Friday Fitness: What's Your Plank Record?

1 Hour, 20 minutes and 5 seconds is now the longest plank ever held.  54-year-old George Hood claimed his 5^th Guinness World Record on December 7^th in front of spectators in Aurora, a suburb just outside of Chicago. George, a personal trainer and former marine, also holds the record for jump roping, 13 hours, 12 minutes and 11 seconds.   

A plank is a core exercise that recruits hundreds of muscles to hold the body just inches off the floor, not to be confused with the recent "planking" trend.  To perform one you start by lying flat on your belly, then lift your chest up and position your elbows under your shoulders.  Then, turn the soles of your feet perpendicular to the ground, lift your shins, thighs, hips, belly and chest off the ground holding your body in a rigid straight line from shoulders to ankles.  The only thing touching the ground should be your hands, forearms, elbows and toes.  It’s important that your hips don’t sink toward the ground or you may begin stressing your back. 

So, What’s your longest plank?  Get down on the ground, start the timer and let’s find out.  Post your result in the comments section!