42: 59 Year Old Shatters World Plank Record (Over 4.5 Hours): With Donna Jean Wilde

Today we sit down with the incredible Donna Jean Wilde, the Guinness World Record holder for the longest plank hold. At 59 years young, this grandmother and former teacher defied expectations by planking for an astonishing 4 hours, 30 minutes, and 11 seconds in March 2024. 

Donna Jean shares her inspirational journey that began with a wrist injury, which limited her upper body exercises and led her to start planking. From her humble beginnings of just 2-minute planks, she gradually extended her time, even incorporating planking into her study sessions during graduate school. With the encouragement of her children, she decided to go for the world record and achieved it at a school gym in Alberta, Canada, surrounded by cheering students and family.

In this heartfelt conversation, Donna Jean reveals the mental and physical strategies she used to accomplish this remarkable feat. She discusses how her background as a learning support teacher equipped her with essential breathing techniques and methods to stay calm under pressure. Her Master's research on brain health played a crucial role in her success, teaching her how to bring joy and positivity into her daily life.

Donna Jean’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that we can achieve great things at any age. Tune in to learn how she prepared mentally and physically for the big day, and be inspired by her insights on planning for a great day, staying focused, and embracing new challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to be motivated to pursue their dreams and prove that age is just a number.

Join Shawna and Alli as they delve into Donna Jean Wilde's incredible journey, celebrating the achievements and resilience that come with healthy aging.

**Listen now to be inspired to plank your way to new records and find joy in every stage of life!**

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**Show Notes:**

- Introduction of Donna Jean Wilde, Guinness World Record holder for the longest plank.

- Donna Jean’s background and journey into planking.

- How a wrist injury led to her planking practice.

- The gradual increase in planking duration and incorporating it into her daily routine.

- The pivotal moment when her kids encouraged her to break the world record.

- The day she broke the record at a school gym in Alberta, Canada.

- Mental and physical strategies for achieving long-duration planks.

- Insights from her background in education and Master's research on brain health.

- Tips on bringing joy into daily life and planning for success.

- Inspirational takeaways for listeners of all ages.

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