By Faye Mayern
A personal trainer with six Guinness World Records has smashed another one – by achieving 19 one-meter high push-ups in a minute.
Alex Goulding, 31, surpassed the record for the most plyometric push-ups – an explosion exercise pushing off the ground – on January 19.
Alex, from Bedford, already holds multiple records, including for the most push-ups to planks in one minute.
Incredible video footage shows the mental health coach doing the 19 push-ups up onto six step-up decks – at a height of one meter.
Alex, who beat the previous record by eight, said: “It’s very special to get the record. I actively train towards them now and it takes a lot of time and practice.
“It’s altered my life in so many ways for the better. It’s become my identity now.”
Personal trainer Alex said he had always been an active lad and enjoyed football, gymnastics and karate growing up.
But it wasn’t until 2019 that he decided to channel his fitness into achieving records.
He said: “I was going through a rough time mentally and I was always seen by my mates as the strong one.
“So when I was in that position, it was quite alien to me.
“It coincided with lockdown when the gyms were closed and I felt like I wasn’t doing the things I was of.
“I decided I wanted to make my mark on the world and push myself.”
Alex came across a Guinness World Record Compilation online and decided to take on a challenge himself.
He has now broken seven world records and has no plans of stopping.
The most recent challenge took place on Blue Monday – often considered the ‘most depressing’ day of the year.
Alex’s world record attempt has helped to raise money and support for men’s mental health.
He added: “Blue Monday is often associated with negativity and January is a time when people struggle.
“I wanted to give back and try and raise some money.
“It’s taken me a long time to build up the ability to do plyometric push-ups.
“But doing at least 50 push-ups every day for seven or eight years gives you the foundation to work up towards a goal.”
Alex used his attempt to raise money for Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, a charity dedicated to raising awareness of the benefits of improving mental health through exercise.
Alex’s World Records:
Most side jump pushups in one minuteFastest time to climb ten levels by plyometric pushupMost 180 pushups in one minuteMost side jump pushups with claps in one minuteMost pushups to plank in one minuteMost consecutive double high five push upMost plyometric pushups in one minute
