Champion of fitness extends record titles with longest abdominal plank with 40lb pack
Josef Salek (Czech Republic) is becoming a bit of a Guinness World Records legend.
The fitness star has added another record title to his collection, this time breaking the longest time in an abdominal plank position with 40 lb pack (male).
A therapist, lecturer, and personal development coach, who is better known as Joska, managed to stay in the planking position for an incredible 85 minutes and 2.16 seconds.
He now holds three record titles including the fastest time to run a half-marathon barefoot on ice/snow and the longest time in an abdominal plank position (male).
His belief remains the same, “if you really commit to something, you can achieve it”.
For this attempt, he didn’t choose a pre-planned training program but instead alternated between daily planking and for every second workout did one-handed dumbbell exercises.
The attempt took place at the Gamechangers stage at Colours of Ostrava, a large outdoor music festival.
He started the day off with a relaxing morning and used light strength exercises to warm up.
At the venue, the backpack was then balanced to be the correct weight of 40 lbs (18 kg) and placed on his back.
The weight needed to be properly centred on his back so it rested in between his shoulders.
The stage was set up with a mattress and a trapeze bar which Josef held to keep himself from bringing his hands together.
Next to him was a diffuser to regulate his breathing.
There were moments when the backpack had slipped and angled towards his right shoulder which made planking difficult.
However, Josef preserved and continued with planking.
Comparing this feat to his two previous records, Josef agreed that the weighted plank was more challenging.
However, he also says it “doesn't necessarily mean you'll give up.”
With the record confirmed, Official Adjudicator Joanne Brent presented Josef with his Guinness World Records certificate.
Everything is possible, therefore everyone can be successful, happy, healthy and valuable. You just have to believe in it strongly enough, and if sometimes things go wrong along the way, it's important to learn from it, get up again and move on as a stronger person. - Josef
Josef wants to use his new record to spread the message that mental determination as well as physical skill is important when undergoing challenging physical feats.
Of course, he’s already plotting his next Guinness World Records title!
“I'm also planning a full marathon barefoot running on snow and ice. I'm leaving the other options open.”