Local Fitness Pro Seeks To Reclaim Guinness World Record For The Longest “Plank

Oceanside CA– When it comes to setting Guinness World Records, ultra-endurance athlete and fitness professional, George Hood, of Carlsbad, claimed 7 world records and has done it in a variety of ways both unofficially, officially, and always in support of a charitable cause.
This Sunday, March 22, 2015, the 57 year old former marine officer and now retired DEA agent will once again begin his quest to reclaim the GWR for the longest plank by doing his first training plank of 3 hours at the Oceanside Amphitheater starting at 10AM. This is the first of several “long training planks” where the public is invited to witness Hood’s training first hand and see how he connects mind, body and soul to physically execute a plank of such extreme duration. Hood will be assisted by a dedicated crew of supporters who will choreograph his journey and help him minimize the discomfort associated with such an extreme fitness endeavor.

Hood set a new world record for the plank in Beijing, China in June, 2014 at 4 hours, 1 minute http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2014/06/25/tighten-those-abs-ex-u-s-marine-teaches-beijing-how-to-plank/ That record was surpassed in September, 2014 by a Chinese national who set the new GWR at 4 hours 26 minutes. That attempt however, is currently being investigated by GWR for alleged violations of the GWR rule regarding proper execution of the plank. Nevertheless, Hood is pressing on to reclaim the GWR here in the United States at an official GWR fundraising event on Saturday, May 30th, 2015 at the Oceanside Amphitheater. That event, being dubbed “The People’s Plank”, is being sponsored by Cameron Fitness www.cameronfitness.com and Oceanside Paddleboard www.OceansidePaddleboard.com, both of which are local businesses in Oceanside, CA. Heather Cameron, owner of Cameron Fitness stated “I’m proud to be a part of George’s effort to set a new GWR. He has inspired me and countless clients to set goals and get results”.
George is once again raising money for charity and to help offset the tremendous financial cost associated with his fundraising initiatives. Mary Shanley, a retired NCIS agent and long time friend of Hood is serving as the Event Operations Manager to ensure that all facets of Hood’s event are in place so Hood’s training is not compromised. Shanley said, “I’ve known George for over 25 years and his passion and commitment to helping others, often at his own expense both physically and financially, is compelling and simply overwhelming”. For those wanting to help George in his mission, please visit http://www.gofundme.com/georgehood
Hood has trained consistently at various locations in North County, and is often seen in the Amphitheatre in Oceanside as well as in Carlsbad and Oceanside Harbor. If successful in setting a new GWR in May, Hood is expected to be invited back to China as part of China’s Second International World Cup Plank Challenge.
Last year, Hood represented the United States at the China event which resulted in his setting a new world record and inspiring many in the fitness industry around the world. Hood is the only man in the world to have set the plank record 3 times! Hood says, “I’m a believer is using such world record setting platforms to raise awareness and raise money for worthwhile causes and I’m on a mission to bring the GWR for the plank back to the United States for all the right reasons”.
The former Marine and Drug Enforcement Administration agent first attained Guinness World Record status in 1986, when he skipped rope for more than 13 hours. From 2007-2010, Hood set the spin cycling marathon record 3 times, including a high of 222 hours, 22 minutes and 22 seconds in 2010. So far, Hood’s Guinness World Record attempts have raised more than $125,000 for charities and organizations, including a young soldier and friend who was killed in Afghanistan on June 16, 2010; the Injured Marine Semper Fi fund; United Way; Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS); Kiwanis and the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. This latest cause for Hood is most fitting, given his life’s focus and commitment to inspiring kids and adults to be their best when it comes to health and fitness.
Hood is also a local businessman and owner of Oceanside Paddleboard (www.OceansidePaddleboard.com) located in the harbor in Oceanside. It is here that Hood has introduced many to the Stand Up Paddleboard and the variety of fitness and training that can be accomplished on the SUP. Hood is also featured in the movie documentary “Breaking and Entering” (http://www.breakingandenteringdoc.com/) currently available on Amazon and which chronicles Hood’s exploits and those of others who seek to get into the Guinness Book of World Records.
Hood is a personal trainer and group exercise instructor and on staff at several fitness clubs in the area. In April, 2013, Hood more than doubled his initial plank record with a time of 3 hours, 7 minutes and 15 seconds. Since the China event, Hood has performed long planks during training sessions in preparation for his May event. Hood trains approximately 4-6 hours a day, which includes 30 hours of plank time a week. His training includes a variety of exercises to facilitate muscular endurance necessary to sustain planks of such long duration. Hood trains consistently with 20 and 40 lb weights on his back to build up his endurance and strength. Hood also trains with the Strength Axle System, www.strengthaxle.com invented by local San Diego trainer and businessman Craig Thompson, who is part of Hood’s crew for the upcoming long plank this weekend. Thompson is the president of Strength Axle Industries in San Diego. Thompson said “George Hood is a leader in the fitness industry….his training and Guinness world records attest to the success of his training. He has inspired the world. I’m honored to be part of his team.”