Why You Need To Try The Helen Mirren Workout!

by BR Kellie

Helen Mirren is a goddess in living form. She's comfortable in her skin. Doesn't give a hoot what anyone thinks. She's a woman after my own heart. Never more so than recently, when I read that she is a believer in a twelve minute workout that was created by the Royal Canadian Air Force a few decades ago. You see, I exercise regularly, but I'm not a fan of anything that takes too long. The shorter, the more effective, the better. And a twelve minute routine used by people who need to be fit sounded like my cup of tea, so I gave it a go!

What did it involve? Did it work? Would the proof be in the, er, jumping jacks?

Day One: The YouTube Video

Okay, so it turns out I'm ten years too young for the first YouTube video tutorial I tried, as the level this was aimed at was for the over 50s. Still, I gave it a crack, and it was a lot like my Rachel Hunter exercise video from the late 90s combined with the yoga I do now. Slow, steady, but I didn't feel the burn. The end of the vid, though? Running on the spot with fifty knee lifts (no cheating) followed by ten hops had me puffing like a proper workout would. 

Day Two: Upping the Intensity

Okay, so the previous video was too easy. Turns out that's because there are levels and charts involved in this thing. I found the website that explained it, which meant nothing to me because your girl does not do charts, so I found another YouTube video. This one? Oh my giddy aunt. It's not more my speed. It's beyond my speed, which makes it perfect. I was fine with the sit ups and push ups and some other weird leg lifting thing, but the high knee runs combined with jumping jacks? I got through two sets (you're meant to do six) before I ran out of puff. So this is the vid I'll use going forwards to see if a) I improve and b) it'll make me a bit Helen-ish.

Day Three: Getting There

I will not lie. This is technically day four. I planned to go back to back but then my abs hurt and the backs of my thighs hurt (who knew that was a thing!?) and so I gave them a day off. Back at it today and can safely say THIS is a WORKOUT. I managed to do three rounds of the cardio (with breaks after the first two rounds), and there was sweat and heavy breathing and the brief possibilty that I might be dying crossing my mind. Bring on tomorrow!

Day Four: Dying A Little

Pain. So. Much. Pain. This workout works! I'm gobsmacked! I genuinely wasn't thinking it would do much of anything, but already I'm feeling more toned, my muscles are definitely getting a workout. Still haven't cracked the entire video yet, still find myself stopping to get some breath into the old lungs, but each day I can do a little more! 

Day Five: Are We There Yet?

Okay, I'm getting bored. I've the attention span of the gnat, which means a quick workout is a good workout, but this is getting same-y, and I don't do well with too much sameness. Improvements continue, but I find myself just willing the time to hurry up so I can finish and get on with my day. 

So, final thoughts...

This is a quick exercise regime that can work. You can step up the intensity as you become fitter, as well as change technique as you become stronger. As always, if you're not a regular exerciser or have health issues, you should chat to a health professional first before giving this a go, but if you're looking to add a different workout into your regime this could well be a good one! Will I do it daily? Noooooo. But, as I said above, I get bored easily, so like to mix things up, but I can definitely see myself incorporating this into my regime and doing it on rainy days when I can't get out and about, or on days when I feel like my body needs an energetic tune up.

Dame Helen, I salute you for sticking with this regime! ...But I need more.

So, will you be trying the 12 minute workout? Have you already tried it? Are there other quick workouts that you swear by? Time is of the essence... and sharing is caring, so chat below!