A at Home Workout Routine

The key to keeping fit is consistency, and so it’s no surprise that at 76-years old Helen Mirren just shared the secret to her youthful figure. Read on for more!

At home workout fit for a Vixen

The Oscar winning actress, Helen Mirren needs no introduction. Not only has she been on the big screen in many of our favorite movies she recently stunned crowds in Paris with her fit figure and silver locks. The Silver Vixen was recently interviewed by a prominent British magazine, where she spoke about her fitness routine. Mirren credited the Canadian Air Force women’s exercise regime for her simple 12-minute workout every day, and says its been the secret to her staying in shape over the years.

Having dug a little deeper to find out the core of the exercises that make up this simple route I found that the workout consists of a series of simple exercises that can be done at home with no equipment necessary. The routine includes squats, lunges, sit-ups, and push-ups and can be done by anyone anywhere.

Keeping it simple

Helen not only praised her simple workout but mention that movement, any movement was a good start. The second part of her secret is that it’s all about working from the inside out. She pays careful attention to her diet, ensuring she eats to feel good as she knows the influence it has over how you feel.

So for any of us in doubt that movement or some simple exercises might not get us fit, you’ve heard it from one of the most successful actresses of our time, you don’t need to join an expensive gym or own your own private health club in your basement to get fit

The 12-minute workout

In our previous posts we said, test the waters, Helen made a very similar comment which was to test your own body’s capability and fitness before you start. After a few weeks of no exercise she starts simple, some weeks only doing 3 sit ups and the next week 4, slow and steady wins’ thew race!

We can create many exercise routines from the list below, starting with one or two for our beginners, or take a few and create a HIIT session for our more advanced and even add some weight or my favorite at home apparatus the TRX – ultimate no weights at home exercise equipment.

• Touching your toes – Bending at the hips and touching your toes with straight arms, as you progress you could use bands or weight to increase resistance.
• Knee raises – Standing up, bring your knee into your chest while balancing on one foot. (make sure you move the coffee table)
• Side bending – Feet shoulder-width apart, raise one hand above your head and slide the other down to your knee.
• Sit ups – keep these simple, There are some excellent at home equipment options like Fitlaya or a nice cheap and very effective bit of gear is the ab wheel, just be careful of your back if you are starting out on the wheel.
• Superman (or Superwoman) – Lie face down and bring your chest and knees off the floor into a slender arc, so your stomach is the only thing touching the floor.
• Side leg raise – Roll onto one side and, keeping your leg straight, lift it to a 45-degree angle.
• Push ups – Start on your keens and work yourself up to the normal push up
• Leg raises – Lying on your back, keep your leg straight and lift it straight up 90 degrees, for a bigger challenge stop at 45 and go back down without touching the ground.
• Air Squat – Nice and simple, no weight just squat down with feet pointed slightly outward and shoulder width apart. When starting sit up from a bench and back down. Grab some bands to increase resistance, they are versatile and can be used for everything. I use my TRX and also a set of Whatafit, they are cost effective and come in a great carry case.
• Glute bridge – This is an excellent exercise but also a great warm up for runnnig – on your back, hands alongside. Bringing your feet toward you butt (on the ground) then push up concentrating on your buttocks. Push your hips off the ground and hold for 5 seconds. For the more advanced, try on one leg whilst your other leg is straight.

Conclusion

Helen Mirren is living proof that consistency is key when it comes to staying in shape, at any age. If you’re looking for a simple workout to follow that can be done at home with minimal equipment, the routine outlined by the Canadian Air Force women will do the trick. Just remember, make sure your exercises are challenging enough to produce results – if not, you won’t stick to them for long!

My suggestion, the TRX and the bands and you are set for exercise anywhere even from your chair!