A Hull boxing coach has broken the British record for holding the plank position. Gordon Haig is now targeting the world record, as James Campbell reports.
It might not look like much but it is one of the most gruelling exercises around and most people only last a minute or so. But Hull boxing coach Gordon Haig is looking to break the world record and hold the planking position for more than three hours.
Gordon, 52, has already broken the British record of 50 minutes by lasting one hour. But, now, he has his eye on the world record of three hours, seven minutes and 15 seconds, set in Newport, Kentucky, in April by George Hood.
The planking position involves lying face down on your elbows and toes with your back flat.
George, who is head coach of the Hull Saints Boxing Club in west Hull, said: "The exercise is all about body strength and improving the core muscles and lower back. I have been training with weights on my back. People generally only do it for about a minute as it is quite an intense exercise. We do the exercise in the gym and I found I was really good at it. In fact, I became quite obsessed."
Gordon, of Gipsyville, decided to put his new found talent to good use. He said: "I knew someone at the gym who was involved in Dogs for Disabled and I decided to do a sponsored plank position. I managed 40 minutes and it was a really good day with lots of people there supporting me, including quite a few dogs."
Gordon broke the British record by managing to hold the position for one hour earlier this month at the West Hull Rugby Club in North Road. All his family, friends and member of the Hull Saints ABC turned up to support him and he raised more than £600 for the All4One charity which helps combat TB and HIV. His training including holding the position for five minutes at a time with 10kg weights on his back and doing ten-mile runs.
Gordon said: "I am absolutely delighted to have done it. I stared to shake after seven minutes and began to panic but I got myself together and on 40 minutes I knew I was going to do it."
Gordon believes the key is the mental battle.
He said: "When I do it, I just think about what I am raising money for. I think that what I'm suffering during the challenge is nothing compared to what others suffer on a daily basis. I have always been mentally strong. I am stubborn and will not give in."
Gordon will now be going for the world record in September next year, raising money for the Hypermobility Syndrome Association. He was inspired to raise money for the association because the brother of club member Jacob Howran suffers from the disease which affects the joints.
Charlie Howran, seven, often comes to the club in his wheelchair to watch his brother.
He said: "Charlie often comes into the gym and he is a great kid. Unfortunately, his condition will deteriorate as he gets older so he will need a lot of support.
"I have started training already and am running seven miles a day. I've always kept fit and I have a passion for it. It is all about preparation. On the day, we will have a Guinness World Record adjudicator to confirm if I break the record or not."
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