Failed attempts to 240 push-ups in a matter of minutes: Michael’s record-breaking journey

At GWR, we love celebrating people who push themselves to the limit. Michael Donchev (Bulgaria) is one of them, having claimed the record for most push-ups in three minutes (male) on 13 September with a total of 240.

Many of us would struggle to do any amount of push-ups, let alone 240 in three minutes! 

So, how did he do it?

For Michael, discipline and mental strength are already a big part of his daily working life. He said: “I work as a shooting instructor and a physical and mental performance coach. Physical preparation, discipline and mental focus are essential parts of both my professional and my personal life.”

The 35-year-old found his motivation to earn this title by pushing the limits of what he could achieve, channelling discipline and persistence. 

He added: “More importantly, I wanted my journey to inspire other people to challenge their own limitations and not give up after failure.”

Michael shares his fitness journey on his Instagram page, where he has over 14,000 followers.

The fitness fanatic wants to set an example to show others that they shouldn’t let their limitations define them. He said: “With discipline, perseverance, courage and the right support, barriers can be overcome, new heights can be reached, and dreams that once appeared impossible can become reality.

“The record was never only about the number of push-ups - it was about proving that a setback does not have to be the end of the story.”

Breaking this record was no small feat. Before he set the title this year, Michael had previously attempted the record in both 2024 and 2025.

Despite being unsuccessful a couple of times, Michael didn’t let that stop him, and he continued training through difficult periods. He said: “I worked on strength, endurance, technique, recovery and the ability to maintain correct form while under extreme fatigue.”

He estimates that he completed around 15,000 push-up repetitions each month as he prepared for the challenge. 

Read more stories like this one in our Sports and Fitness section.

By following a strict nutritional plan and countless kilometres of running, a lot of hard work went into preparing Michael to be able to withstand the attempt for three minutes.

Michael reflected: “These two years demanded consistency, discipline, absolute focus and complete dedication to my goal.”

After two years filled with discipline, focus and complete dedication to achieving his goal, Michael said: “Completing 240 push-ups in three minutes and improving the previous record of 231 was an incredible moment. 

“The fact that I received the confirmation for my successful application on the day before my birthday made the experience even more special. 

“I was proud not only of the result, but of everything it represented - the unsuccessful attempts, the injuries, the long preparation and the decision to keep going.”

Sport remains a major part of Michael’s life, with running, swimming, callisthenics and push-ups all part of his regular training.

Now a Guinness World Records title holder, Michael gave an inside scoop on how you can improve your push-up form. He said: “Focus on quality before quantity; try to keep your body in a straight line and engage your core.

“Speed and higher numbers should come only after the correct form has become automatic, and consistency is more important than trying to progress too quickly.”

With his sights set on another record, Michael has realized that a lot can be achieved when clear goals are combined with patience and discipline.

With a love of motivating others, Michael wants to spread the word that the 240 push-ups completed are part of a much longer journey. 

He said: “The real achievement was what happened during the two years when nobody was counting - the training, the setbacks, the injuries and the decision to begin again after every disappointment. 

“I also try to use my experience to help other people to improve their physical and mental condition. If this record inspires even one person to keep going when they feel like giving up, then I know I’ve done my job!”