DonnaJean Wilde, a 61-year-old grandmother and retired schoolteacher, broke her own world record by holding an abdominal plank for five hours straight on Oct. 6. According to an Oct. 8 report from USA TODAY, the achievement occurred while Wilde was competing at the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah.
The Alberta, Canada, resident surpassed her previous Guinness World Record of 4 hours and 30 minutes, which she originally set in March 2024. Guinness World Records stated that the organization has received an application regarding Wilde's latest attempt.
Wilde's journey into planking began more than a decade ago following a broken wrist. She noted in 2024 that she began the exercise because she could continue working, such as marking papers or reading emails, while wearing a cast. The exercise, which involves holding a push-up position while resting on the forearms, is used to strengthen the core, improve posture, and help prevent spine-related injuries, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
To prepare for her previous record, Wilde utilized a training regimen that included running, skipping, lifting weights, and reading motivational books about athletes. Following her five-hour plank on Oct. 6, Wilde participated in the Senior Games' 3,000-meter track event on Oct. 7.
Wilde is a mother of five and a grandmother of 12.
