- Grandmother of 12 sets new world record for push-up
- A retired school teacher completed 1,575 push-ups
- Earlier this year, a world record for planking was set
A 59-year-old grandmother of 12 has set a new push-up world record, just months after claiming a world record for planks.
DonnaJean Wilde, a retired teacher living in Canada, officially set the new benchmark for most push-ups in one hour by a woman by doing 1,575 push-ups in just 60 minutes.
Wilde achieved this extraordinary feat on September 28, but the record was officially recognized by Guinness World Records last week.
“I had to fight back the tears and emotions of happiness and keep going,” Wilde told Guinness World Records.
“I was still feeling pretty strong and I was aiming for a large number of push-ups to complete in the next 17 minutes.”
Wilde, who passed the previous mark with 17 minutes remaining, was cheered on by eleven of her grandchildren who helped her count down the sets.
DonnaJean Wilde, 59, broke the world record for most push-ups in an hour by a woman by doing 1,575 push-ups
Eleven of Wilde’s grandchildren were present to encourage her towards her goal
During the first 20 minutes, Wilde completed a whopping 620 push-ups. Then she slowed her pace to control the fatigue.
To make each push-up count, she had to follow strict instructions and ensure her elbows had a “90-degree bend at the bottom of the push-up, with full extension of the arm when pushing up,” according to Guinness World Recordings.
Wilde explained that while she was preparing to break the plank record, she fell in love with doing push-ups.
In March, she set the world record for the longest plank by holding the position for a whopping four hours, 30 minutes and 11 seconds.
“I’ve always loved sports and running,” she said. “I love running and exercising… Fitness, health and nutrition were something that were very important in my family growing up,” she said USA today.
“My husband is also very active and fit, so it’s kind of a lifestyle for us,” she said.
Wilde said she encourages others to stay fit and healthy as they get older.
“I believe that if we stay active and set health and wellness goals, we can age gracefully and powerfully,” Wilde said.