Kate Middleton is no stranger to hard work when it comes to exercise and is said to be in the gym "most mornings" incorporating both weight training and cardio into her daily routine.
A palace insider previously revealed that the princess is reportedly a fan of CrossFit and Yoga, makes time to frequently go for a run, enjoys cycling and does the majority of her workouts without a personal trainer, including weight training.
Not forgetting Kate's love for tennis, being the "pin-up of Wimbledon" which doesn't come without a "serious amount of work", a royal expert told OK!, who added: "You can tell from her arms she does weight training."
So with the lowdown on Kate's weekly workout regime, I took it upon myself to try it out for myself, incorporating as many of her favoured exercises as possible, how hard could it be?
My plan for the week was as follows:
- Day 1: 45 min weight training and 20 min run (2KM)
- Day 2: 45 min weight training and 20 min spin bike
- Day 3: Yoga/Rest day
- Day 4: CrossFit or high-intensity training
- Day 5: Tennis
- Day 6: 45 min weight training and 10 min run
- Day 7: Walking/Rest day
The princess is also known to exercise in the morning, which luckily for me worked out in my favour as I usually head to the gym before starting work.
Call me crazy, but there's nothing worse than finishing work and trying to drag yourself to the gym.
Taking on the royal routine
I woke up on Monday morning feeling apprehensive about taking on the royal routine, particularly when it came to running – something I’ve always struggled with and found particularly boring.
I’ve always enjoyed going to the gym and in recent years have really taken to lifting weights, after I found myself dating a personal trainer, it was an area I became somewhat comfortable in.
That’s not to say I lift heavy at all, I keep it relatively low and only up the weights if I’m feeling up to it, but running was something else, despite my love of tennis which involves a heavy amount of cardio.
Weight training
In an area that I knew, I decided to spend 45 minutes weight training across three days, combined with cardio at the end.
I switched up the exercises at the gym each time varying from squats on the weight rack, single-arm dumbbell rows, standing barbell presses, hip thrusts, lunges, seated cable rows and sled pushes.
Running
The question that popped into my head as my face was burning and my legs were aching on the running machine was – how many km are in a mile? because on running time, it felt like an eternity.
But with the help of Lizzo who pulled me through I managed to reach 2km with two short walking breaks on day one, for me that’s a huge achievement.
Towards the end of the week, I attempted another run at the gym after 45 minutes of weight training but at this point, I could really feel my body struggling, so I was kind to myself and only did 10 minutes with an easy 10 minute walk – sometimes you just have to listen to your body.
Cycling
On another day I completed a 45 minute weight training session and a 20 minute spin bike ride.
Without access to an outdoor bike, the spin bike at the gym was the best option, but it made me realise how much I missed this and the serious sweat you get.
I left the gym covered with a face as red as a tomato – not the best look!
Yoga
I was thrilled when my yoga day came around, choosing this as a half rest day and a more relaxing approach to the week.
Unable to find a suitable class to attend I opted for Yoga With Adriene on YouTube which was just what I needed.
With her clear instructions and soothing voice, I found myself thoroughly engaged in the yoga session.
It left me feeling refreshed and relaxed, giving my body that much-needed stretch and recovery.
Tennis
Known for her love of tennis, I couldn't complete my week without playing the sport in true royal fashion.
If you're looking for exercise but don't fancy heading out for a run or going to the gym I would highly recommend tennis – it's fun and you never realise how much you're running around the court until the end.
High-intensity training
The princess is said to enjoy CrossFit or High-intensity training so I went for the latter and found a HITT workout on YouTube which I followed along easily.
I was left sweating in my living room after just a 30 minute high-energy routine that I found on MadFit, while it was short, it certainly pushed me and left me feeling energised.
Walking
Towards the end of the week, I took it easy and simply went for a long walk out in the fresh air, giving my body a break.
Kate is known for her love of the outdoors so no doubt spends a lot of time on family walks with their dog out in the countryside or when they're staying in their Norfolk abode.
Plank
I tried to end most workouts with a plank, holding for 45 seconds before a quick break and going again – an ab exercise Kate has been said to do regularly herself.
Love them or loathe them, you can’t deny that a plank really does engage the abs and give you that burn – not a pleasant feeling but one that really feels as though you’re working that core.
By the end of the week, I was exhausted, the added cardio into my usual workout routine certainly made an impact but I can't deny that I felt great afterwards, despite still struggling with the boredom of a run.
Yoga is something I will definitely keep up as it was a great way for me to switch off and focus on stretching.
From taking on the royal routine there's no denying that Kate's routine is impressive, her combination of exercises ensures she works the entirety of her body, while she mixes it up and does what she enjoys.
Will I continue running, probably not, was it gruelling, yes but do I have a newfound appreciation for Kate's weekly workout, absolutely!
Source: Read Full Article