TEMERLOH: Despite nursing a nagging abdominal and back injury, a 26-year-old fitness instructor secured himself a place in the record books yesterday.
K. Jey Prabakaran Thevar has accomplished not one but two feats by etching his name into the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) and Influencer Book of World Records for the longest non-stop cardio workout session.
Jey Prabakaran achieved the incredible feat after completing 12 hours of non-stop cardio exercise including weightlifting at a fitness gym here before representatives from MBOR and India-based Influencer Book of World Records handed the certificates yesterday.
The Kuala Lipis-born utilised more than 20 gym exercise machines and equipment including the treadmill, cross trainer, cycling machine, dumbbell and barbell to set the record from 9am before ending at 9pm.
Youngest of four siblings, Jey Prabakaran said he has been preparing for the record attempt since early this year and had initially planned to achieve it in April but was forced to call-off his plans due to injuries.
"I got into bodybuilding at the age of 16 and suffered several injuries in my knee and back over the years. I sustained severe abdominal and back injuries several years ago, and even underwent three surgeries....my injuries worsened in April.
"Since I have been injury-prone, doctors advised me not to go ahead with the cardio workout session saying my abdominal and back injury was chronic and it could further aggravate my health. I remained focused on achieving the feat.
"After completing my form five, I began to actively participate in the fitness industry and became a full time fitness instructor in Lipis. This time, I wanted to challenge myself on a bigger stage and decided to attempt the non-stop cardio challenge," said Jey Prabakaran, who received the Honorary Doctorate in social works at Dayspring Theological University in the United States last year.
Jey Prabakaran, who is fondly known as 'Dr Kjey' said he had suffered immensely both physically and mentally while preparing for the non-stop cardio record as it was completely different compared to participating in body-building competitions.
"Before going for body-building competitions, I will set my mind on what has to be achieved in order to secure victory and polish on my techniques. However, the cardio workout challenge was totally different....I had to even take painkillers due to my injuries.
"My family members were worried and even I was doubtful at times if I would be able to execute it but I remained determined and focused on achieving the 12 hours target. Despite my body telling me that such achievement would be impossible, I had made up my mind and only focused on accomplishing the mission.
"Even during the 12 hour mission, I kept my mind away from thoughts of backing out and kept reminding myself that I must serve as an example to young people out there that injuries should never be a hindrance to achieve goals. I am extremely pleased with the results as this is also the first time such a record has been done individually in Malaysia as previously the exercise routines were done in groups," he said.
Jey Prabakaran, who lives with his mother S Sukunamalar, 65, in Sungai Kerpan, Lipis, said he has been an active footballer during his school days and began going to the gym when he was in Form Four.
"A gym friend suggested I join the Mr Pahang bodybuilding competition in 2013 where I surprisingly won third spot in the junior category before I joined Mr Malaysia and won fifth place. I have started making plans to actively return to body building next year," he said.