Czech Man in His 50s Holds 'Plank' for Over 9 Hours... Enters Guinness World Records

8 Minutes Longer Than Previous World Record
"Happiness and Health Can Be Achieved Regardless of Age"

A man in his 50s from the Czech Republic set a new world record by holding a plank position for 9 hours and 38 minutes, earning a place in the Guinness World Records.

According to Guinness World Records, Josef ??lek, a man in his 50s living in the Czech Republic, held the plank position for 9 hours, 38 minutes, and 47 seconds on the 20th (local time).

The plank is a bodyweight exercise where one supports the body in a straight line with both elbows placed vertically on the ground. It requires support only from the arms and toes, making core muscles extremely important.

??lek's record broke the Guinness World Record for the longest time holding a plank position. The previous record was 9 hours, 30 minutes, and 1 second, set by Daniel Scali from Australia in 2021. ??lek held the position about 8 minutes longer than Scali.

Josef ??lek from Czech Republic breaks the world record for longest plank hold [Image source=Guinness World Records]

Reflecting on the challenge, ??lek said, "The critical moment came after I had held the position for 7 hours." He added, "I felt severe pain and dizziness, but my belief in myself helped me achieve the goal."

??lek, who works as a health trainer and meditation therapist, reportedly had poor health in the past. Especially after breaking up with his partner in 2017, he indulged in alcohol and smoking, and subsisted on fast food, which led to dangerously high cholesterol levels.

However, he became passionate about exercise after a friend encouraged him to start barefoot running. Additionally, during a trip to Sri Lanka in 2019, he was detained for several months at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) immigration checkpoint due to mistaken identity. During this time, he consistently practiced personal exercise to strengthen his mind and body, which helped him build a healthy physique.

He said, "I changed at every turning point in my life," and added, "Through this challenge, I wanted to send a message that regardless of age, one can become happier, more energetic, and healthier."