The XBX 12-minute and 5BX 11-minute fitness plans were in the news again when a Telegraph reporter gave XBX a go, giving it a thumbs up with a positive review.

The Oscar winning actress Helen Mirren is quoted as saying, "It is the exercise I have done off and on my whole life. It just very gently gets you fit. Two weeks of doing that and you think, 'Yeah, I could go to the gym now."

Helen Mirren is not the only high profile celeb enjoying the benefits of BX.Plans and it is rumoured that Jurgen Klopp, Premier League Manager of Liverpool Football Club, has also discovered the work out benefits for his men.

Developed in the 50’s to keep members of the Canadian Air force fit, the XBX plan for women and 5BX plan for men keep rising to the surface because of their simplicity and the small amount of time required.

Warming up is built in to each of the plans so adding the, often resented, extra time for that is not needed.

The gentleness and ease is one of the best things about the XBX and 5BX plans making it loved by many worldwide over the decades.

And with the rising concern of child obesity and the lack of exercise of children today there is also a Fit Kids plan which gives simple and clear exercises for those between the ages of 7-17 to be used at home or in schools.

It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your fitness level is, so long as you don’t have a health condition or disability that prevents exercise - there’s a starting point to suit.

A useful feature of these plans are the charts included that show where you should start and the pace at which you should progress. Plus, there’s a motivational boost to be had from the progress charts that are ticked off every time you do your 11 or 12 minutes.

A reviewer at Weight Loss Resources, who followed the plan for a few weeks before reporting back said, “You actually get to feel like you're progressing all the time - you're either ticking your way off through the days at each level or ticking off the levels as you move up through them - and each day you can feel smug in how far you've come!”

XBX and 5BX exercises are very simple, and likely ones everyone has done before, no awkward moves that you’re never quite sure you’re doing right.

Comments from Weight Loss Resources members attest to this simplicity and ease of getting started:

“I used to go to an exercise class about 20 years ago & these are exactly the ones the girl did with us. They aren't difficult but very effective.” Dot

“This book starts at a low enough level to be accessible to everyone. You decide what amount to do and gradually you see improvement. no injuries, no embarrassing visits to the gym!!” Jenny

With all this easiness you could be forgiven for worrying that you won’t get much out of doing these exercises. But it’s not only Helen Mirren who notices the benefits:

“I have noticed my tubby tummy is reducing since I started the XBX 12-minute sessions each day. My torso feels less wobbly.” — Janet

“I've already (22 days in) - started to feel like I'm holding myself straighter, walking taller, I'm just less hunched - because I've started to rediscover the muscles in my shoulders, core and back.” — Jo

The XBX, 5BX and Fit Kids plans provide an efficient full body workout. Both the women and men's plans are available in English, French, German, Polish and Spanish.

XBX, the women’s book does this in 8 exercises (there are 2 optional ‘posture’ exercises) and a maximum 12 minutes.

5BX is easily completed in 11 minutes with 5 exercises.

In both cases you may find your exercise session actually takes less time at your recommended starting level, and you won’t reach the stated number of minutes until you’re a few levels in. Great news for beginners and those who find procrastination a problem when it comes to getting fitter.

Review copies for BX.Plans are available upon request for features and competitions for further information please contact Shelleyn2k@gmail.com