Is this the world’s fittest man?

Former paratrooper, 49, holds 55 Guinness records for endurance sports

• Paddy Doyle, from England, broke his first record in 1987
• Records include most one-armed push ups - 4,000 per day - in calendar year
• Also completed fastest cross-country marathon carrying 40lb backpack
• He holds another 149 records which have been approved by other bodies

A former paratrooper has broken 55 Guinness World Records for endurance sports in the past 25 years. Paddy Doyle's world records include the most one arm push-ups in one calendar year - which was 4,000 per day - as well as the most competitive full contact rounds in boxing. The 49-year-old has also completed the most sit-ups in five hours while holding a 50lb steel plate, the most step-ups carrying a 50lb backpack in five minutes and the fastest cross-country marathon carrying a 40lb backpack.

Doyle, from Solihull, West Midlands, England has even broken 31 records this year alone, mostly for cross-country runs while carrying weights on his back. As well as his 55 Guinness World Records, Doyle also holds another 149 records which have been recognised by other record-breaking bodies.

The fitness fanatic began training for the endurance challenges after a stint in the army, which he left in April 1986, where he said he learned about discipline and keeping fit.His first endurance challenge was in May 1987, when he completed 4,100 press ups with a 50lb steel weight on his back in four-and-a-half hours. To keep in shape for the challenges, Doyle trains five to six times a week for two hours at a time, either doing boxing or cross country. He follows that with a light, rather than heavy, weight-lifting. His exact regime depends on what challenge he is working towards, but can include hill training and long walks, carrying heavy backpacks.

“I can’t be built like a fridge, I have to keep my weight down because I compete in endurance challenges.I eat white meat, Quorn meals and definitely no red meat. If I feel like I fancy a treat I have one because I know I’ll work hard to burn it off”, he said.“You have to have discipline and I don’t train in the mornings because it’s dangerous, your body is still warming up.Look at poor Rik Mayall, he died after a morning run. I train in the afternoons, sometimes for half-an-hour or sometimes for two hours”.

For his fuel, Doyle eats simple meals of wholemeal toast with low-fat spread, a wholemeal tuna sandwich or baked potato for lunch and fish or chicken with vegetables and potatoes. When he is not training, Doyle works as a security trainer and teaches survival skills and outdoor education at colleges across the UK.