Coach Rob Powell

World Fitness Champion Follow Coach Rob Powell on Twitter Coach Rob Powell on Facebook Coach Rob Powell
WACO TRIBUNE - HERALD March 20, 2002, FRONT PAGE


The following is an abbreviated story taken from The Waco Trib., interview.

WACO MAN DECLARED WORLD'S FITTEST

''It was the mother of all to do list.
2 Mile Swim, 12 Mile Run, 12 Mile Hike, for most people, those 3 tasks alone would seem too much, but for Waco's Rob Powell, it was only the beginning. He continued with 1,250 Push-Ups, 1,250 Leg Lifts, 1,250 Jumping Jacks, 110 Mile Cycle, 20 Mile Row, 20 Mile Elliptical, 3,250 Abdominal Crunches, 300,000 Pounds of Weights, using Bench Press, Lat Pulls, Seated Rows, Triceps Extension, and Curls.

Last October, Powell spent a day of his life putting his body through enough torture, to make a Navy SEAL squirm. But the end result was worth it -- 2 weeks ago, Guinness World Records contacted Powell to confirm his status as the latest World Record Holder in a demanding event known simply as ' World Fitness', making Coach Rob Powell 'The World Fitness Champion'.

He added 25% to the previous world record, but he had to do it in less than 24 Hours.

No Problem, he did the 11 different tasks in 22 Hours, 11 Minutes and 40 Seconds. He could have done it under 22 Hours, but he was afraid the time was too unbelievable, so he Ellipticalled 2 extra miles, and faked leg cramps to push the time over 22:10, and still shattered the old record held by Joe Decker, of Maryland, by 2 hours.

The former College Decathlete, and Triathlete, decided to go for the record in July of 2001.

'WACO'S ROB POWELL CAN CLAIM THE TITLE OF WORLD FITNESS CHAMPION AFTER A 22 HOUR WORKOUT THAT WOULD IMPRESS EVEN HERCULES'.

To call Powell a 'fitness nut', would be incorrect, Jack LaLanne, is a 'fitness nut', Rob Powell is a fitness god.

He expected skepticism from Guinness, so he upped their requirements, Guinness required 3 Guinness approved officials, Powell had 9, plus 9 notarized affidavits, plus dozens of witnesses, 3 rolls of photos, and videotaped it all.

Way overkill for Guinness, but Powell refused to take any chances.

Amazingly, Coach Powell was back at work Monday morning, and never missed a day while training for the event.

'That was one of the points, to prove even the average Joe could be fit, if he/she wants, maybe, or maybe not at a World Record level, but none are to busy to shape up, if they want to make it a priority.'

Coach Powell certainly hasn't slowed down since his World Record, besides teaching, he also works as a Fitness and Martial Arts Consultant.

He is also writing a fitness book, and a fitness DVD script, 'Facts Opinions and Free Advice on Fitness'. He also continues with his 'Off Season' Training Schedule, at Olympic Gym, in Waco. After all, he's got to stay in shape if he's going to break his own record.

That's right, Coach Powell is going for his own World Record, this Fall. 'I think I can do it in under 20 Hours', Powell says, 'I know now how to train, rehydrate properly, eat, and how hard to push it in each event'.

Considering his track record, it seems a realistic goal, but no one has done it, or even had the courage to try, until now.

'I feel the record is the best kept secret in Waco', he says, 'you keep it to yourself, but sometimes, I will be driving on Lake Shore Drive and I think hey, it's kinda cool to be the World Champ.' ''