A woman survived a paragliding accident in Andalusia, Spain because her "washboard" stomach muscles provided protection to her other organs.

A strong gust of wind sent Peggy Williams, 47, plummeting more than 20 feet from the sky, landing on a rocky outcrop, England's The Daily Telegraph reported.

The accident nearly severed her pancreas and tore her liver, but experts say her high level of fitness saved her life; her stomach muscles worked like a girdle to protect her other vital organs.

After the accident, Williams was airlifted to a hospital in Malaga, Spain, about 43 miles away. She spent two-and-a-half weeks there recovering, and she returned to her home in Clapton, England, Sunday, The Daily Mail reported.

"More than one doctor has said that being so fit is what saved my life," Williams told The Mail. "I do 15 sit-ups and 30 bicycle sit-ups, or lateral crunches, every day-it's just a one minute routine."

Williams also runs several times a week.

An experienced paraglider, she was in Andalusia for a planned weeklong paragliding holiday.