Chinese cop smashes planking world record in head-to-head battle with former holder
If you have every struggled to manage a minute of the plank exercise in the gym, you’ll appreciate how hard it is.
Planking is an exercise pose in which you hold your weight on your forearms and your toes, all while trying to keep your back perfectly straight.
Now imagine doing it for over EIGHT hours!
Chinese policeman Mao Weidong retook the world record for the exercise at the weekend after taking part in the ten-person Plank World Cup in Beijing.
After about two hours most of the other contestants hit breaking point and dropped out, leaving Weidong head-to-head with retired US Marine George Wood - who had the previous record at five hours, 15 minutes and 15 seconds.
Wood finally gave in at an amazing seven hours and 40 minutes, leaving Weidong to claim victory and he lasted another 21 minutes. Unbelievably, he even celebrated with push ups at the end.
Weidong's effort is now officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records at eight hours, one minute and one second.
He told the Reuters news agency that his work as a policeman was crucial in his record breaking attempt.
“Actually, as Special Weapons and Tactics Police, we have lots of strength training every day,” said Weidong.
“I think the strength training is very helpful for doing planking.”
Good luck breaking that one guys!
