MORE than 1000 fitness fanatics will attempt to set a new world record at Glasgow's Emirates Arena.

Swarms of people will descend on the Commonwealth Games venue to take part in the world's biggest ever mass participation 'tabata' fitness class on Monday evening at 6pm.

The high intensity workout - which lasts just four minutes - involves short, sharp bursts of exercise and is scientifically proven as the most effective way to get fit.

Tabata was developed by Japanese scientist Professor Izumi Tabata.

His method consists of 20 seconds of intense exercise, followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated eight times.

Clinical trials have shown that tabata workouts are the most effective way to increase both aerobic and anaerobic fitness -just one four-minute tabata workout gets you as fit as an hour of jogging.

Glasgow Club is hosting the event and will thereafter launch tabata programmes at venues across the city.

Radio presenter Dianne Knox Campbell, better known as Knoxy from Clyde 1 FM, is a member of Glasgow Club and has signed up for the Guinness World Record attempt.

Knoxy said: "The workout might only be four minutes long but it looks like great fun and I'd rather give tabata training a go than spend hours in the gym.

"As well as my Clyde 1 show for four hours every weekday, I have a really hectic work schedule, so tabata training is an ideal way to exercise around everything else I have going on."

People aged 16 and over can register to take part via the Glasgow Club website, but places are limited.

See www.glasgowlife.org.uk/tabata for more information.

stef.lach@ eveningtimes.co.uk