split image of DonnaJean Wilde planking

Is YOUR grandma this cool? 😎

58-year-old DonnaJean Wilde has broken the world record for the longest time in an abdominal plank position (female).

The Canadian grandma planked for 4 hours, 30 minutes and 11 seconds to achieve this record! 

See her in action:

So, what is the correct way to plank?

Maintaining the correct form was very important: forearms and toes must touch the ground AT ALL TIMES, whilst the remainder of the body must be lifted off the ground and be kept straight throughout. 😬

“My elbows hurt pretty bad,” DonnaJean said after completing her record-breaking plank.

“I was so worried about losing my form, and I think that’s why my quads hurt because I was just really tense.”

DonnaJean felt that the first 2 hours went by quickly, but the following 2 hours were much more difficult...

During the last 30 minutes, she focussed on “breathing, staying calm, and not shaking”.

side view of DonnaJean planking

Her biggest source of motivation are her 12 grandchildren who came along to watch and cheer for her, along with many of her former school students from the school where she used to teach. ❤️

But how does one prepare to do the world's longest plank?

Normally, DonnaJean planks for up to 3 hours every day, but in preparation for this record attempt, she upped it to 6 hours, split into 3 2-hour sessions.

She has always been very active, and started planking daily about 12 years ago, when she realized that she could read and do things while she was planking and fell in love with it!

In addition to watching movies in the plank position, DonnaJean did all her master’s degree studies... while planking! 🤯

DonnaJean says it feels “like a dream” to have achieved this world record after over 10 years of daily planking, and that she "actually still can’t believe it".

front view of DonnaJean planking

Her advice to anyone who wants to break her record?

“Keep trying and keep practising. When you have to read or work on your computer, just get on the floor and do it on the floor.”

🔎The men’s plank world record currently stands at 9 hours, 38 minutes and 47 seconds, achieved last year by Josef Šálek from Czechia.

Congratulations, planking grandma, you are Officially Amazing!

DonnaJean smiling

Now it's YOUR turn!

Are you into fitness? 🤸‍♀️

Here are some official world records you and your friends can break if you are under 16:

  • Most star jumps in one minute

  • Most basketball passes in one minute (team of 2)
  • Most leapfrog jumps in one minute (team of 2)
  • Most knee to elbow steps in 30 seconds

Think you've got what it takes? Find these and more under-16 records, as well as information on how to apply, on our dedicated Set a Record page.

Good luck. 🍀