I tried the 12-minute workout Helen Mirren’s used for her ‘whole life’ – here’s why it’s stood the test of time

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Helen Mirren has revealed the workout plan she's used to stay in shape throughout her life “It just very gently gets you fit,” she previously told Hello! How to do Helen Mirren’s workout - the XBX plan The XBX pamphlet is 51 pages long, and pretty wordy, containing a series of charts and numbers which look far from inviting. Level one of the XBX plan: In two minutes, complete: Toe touch x3 Knee raise x4 Lateral bend x5 Arm circle x24 Then complete: Partial sit-up x4 chest and leg raise x4 Side leg raise x4 press-up x3 Leg lift x2 Run and hop x50 Level 30 of the XBX plan: In two minutes, complete: Toe touch x12 Knee raise x18 Lateral bend x14 Arm circle x30 Then complete: Straight-leg sit-up x33 Chest and leg raise/Superman x33 Side leg raise x54 Elbow press-up x30 Leg-over tuck x15 Run and half knee bend x50 How I got on trying Helen’s Mirren’s workout plan I limbered up to try Helen Mirren’s military workout routine in my living room, which wasn’t on my 2025 bingo card. open image in gallery A leg lift is one of the exercises in Helen Mirren's chosen XBX military workout plan But, for me, the most important thing to take away is that the XBX plan works for Mirren, and has done for decades.