Peruvian inmates set Guinness record for aerobics routine

Lima, June 17 (IANS/EFE) As many as 1,180 inmates at Lurigancho prison, Peru's largest, danced and exercised non-stop for three hours to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest group of people taking part in a "full body" aerobics workout routine.

The prisoners trained two hours a day for the past four months as part of a rehabilitation program, Lurigancho's warden, National Police Col. Tomas Garay, told reporters.

"The enthusiasm was such that we wanted to give out a first-place prize, but there were five inmates that did very well. There was a tie," Garay said.

The intense exercise regimen has led to a reduction in drug use and violent incidents inside the prison, the warden said.

Garay defended Friday's record-breaking aerobics routine, which came just days after five detainees jailed at Lurigancho pending their court hearing escaped from the overcrowded facility.

--IANS/EFE

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