At 55, Amanda Holden shows no signs of slowing down. Between early morning radio shows and her annual judging duties on Britain's Got Talent, the presenter has somehow carved out time for a fitness routine that keeps her strong, agile, and energised. Her secret? A workout she describes as the 'Viking Method'—a holistic, full-body training approach designed not for aesthetics, but for real-life strength and stamina.
Fitness isn't just a way to look good, Holden has emphasised in interviews with The Times and Women's Health UK; it's a way to maintain energy, resilience, and mobility in everyday life. The Viking Method, created by Icelandic trainer Svava Sigbertsdottir, blends elements of football, handball, ballet, contemporary dance, yoga, and kickboxing to create a workout that is as functional as it is challenging.
'It's not about training because you lack a 'look', or because you are not good enough', Sigbertsdottir told Women's Health UK. 'You train because you are adding things: strength, stamina, flexibility, skills, power, confidence, and contentment.' In other words, it's designed to make your body ready for anything life throws at you—from sprinting to catch a bus to lifting heavy shopping bags or tackling a surprise DIY project.
What Makes the Viking Method Unique
Unlike traditional gym routines that often focus on isolated muscle groups, the Viking Method prioritises functional strength. Core work is central, but it isn't performed in isolation. Instead, exercises integrate the core as a stabiliser while the limbs move—mimicking how the body works in real-life situations.
Sigbertsdottir explains: 'Functional training is such a wide umbrella word of methods of training—you train for your body to be functional, to do well what it is designed to do. My method is about just being a Viking Ninja. Whatever comes your way, your body is good to go.'
This is not hyperbole. Sigbertsdottir has praised Holden for her dedication and resilience, recalling that she would happily crawl in mud, sprint with a weight on her back, or even take a playful kick or punch during sessions—all with a smile. 'She is Viking through and through—her attitude, openness, and joy of going for it are inspiring', Sigbertsdottir says.
Amanda Holden's 30-Minute Viking Workout
For those inspired to try the method at home or in the gym, Sigbertsdottir has developed a straightforward five-move routine that targets the whole body. Each exercise can be done in three rounds, with a two-minute rest between rounds. The goal is to choose weights that challenge you, particularly during the final repetitions.
1. Curtsy Squat to Shoulder Press
Start with weights at shoulder height. Begin with a wide squat, then transition into a curtsy, where the back knee lowers towards the floor. Return to the wide squat, then press the weights overhead. Repeat eight times on each leg.
2. Standard Shoulder Press
A classic movement: press your weights overhead for eight reps.
3. Single-Leg Squat into Weighted Circle
Hold a single weight with both hands. Perform a one-legged squat, then, keeping the other leg elevated, move the weight in a circular motion from your navel to above your head. Alternate directions and repeat eight times on each leg.
4. Squat Jump into Single-Arm Snatch
With one weight in hand, squat and jump forward into a deep squat, then back and into a single-arm snatch. Repeat eight times per arm.
5. Squat into Plank
From a squat, walk your hands out into a high plank, lower to one elbow, then the other, return to the plank, and walk back to standing. Repeat eight times.
This combination of compound movements, plyometrics, and dynamic core work prepares the body for functional tasks while improving overall strength, balance, and mobility.
Why the Viking Method Fits Modern Lives
For someone with Holden's schedule, time efficiency is essential. A typical session can be completed in just 30 minutes, making it suitable for busy professionals, parents, or anyone balancing work and life commitments. Unlike other fitness trends that focus purely on appearance, the Viking Method prioritises capability—ensuring your body can perform everyday tasks with ease.
It also taps into a broader wellness trend: exercises that combine mental resilience with physical conditioning. Holden has spoken about how the method has improved not just her strength but also her confidence and stamina, helping her navigate the demands of both work and personal life.
'The beauty of this method is that it teaches you what your body is capable of', Sigbertsdottir adds. 'Carry those boxes? Easy. Jump over that wall? Easy. Sprint to catch that bus? Easy.' In short, it's fitness with purpose.
Incorporating the Viking Method Into Your Routine
Even beginners can benefit from the method, as the movements can be modified to suit different fitness levels. Start with lighter weights, focus on form, and gradually increase intensity as you gain strength. Many exercises require no special equipment beyond basic dumbbells, making them accessible for home workouts.
For those looking to deepen their practice, Sigbertsdottir also offers online programmes and guided sessions on her website, allowing users to explore the method's full scope—covering everything from agility drills to dynamic core stability exercises.
The Takeaway
Amanda Holden's approach to fitness at 55 highlights an important lesson: effective workouts are about more than aesthetics. They are about building a body that moves well, feels strong, and can handle real-life challenges. The Viking Method, with its combination of functional strength, mental resilience, and time-efficient design, embodies this philosophy perfectly.
Whether you're chasing a celebrity-inspired workout or simply looking for practical ways to boost strength and confidence, there's plenty to admire in Holden's commitment—and in the Viking Method itself. As Holden proves, age is no barrier to strength, endurance, or living life at full pace.
