Pahang fitness icon chases another record with 9,000-rep challenge on Nov 1

LIPIS: Pahang-born fitness instructor K. Jey Prabakaran Thevar, who set a world record with an 18-hour endurance workout in June, is raising the bar with another gruelling challenge.

The 29-year-old aims to complete 3,000 repetitions each of squats, leg extensions and jumping jacks on Nov 1 in a bid to enter the Asia Book of Records.

​​​​He previously secured a place in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for completing the highest number of jumping jacks, leg extensions and squats within 48 hours in Kuala Lipis last year.

Jey Prabakaran said that after completing 3,000 repetitions of each exercise during last year's National Sports Day celebration to secure the MBOR title, he was now aiming to complete the same number of repetitions in each exercise within five hours for the Asian record attempt.

"I am targeting 3,000 repetitions each of jumping jacks, leg extensions and squats, aiming to achieve the highest number of repetitions by an individual within the stipulated time.

"The challenge will test my physical endurance, discipline, mental strength and consistency in completing the repetitions within five hours," he said when contacted.

In June, he set a new Influencer Book of World Records for the longest non-stop cardio and weightlifting workout session after completing an 18-hour session.

The youngest of four siblings said he had maintained the same training regimen and diet that helped him achieve the world record.

"A lot of my focus is on building leg strength to sustain all three routines. I am still following an extremely strict diet, avoiding sugar and salt.

"Although I have taken part in similar challenges and know what to expect on the 'big' day, I do not want to be overconfident. My aim is to continue training daily and avoid injuries," he said.

Jey Prabakaran said the guidance of his coach, Mohd Shazwan Mohd Luthfi Ismail, and support from his family had been major motivating factors as he hoped the record attempt would bring extra smiles during Deepavali on Nov 8.

Meanwhile, Jey Prabakaran, who is also president of the Malaysian Indian Fitness Association (Mifit), said he wanted to use the challenge to promote the association and encourage more youths to take up sports and fitness.

"Mifit was established to create more opportunities, provide guidance and build a stronger sports and fitness community, particularly among youths," he said.

The Asian record attempt, supported by the national MIC Youth Sports Bureau, will be held at Nethaji Hall at the party headquarters on Nov 1.