Incredible footage shows Bedford's Alex Goulding smashing Guinness World Record

The incredible footage shows Alex completing 19 repetitions of the punishing push-ups – leaving the previous record of 11 in the dust.

And not only was he putting our new year fitness resolutions to shame, he was also raising funds and awareness for Bedfordshire mental health services in the process.

He said: “This means so much to me. I’ve put a huge amount of time into this record attempt and Guinness World Records has been incredibly supportive over the last few years. Most importantly, today we’ve raised a lot of money for mental health and wellbeing.

“This event could not have happened without the incredible support from the Bedford community and our fundraising partners.”

The successful attempt at Robinsons Pool & Fitness was timed to coincide with Blue Monday – which is often associated with financial pressures, anxieties about the year ahead, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Alex teamed up with Beds RCC, a charity supporting individuals with mental health needs, and has been raising funds and awareness around their services throughout his training.

And he credits training and exercise with supporting his mental health.

Alex added: “I’ve been attending the gym since I turned 16 – around 2011 – but when I was struggling with my mental health in 2019, the gym helped me more than I can describe through this tough period."

He hopes today’s achievement will encourage more people to open up about wellbeing and seek support when they need it.

Emma Salt, Guinness World Records Adjudicator, said: “Alex delivered a confident performance today, demonstrating both strength and control throughout the attempt. To see him secure the title on Blue Monday while using the occasion to spotlight mental health support was genuinely uplifting. We’re delighted to award Alex yet another Guinness World Records title.”

And it continues his run of record-breaking success. While most of us were scoffing mince pies, Alex reclaimed the title for the most push-up to plans in a minute in December, setting a new benchmark of 84.

Reflecting on the comeback, he said: “After my previous record was broken, I had to sit down and figure out how to squeeze in at least eight more within the one-minute window. It took months of experimenting with technique and multiple failed attempts in training to nail it.”

You can sponsor Alex online here.