What is the longest plank world record and who broke it?
THE plank is truly a gold-standard exercise when it comes to improving core strength, muscle definition and posture.
The exercise is proven to strengthen your back, neck, chest shoulder and abdominal muscles. But what is the longest plank world record?
What is the longest plank world record?
The longest plank world record currently stands at 9½ hours.
The mammoth feat was achieved in 2021 by Australian Daniel Scali.
Who broke the longest plank world record?
Daniel Scali shattered the previous men's world record for the longest plank after holding the position for a total of 9 hours, 30 minutes and 1 second, according to .
He set the record in Adelaide, Australia, on August 6, 2021.
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In February 2020, George Hook, a then 62-year-old former US Marine, planked for an astonishing 8 hours, 15 minutes and 15 seconds.
Hook first set the record in 2011, with a time of 1 hour, 20 minutes and 25 seconds.
Canadian Dana Glowacka currently holds the women's world record for the longest time in an abdominal plank position.
Planking for a whopping 4 hours, 19 minutes and 55 seconds, Glowacka beat her own personal best by 19 minutes in May 2019.
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How long is a good plank?
The length of time you should hold a plank varies and surprisingly the time recommended by industry experts is not as long as you would think.
Spine specialist Professor Stuart McGill, PhD, told that holding the pose for no longer than 10 to 30 seconds is recommended.
In fact, McGill believes that the average person should plank for three 10-second intervals, avoiding putting extra pressure on their back but still reaping all the benefits of the exercise.
However, not everyone agrees.
Speaking to , fitness fanatic and coach Dan John believes hitting the 120-second mark sees the best results.
Although optimum lengths of time are greatly protested, fitness experts are in total agreement about how often you should practice and how important form is when holding a plank.
Practising good form every day, on alternate days or factoring the plank into your workout, will improve core strength and balance.