A remarkable achievement has been celebrated in the realm of fitness as DonnaJean Wilde, a 61-year-old retired teacher from Alberta, Canada, has set a new world record for the longest abdominal plank. Accomplished on 6th October 2026, at the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah, Wilde managed to hold the plank position for an impressive five hours. This feat surpasses her prior record of four hours, 30 minutes, and 11 seconds, established in 2024.
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The event, a showcase of athletic prowess among seniors, attracted onlookers who witnessed Wilde’s extraordinary endurance first-hand. As she steadily maintained her position above the ground, a sense of anticipation filled the air. A video shared by the tournament captures the moment she was on the brink of breaking her record, smiling and visibly enjoying the support from the cheering crowd as she approached the final seconds. Upon her release from the plank, she received an enthusiastic reception, complete with applause and cheers from her fellow competitors and spectators.
Planking is a core-strengthening exercise that involves maintaining a straight line from head to heels while resting on forearms and toes. It is designed to engage various muscle groups, including the abdomen, arms, back, shoulders, glutes, and legs. Wilde’s success not only highlights her physical capabilities but also serves as an inspiration to others seeking to push their limits in fitness, regardless of age.
Reflecting on her journey to this latest achievement, Wilde spoke about the origins of her planking routine. In an interview with CBC News, she shared that her foray into planking began approximately 15 years ago following an arm fracture. “I didn’t always have a Guinness World Record as a goal,” she remarked. “I love to work out and, post-injury, I discovered that I could still plank even with a cast.”
Wilde recounted her initial struggles with the exercise. “I couldn’t plank for long, maybe a minute or minute and a half. But after my cast came off, planking became a part of my daily routine,” she explained. The sense of accomplishment and well-being that followed her workouts motivated her to improve continuously. “I still find it hard to believe that one can make such progress in planking over time,” she added.
Today, Wilde dedicates approximately two hours each day to her planking practice. This established routine ultimately inspired her to aim for a world record. “After years of daily planking, I realised I could easily hold the position for several hours,” she noted. This gradual growth in her ability transformed into a focused intention to break a record, a goal she pursued with passion.
While the thrill of record-breaking is certainly exhilarating, Wilde remains grounded in her love for the activity itself. “Thinking about the goal, my mindset heading into the first record-setting in 2024 was to remind myself how much I enjoy planking. And I truly do,” she remarked, underscoring the joy she finds in the discipline of this core exercise.
For those interested in fitness, DonnaJean Wilde’s extraordinary achievement serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Her journey illustrates how commitment to a healthy lifestyle can yield remarkable results, no matter the circumstances or age. With her new record now officially recognised by the World Senior Games, Wilde stands as an embodiment of the adage that it is never too late to set and achieve bold goals.
The success of Wilde has resonated beyond the confines of the fitness community, inspiring individuals across various age groups to embrace their health and potentially challenge their limits. Through her example, Wilde encourages many to recognise the importance of daily exercise, perseverance, and the belief that significant improvements can come with dedication and love for one’s chosen activity.