BX Plans, a fitness plan that has helped millions of people for over 70 years, got a princely push-up this week.
The Prince of Wales joked that keeping his weight in check is a ‘never ending battle’.
The prince made the comments to his tailor, Emma Willis, and admitted it has been ‘something of a struggle’ to remain the same shirt size for the last six years.
Earlier this week, however, the Duchess of Cornwall appeared on BBC Radio 5’s The Emma Barnett Show and revealed the Prince’s secret:
“He is probably the fittest man of his age I know,” said Camilla, while discussing her husband’s health and fitness in the wake of his coronavirus diagnosis and subsequent speedy recovery back in March.
“He’ll walk and walk and walk.
“He’s like a mountain goat, he leaves everybody miles behind.”
He does, however, perform a 12-minute Royal Canadian Air Force exercise plan daily, something his father, the Duke of Edinburgh, and sons, Princes William, and Harry, are also said to do.
The plan was developed by Dr Bill Oban in the late 1950’s and is known as the 5BX Plan (Five Basic Exercises), and includes stretching, sit-ups, back extensions, push-ups and running on the spot.
Prince Charles’s continued fitness as he goes into his 70s is a good example of how it’s possible to slow down the body’s ageing process, says Stuart Roberts, author of Get Strong, Get Fit, Get Happy: A Life Manual for 40+.
“I think one of the main problems with people when they view fitness at any age past 50 is there’s this mental block,” he says.
“People tend to think that because they’re a certain age they just can’t do things anymore.
“Unfortunately, if you think like that, your body tends to follow your mind.”
So how can you keep fit in your 60s, 70s and beyond?
“Little and often is ideal,” says Sammy Margo, leading physiotherapist and spokesperson for family healthcare specialist Mentholatum.
Ian Walton, publisher of the BX Plans for men and women said:
“I had used the 5BX Plan in my younger days and as I passed 60, I decided it was time to get fit again.
“I published the books because I believe it is the best fitness plan ever devised; so simple.”
The plans are available worldwide from Amazon in 5 languages with free e-books from the website fitin15.org.
Dame Helen Mirren (now 70 +) is another famous face that also swears by BX Plans as she revealed all in her interview with The Telegraph with Madeleine Howell.
