This record-wrecker grandpa from New Zealand has not only broken the record for oldest person to perform an abdominal plank (male) but has set the bar 10 times higher. The record only needed him to hold the plank for three minutes, but Maynard Williams, being the undeterred soul he is, held it for 30 minutes straight! Although Maynard is no stranger to pushing his limits, he is a long-distance runner relatively new to the planking world. 

However, being the goal-driven person he is, he signed up for this challenge for the sheer fulfilment it provides. With a background in science, he practises a systematic routine and diet to prevent injuries and approach ageing with grace. He measures his sleep and observes his vitals with his smartwatch to ensure his training is appropriate. 

In his months of training, he’d primarily focus on his core region with weighted planks, circuit training and even cardio. He found that playing music as he held the plank made it easier for him to pass the time and pull through the discomfort. Let this be your subtle reminder to hit the gym.