Daniel Scali shatters the world record for most pushups in an hour, completing an astounding 3,249 reps, surpassing the previous record of 3,206 by Lucas Helmke.
Daniel Scali, a 30-year-old Australian fitness enthusiast, reclaims the world record for most pushups in an hour, completing an astounding 3,249 reps and surpassing the previous record of 3,206 held by Lucas Helmke. Scali had previously set the record in April 2022 with 3,182 pushups.
To meet the criteria set by Guinness World Records, a complete pushup for record purposes involves lowering the body to a minimum 90-degree angle at the elbow and raising it back up until the arms are straight, although fully locking the elbows is not mandatory. Contrary to common belief, touching the chest to the floor is not a requirement.
Out of the impressive 3,249 pushups completed by Scali, only three were invalidated due to improper form.
Despite facing the challenges of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a condition that causes constant pain in his left arm, Scali’s achievement is even more remarkable. He has lived with this condition since the age of 12, when he suffered a severe break in his left arm after falling off a trampoline.
“It’s the brain sending wrong messages to my arm,” Scali told Guinness World Records. “So, anything like soft touch, movement, wind, water, will cause me pain.”
Despite wearing a compression band on his left arm to alleviate the pain, Scali still faces a significant obstacle during his record attempts due to the complex regional pain syndrome. During the pushup record, he experienced increased discomfort in his arm around the eight-minute mark.
To overcome the pain and stay focused, Scali employed visualization techniques during his pushup challenge. During the brief breaks between sets, he would visualize his body, imagining it turning from red to yellow. Additionally, he incorporated specific breathing techniques, inhaling deeply through his nose and exhaling to “blow out the pain” through his mouth. These strategies helped him maintain mental resilience and push through the physical discomfort.
Tips to keep in mind when performing pushups
Pushups are a form of bodyweight exercise that effectively mimic the movement pattern of a flat bench press, making them a valuable alternative to traditional weightlifting exercises. Their versatility is a major advantage, allowing for load modification based on individual needs and capabilities, ranging from wall pushups for beginners to full-body weight pushups. Aminder Singh, Founder of Team Aminder, emphasized the adaptability and benefits of pushups in an interview with indianexpress.com.
Jiggayasa Gupta, a fitness and nutrition coach from FITTR, highlighted the numerous benefits of pushups, emphasizing their ability to target multiple muscle groups and enhance upper body strength. She further explained that pushups are highly effective for core strength, posture improvement, and heart health. Additionally, their versatility makes them a convenient exercise that can be performed anywhere.
Here are the steps to perform pushups effectively:
- Position your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart at chest level.
- Place your feet hip-width apart and parallel to each other.
- Ensure your hips align with your shoulders, and maintain a neutral curve in your lower back while engaging your abdominal muscles.
- Keep your head in a neutral position, neither dropping it down nor looking up excessively.
- Adjust the difficulty level by choosing an elevated surface or a wall, based on your strength, flexibility, and goals.
- Maintain pressure through your hands as you bend your elbows, lowering your chest, hips, and head towards the ground simultaneously.
- Aim to get as close to the floor or wall as possible.
- Return to the starting position by engaging your pectoral muscles and imagining you are pushing the ground away from you.
However, it is important to note that individuals with shoulder injuries should avoid performing direct pushups. Instead, they should focus on a gradual progression that builds strength in the shoulder area while minimizing the risk of aggravating the injury.
“Adapting the exercise to suit an individual’s present fitness level helps prevent unnecessary strain or potential injuries. It is essential to listen to your body, respect its limitations, and alter the exercise accordingly,” he concluded.