces found that a number of their pilots were overweight, as they were often based in remote locations with minimal access to fitness equipment.
"It was a way for them to achieve a good level of fitness, but in the minimum amount of time."
Amber's experience
The Lifestyle Writer got a hold of a guide which helped her plan workouts, and after giving it a try, recommends that others give the routine a go.
As Penny said, the workout is very similar to modern HIIT classes, so it's easy to know what to expect in terms of the moves," Amber explained. "But as the charts increase they become noticeably more difficult."
You see, the plan includes a number of charts which each feature five set exercises.
"However, if there's a move you hate then you're out of luck, as similar moves are prescribed in each chart - albeit with modifications to increase the difficulty.
"For instance, each chart involves some variation of push-ups, and by the end, you'll be challenged to try chest tap and clapping push-ups."
Amber tried chart three for the few days she was giving the workout in order to get a sense of the difficulty level, and it's no simple feat.
She continued: "For me, the third chart solved the Goldilocks problem - it wasn't too easy or too hard but just right.
"The stretches, sit-ups, and back extensions felt comfortable. It was only the push-ups, a weakness of mine, that I disliked.
"Although I did find the running on the spot tedious, so I chose to forego this and run for a mile instead, as the plan allows."
The fitness fan concluded: "In keeping with its design, this plan is not fun but it is effective.
"So it is easy to see why this efficient routine appeals to King Charles and anyone looking to get fit quick, or at least without spending hours in the gym."
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