KNYSNA NEWS - Wooden you believe it. Though some might say surely knott, a collective of determined Knysna women are certain local residents have it in them to break the Guinness Book of World Records Planking record. Its members are calling on all local citizens to stop erm...pineing, for a better world and step up to the plate to put our town on the global map.
How difficult can it be to organise 2 000 people to plank for 60 seconds – all at the same time?
Well, it can best be described as a "fun activity for the whole family" or "easy as pie", according to Jana King of local gym Curves Knysna.
And if it all goes as planned, it will be a new Guinness World Record.
Open to all
The event is scheduled to take place at the Knysna High School sports grounds in Waterfront Drive on Wednesday 4 July, and Curves is inviting people of all ages, men, women and kids, to join in the excitement and break a sweat, all in the name of charity.
For those unfamiliar with the term, planking according to Wikipedia is an isometric core-strength exercise that involves maintaining a position similar to a push-up for the maximum possible time.
Aiming for 2 000 people
It's not exactly child's play, but it is nonetheless achievable – especially if the turnout to the event is significant enough to actually break a world record. After all, records are achieved through 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.
"The current record is 1 779 and we aim to have at least 2 000 people participating. We are inviting everyone to join us and be part of something that will go down in history!" says King, explaining that the idea was sparked through a Curves Knysna campaign against domestic violence.
"All proceeds from this event will be handed to our adopted charity beneficiary for the event, Famsa," she says.
Plank away!
"We appeal to the whole of Knysna and surrounds, please join us! It's fun, it's exciting and Knysna will go down in the Guiness Book of Records!"
Join the world record attempt on 4 July to plank for one minute. These women at Curve Knysna, (from left) Eileen Kitching, Monica Pappas, Delle Henry and Hetty Jafta. Standing is Cherise Jacobs and Jana King, demonstrated recently how it's done. Photo: Yaseen Gaffar
This record is for the greatest number of people holding the abdominal plank position simultaneously at a single venue. For the purposes of the record, the abdominal plank position consists of the participant resting the forearms on the ground with only the toes also touching the ground. Besides the forearms and the toes, the remainder of the body (legs and torso) must be lifted off the ground.
At least one marshal per 50 people will be appointed to keep an eye on participants and judge the correctness of the challenge.
Where to register
Registration costs R60 per person and can be done online at www.curvesworldrecord.co.za.
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