Most people would consider a few sets of pull-ups a decent workout.
Enrique Zapata completed 12,345 of them in less than 11 hours.
The Mexican athlete produced the remarkable feat at the La Loma High-Performance Sports Center in Queretaro on January 31, taking the Guinness World Records title for the most pull-ups in 24 hours by a male.
It was the culmination of more than five years of preparation for Zapata, who had already built an impressive record in one of the simplest but most punishing bodyweight exercises around.
Before attempting the 24-hour record, he had completed 4,949 pull-ups in eight hours and 7,100 across 12 hours.
Both of those records have since been surpassed, but the biggest target remained.
“The 24-hour record has always been the dream, and now I am ready,” Zapata said in his Guinness World Records application.
He began his attempt at 2:49pm with 10 quick repetitions.
From there, the numbers became increasingly difficult to comprehend.
Zapata generally worked in sets of seven or eight, taking only brief breaks after completing several hundred repetitions.
He would also stop when necessary to replace protective sponges on the bar, rehydrate and take on fuel.
A spreadsheet was used to keep track of the enormous number of reps being completed, while a group of supporters and trainers stayed alongside him.
After nine hours and 53 minutes, Zapata passed the previous record of 11,900 pull-ups, which had been held by Belgium’s Lennert Schots.
But he wasn’t finished.
Less than an hour later, Zapata jumped onto the bar and completed pull-up number 12,345.
His wife, friends and supporters celebrated around him as more than five years of work finally paid off.
“It took discipline, belief, and an extraordinary team,” said Enrique to GWR.
“The record is dedicated to my team: my wife, Mariana; Humberto, my physiotherapist and friend; Alex and David, my mindset coaches; Rosendo; Jorge; and everyone who stood by me during the hardest moments…
“This record is about perseverance over time. If I can do this, everyone can,” he concluded.
There was another visual reminder of Zapata’s journey sitting alongside him throughout the attempt.
He brought a life-sized cardboard cutout showing himself before his fitness transformation, carrying the message: “if he could, you can”.
After finally completing the 12,345th repetition, Zapata explained that his motivation extended beyond simply putting his name in the record books.
“I did this for those who feel discouraged or uncertain about the future,” said Enrique. “No matter where you are, you can always take one more step.”
Twelve thousand three hundred and forty-five pull-ups later, it’s difficult to argue that he didn’t practise what he preached.
Featured image credit: Enrique Zapata / Instagram
