Performing L-sit chin ups is challenging enough on its own but performing them while dangling midair from a hovercraft is even more impressive!
That’s exactly what Alejandro Soler Tari did when he achieved the record for the most L-sit chin ups from a helicopter in one minute (male).
On 19 November 2023, Alejandro used the helicopter’s landing skids in an incredible feat of strength to pull himself up 26 times.
The L-sit chin up is a chin up variation of the exercise that combines a chin up with an isometric hanging leg raise hold.
The powerful core exercise demands midline stability and strength from the abdominals and obliques.
“An L-sit chin up is a bodyweight exercise: you hold the bar with your hands in the supine position and make a ninety-degree angle with your waist,” said Alejandro.
“Finally, you pull until your chin goes over the bar, then you dismount until your arms are straight again.”
Alejandro knew he wanted to attempt the record as soon as he came across the title.
“After looking everywhere in Spain without success I realized that getting a pilot for this attempt was very difficult,” he said.
No pilot was willing to do it.
Finally, a pilot in Mallorca, Spain agreed to allow Alejandro to attempt the record using his helicopter.
Once Alejandro arrived, he was met with disappointment.
“To my surprise and disappointment, he told me he had changed his mind and didn’t want to try the attempt,” he said.
“He then boarded the helicopter and left.”
Alejandro was frustrated as he watched his dream fade away.
However, his desire to achieve the record title was greater than the obstacles he ran into along the way.
A few days later, he began looking for pilots in other countries that would allow him to attempt the record.
“After asking half of the pilots of the USA, a pilot in Miami agreed,” said Alejandro.
“The negotiations lasted several months.”
Alejandro says it took a lot of work to arrange the day and time so that everyone, including the filmmaker, photographer, and pilot, would be available, and so the weather conditions would be favourable.
Finally, the day of the record attempt arrived.
“The helicopter lifted off and the pilot gave me the signal,” said Alejandro.
Those seconds when I was walking toward the helicopter were incredibly epic. Finally, what I had waited so long for was going to come true.
Alejandro approached the helicopter, ready to make Guinness World Records history.
“The helicopter started to move and take off just about six feet above the ground. Then they gave me the signal that I could start,” said Alejandro.
“So, I walked right up to the helicopter, ensured a supinated grip, lifted my feet to a 90-degree angle to form the L-sit and started to do as many chin ups as I could.”
Alejandro said performing the chin ups wasn’t easy, as he had to get used to the instability of the helicopter moving.
The skid of the helicopter was a lot thicker than a usual bar and it created a lot of wind.
“I was nervous,” said Alejandro.
“I felt like I had a great responsibility upon my shoulders and also a bit of fear.”
The first few repetitions also proved to be difficult because the helicopter started to swing too much due to Alejandro’s tractions.
“It was swinging so much that there were a few seconds where the helicopter and I were out of coordination,” he said.
“I had to hang there without moving for two seconds to keep up with the helicopter’s swing and be in tandem.”
After completing his chin ups, Alejandro jumped to the ground, feeling relieved that he had broken the minimum number of 10 reps.
“It feels like a great joy,” he said.
Knowing that you are officially the best in the world at something is a very satisfying feeling.
Although they were excited to hear of his record-breaking endeavour, Alejandro’s family was worried for his safety.
However, Alejandro’s friends have encouraged him to continue attempting challenges because it makes him truly happy.
Alejandro says those considering attempting a similar record should have a strong grip, a strong abdomen, and be confident.
They must also be patient and willing to keep going when things get tough.
Next, Alejandro would like to take on the record for the fastest 10 m rope climb (male).
He also dreams of someday holding 100 Guinness World Records titles.
“I hope to be in the Guinness World Records book for a few more years,” said Alejandro.
“I hope I can inspire people who can't find the motivation or desire to continue in any field in life, and I hope I can continue to fulfill my dreams as I have been doing so far.”
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