A woman whose workout video went viral after it accidentally captured Myanmar's military carrying out a coup says she was totally unaware what was going on behind her.

On Monday, civilian leaders Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint were detained along with hundreds of MPs as top generals overthrew the country's elected government.

Khing Hnin Wai, 26, was carrying out a colour morning routine in front of the road to parliament, oblivious to the serious political situation unfolding in the background.

In the video, a stream of military vehicles can be seen driving towards a tightened security checkpoint as the aerobics instructor dances and punches the air in a neon yellow and black outfit.

When the bizarre footage first emerged, many viewers questioned if it was real.

The PE teacher was totally focused on her routine and unable to get updates from the outside world due to a mobile signal blackout in the capital Naypyidaw, which lasted for nearly eight hours.

"I didn't know. I had no mobile signal and was not aware of what was happening behind me," Khing said.

An exercise enthusiast, she said she usually carries out her morning routine at the same location from 7am to 8:30am in order to compete in an aerobics competition organised by the education ministry.

The video she was filming was her entry, which she uploaded to social media.

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"I teach an aerobics class to my school children, and I am also joining the competition," Khing explained.

"During the pandemic, we can't go to an in-person class, so I am teaching them via online videos."

She wrote on her Facebook page (prior to the military government blocking access to the platform) that she knew those members of the security forces personally as she always exercises there.

"They even greeted me after the exercise on that day," she said.

Despite the popularity of the clip, Khing said she was worried people may wrongly believe that she was celebrating.

"That's why I wrote, please don't copy the video," she said.

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On Wednesday, police filed charges against de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who they claim illegally imported several walkie talkies.

If found guilty, she could face a maximum sentence of three years in prison.

She and President Win Myint, who faces charges relating to breaking COVID-19 rules, are currently due to be detained until 15 February.

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Myanmar coup: Aerobics instructor 'not aware' of military takeover behind her in viral video - Sky News