Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - A 51-year-old Danish fitness instructor Tom Hoel has once again set the world record for holding the “plank” position for a total of four hours and 28 minutes, Danish paper The Local reported.

In October of 2014 his previous title was taken by Chinese police officer, Mao Weidong, who held the agonizing position for four hours and 26 minutes.

The planking exercise put’s the body’s core strength to the test, working the abdominal, shoulder, arm and glute muscles. The average person can hold the position for 31 seconds to a minute.

“I have never pushed myself that far. I had a serious crisis for almost two hours. After mentally arguing with myself, I finally asked for the time at three hours and 41 minutes. I thought I was still under three hours and was ready to quit but when I realized that I had beat my former record and the goal was within sight, I mobilized every resource in my mind and body,” he told The Local.

The new world record beats Hoel’s previous record by almost 80 minutes.

“I’ve had no alcohol the last four months, have eaten healthy foods and focused a lot on getting enough sleep,” Hoel told The Local adding that he has been training for this attempt for nine months.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to get the title of world champion back. The best feeling is actually not the title but meeting the hopes and expectations of all my friends and club members, who were there to share both my pain and happiness,” he concluded by saying.

*Al Arabiya