Fitness influencer Joe Wicks, known as The Body Coach, recently expressed his admiration for King Charles’ apparent physical fitness and voiced his curiosity about the monarch’s exercise regimen. This comes after Wicks met King Charles at a WaterAid reception at Buckingham Palace. The reception focused on bringing together young leaders and decision-makers to address climate change.
King Charles’ Reported Fitness Routine: A Royal Regiment
While the exact details of King Charles’ fitness routine remain somewhat elusive, several reports offer insights into his dedication to health and well-being.
Daily Exercise and “Mountain Goat” Stamina
King Charles reportedly exercises twice daily, incorporating exercises like squats and pull-ups into his routine. Queen Camilla has even playfully dubbed him a “mountain goat” due to his impressive stamina during walks, often leaving others behind.
Squats: Strength for Longevity
Squats are a cornerstone of King Charles’ fitness regime. These exercises are vital for maintaining lower body strength, particularly in the legs, hips, and glutes. Experts emphasize the importance of squats for older adults, as they aid in everyday activities like standing from a chair or climbing stairs and help prevent falls.
Pull-Ups: Upper Body Power
Pull-ups are another key component of the King’s workout. Fitness experts recommend pull-ups for their numerous benefits, including developing upper body strength, improving grip strength, and enhancing shoulder stability. These are crucial for maintaining independence and supporting joint health as one ages, aiding in tasks such as opening jars or holding onto railings.
The 5BX Plan: An 11-Minute Powerhouse
King Charles is also known to follow the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 5BX plan, an 11-minute workout routine designed for those without access to a gym. This regimen includes:
- Two minutes of stretching
- One minute of sit-ups
- One minute of back and leg raises
- One minute of push-ups
- Six minutes of running on the spot (or brisk walking)
This efficient workout targets multiple muscle groups and can be easily incorporated into a busy schedule.
Headstands: Managing Back Pain
Prince Harry revealed in his memoir that King Charles also practices headstands, sometimes “half-naked,” to alleviate back pain stemming from old polo injuries.
Walking: A Love for the Outdoors
Beyond structured exercises, King Charles enjoys long walks, particularly on his estates, finding peace and fresh air in nature. Walking provides numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased endurance, and stress reduction.
King Charles’ Diet: A Focus on Sustainability and Fresh Produce
In addition to his exercise routine, King Charles follows a particular diet.
Organic and Locally Sourced Food
King Charles is a proponent of organic produce and locally sourced food. His farm was one of the first to be organically certified in the UK.
Meat-Free Days
He abstains from meat and fish two days a week and avoids dairy products on one of those days.
Skipping Lunch
The King is known for skipping lunch, maintaining a habit he has followed for many years.
Joe Wicks: Advocate for Accessible Fitness
Joe Wicks, “The Body Coach,” has gained prominence for his accessible and effective workout programs.
Bodyweight Workouts
Wicks is known for his 15-minute bodyweight workouts, which require no equipment and can be done at home. These workouts typically include exercises like squats, lunges, planks, push-ups, mountain climbers, and boxing.
Fitness for Surgery
Wicks has also partnered with healthcare organizations to create exercise videos for people awaiting surgery, aiming to improve their recovery outcomes. These routines are designed for various activity levels and include exercises such as side kicks, chair kicks, reverse lunges, and squats.
The Importance of Fitness at Any Age
King Charles’ commitment to fitness underscores the significance of physical activity for maintaining health and well-being throughout life. Regular exercise can:
- Boost energy levels
- Improve mental alertness
- Strengthen muscles and bones
- Reduce the risk of falls
- Enhance cardiovascular health
- Reduce stress
Whether it’s through structured workouts, outdoor activities, or simple bodyweight exercises, incorporating fitness into one’s daily routine can have profound benefits, regardless of age or physical condition.
