Grandmother Shatters Plank Record Again

At 61, Canadian DonnaJean Wilde has reportedly set a new benchmark in endurance, holding an abdominal plank for an impressive five hours, according to the World Senior Games. This remarkable feat surpasses her previous Guinness World Record achievement from March 2024, where she maintained the position for four hours, 30 minutes, and 11 seconds. Wilde's entry into the world of extreme planking was initiated by a wrist injury that sidelined her from running and weightlifting, leading her to discover the therapeutic benefits of static exercises. The former vice principal and teacher from Alberta, a mother of five and grandmother of 12, found that planking was an exercise she could still perform, which she described as a pivotal moment that changed her life. The COVID-19 pandemic saw her reach two-hour planks, motivating her to pursue official records. Her rigorous training regimen, initiated in 2023, included planks, running, weight lifting, and push-ups, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to strength and endurance. Wilde's commitment to pushing her physical limits is further evidenced by her other record-setting achievements, including 1,575 push-ups in 60 minutes in 2024. Her journey underscores a philosophy of persistent effort and practice, even amidst chronic pain and numbness in her hands.