Venezuelan neurosurgeon pushes his limits to claim planking record for third time
A super fit doctor pushed his physical limits to claim a demanding world record for the third time.
Fernando Bellera (Venezuela) strapped a heavy weight to his back to outdo his own record for longest time in an abdominal plank position with a 200 lb pack with a time of 6 min 52 sec.
He performed the amazing physical feat in January after doing it for 6 min 33 sec in 2024 and 6 min 15 sec in 2023.
The 57-year-old neurosurgeon and professor said: “Although I have broken this record three times, there are two reasons to keep trying: one, because I believe that life is evolution, and this challenge allows me to be physically fit, mentally focused and with discipline.
“And the other is because I intend to draw attention and raise awareness about the problem of neurodiversity and autism and benefit the foundation SOLO FALTAS TU which is a non-governmental institution and without resources for the treatment of many patients who are affected by this condition.”
Fernando, who specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgery and is vice president of the chamber of commerce of Valencia, isn’t done yet, and he’s currently working on getting his time to over seven minutes.
Without the weight, he can hold the plank position for four hours, but it’s much more difficult when carrying the weight of an adult kangaroo on your back.
He said: “Holding that weight is a challenge, we train with 260 lb of weight, and we know that it can be a health risk if you are not prepared. Intracranial pressure, intra-abdominal pressure and on the spine joints can increase dangerously. And that's why you must train the stabilizing muscles of the spine very well.
“I think it is fundamental for any challenge, but especially for this one, the knowledge of your body (biomechanical and physiological concepts), mental approach (meditation), fasting, and life discipline.”
Read about more amazing physical feats in our Sports and Fitness section.
Fernando, who is also a human rights ambassador of the International Commissioner for Human Rights (CIDUH) based in Ecuador, says he often recommends planking to his patients with spinal diseases and those recovering from operations.
He explained: “The abdominal plank is a very complete exercise, it works all the muscles of the posterior tension band, and also all those of the abdominal wall.
“My best advice to do an abdominal plank correctly (without weight) is to keep the back in a neutral position and perform an isometric contraction of the abdomen.”
After claiming his record for a third time, Fernando is now focussing on increasing the time he can hold the weight, as well as hoping to take on records with bigger weights in the future.
“The meaning of life is evolution and it is my philosophy of life,” he said.