George Hood breaks Guinness record for plank
By Jane Donahue For The Beacon-News December 5, 2011 4:06PM
George Hood broke the Guinness World Record on December 3 for the "Longest time in an abdominal plank position," clocking in at 1 hour, 20 minutes, and 5.01 seconds. The record-breaking took place at Eggsperience Pancakes and Cafe in Naperville, where owner John Sakoufakis created a special venue for Hood. Photo by Matt Baron, Inside Edge PR
What is plank?
The plank, or planking, is an exercise that involves your core muscles, improving your strength, balance and endurance. The exercise is so-named because, when done properly, you straighten your entire body and maintain it rigidly, just like a plank of wood.
How does it work?
To perform a basic plank, lie on a level surface, belly down. Position your feet so that your toes touch the floor. Bring your hands forward, near the sides of your head, so your forearms lie on the floor, parallel to one another and to your torso. Lift your torso and your legs off the floor, putting your weight on your toes and your forearms and elbows, keeping your body straight.
Source: www.livestrong.com
Guinness World Records
George Hood set his first Guinness World Record in October 1986 by jumping rope for 13 hours, 12 minutes and 11 seconds. And three times, Hood held the record for the longest time riding on a stationary bike, set in 2007, 2008 and 2010. The spin bike record was broken in May of this year. He plans to attempt it again in 2012. Visit www.guinnessworldrecords.com
Article Extras
Updated: January 8, 2012 8:10AM
George Hood did it again. The Aurora resident and four-time Guinness World Record holder added a fifth record to the book Saturday for performing a plank — an exercise known as a static abdominal hold — longer than anyone in the world.
“I wanted to raise awareness with regard to the benefits of core strength, for one’s personal fitness and overall health,” said Hood, a personal trainer and former Marine. “I see so many people who are overweight, have bad posture and can’t walk from point A to point B. It all comes back to one’s core, and this particular exercise is the best one out there.”
The 54-year-old earned the record for “longest time in an abdominal plank position,” clocking in at 1 hour, 20 minutes and 5.01 seconds. In front of a crowd at Eggsperience Pancakes & Café in Naperville, Hood blasted the previous record of 50 minutes and 11.21 seconds held by Australian Richard Hazard.
Philip Robertson, a Guinness World Record adjudicator, was in Naperville to witness the event.
“My role in every adjudication is to make sure the guidelines we provide for the record attempt are being fulfilled,” said Robertson, who works in New York City. “George’s attempt was very successful, and what was most extraordinary, was the amount of time he surpassed the previous record by. (To beat the record by) 30 minutes is incredible. It is a testament to his determination.”
Hood said he has been training for more than six months. Along with physical preparation, he assembled a team of supporters to help him achieve his goal.
Eggsperience owner John Sakoufakis provided his restaurant as the venue, and Hood’s team of Troy Mollohan, Miriam Korte and Jeff Mattingly encouraged him every step of the way.
“Once I broke the record (at 50 minutes), the work began,” Hood said. “When we got to an hour and 12 (minutes), I was ready to call it, but that crew guided me through one minute at a time. They were the only three people in my head and in my ear.”
And while Hood is pleased with the recent accomplishment, he is already looking ahead. He plans to attempt to reclaim the Guinness World Record for most time on a stationary spin bike in April 2012.
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