Alex Goulding, a fitness enthusiast, attempts two difficult push-up records.

 

The margin for improvement is typically relatively minimal because the majority of fitness records are extremely competitive. Alex was aware that surpassing his prior number would be difficult.

He stated, "I'm aiming for literally one or two more."

It's challenging since you have to synchronise a plank with a push-up while maintaining proper form. You're obviously up against the clock, so I'm attempting to do more than one at a time, which will be challenging.

In order to break this record, the challenger must begin in a high plank position with their arms fully extended, then they must lower themselves onto their right forearm, then their left, and keep doing so until the timer beeps.

Alex put his headphones in place and started. with lightning speed.As he neared the halfway point, Alex's speed began to decline slightly, but he was still able to keep a steady rhythm.

After the 60 seconds, he added, "In my thoughts it was like 67 or 68; lot better than I imagined.

I've never accomplished so much. I believe my aggressive start quickly gave way to exhaustion. After that, I'm buzzing yet exhausted.

Although Alex started a little early and had one rep deducted, he still broke the record with a total of 66 reps.

Even more difficult was the second record attempt for Alex.

Of all of his Guinness World Records accomplishments, he stated, "this is without a doubt the one that is the most physically taxing on the body."

There are many factors involved in this, including balance, power, and strength.

Each rep must be completed with a full 180-degree rotation in order to break the record; otherwise, it won't be added to the final tally.

The elbow must bend at a 90-degree angle when lowering the body, as with all push up records.

Alex's strategy was to perform five reps, pause for a moment, then perform five more, and so on. He mostly succeeded in following this strategy, albeit he slowed down towards the finish as his muscles grew weary.

Afterward, when Alex had recovered his breath, he remarked, "They're so tough." "Now I feel fantastic."

Alex surpassed his previous record by seven reps, finishing with a total of 23!

For Alex, fitness is a form of therapy.

“I had a stage in my life where I really hit rock bottom for a number of reasons, and the one thing that saved me was exercise,” he revealed.

In fact, that was where Alex’s passion for push ups began. After searching for “push up variations” on YouTube, Alex came across a Guinness World Records video.

“I remember thinking, ‘Man, some of these records are actually mental.’”

And now, a few years on, Alex has achieved his very own mental records!

According to Alex, one of his “best” GWR titles is the most side jump push ups with claps in one minute (54). “It’s one that I’m most confident will stay for a long time,” he said.

Currently, Alex works in mental health services for the UK’s NHS, providing support to medium- and high-risk suicide patients.

“I see them change their lives around, and a big part of that is exercise,” he shared.

His message to anyone struggling with mental health issues – and equally to those who aren’t – is: “Make that step. Go outside. Start that fitness journey - you will not regret it.”