NASHVILLE, Tenn. — What started as a simple daily habit has grown into something much bigger for Nashville’s Matt Valaoras.
Valaoras is not just training for a world record. He’s building a platform and thousands of people are already cheering him on.
The idea of “World’s Longest Planker” didn’t begin with a viral moment or a plan. Instead, it started quietly, like many New Year’s resolutions do.
“I was just like, what can I do every single day that I could do anywhere?” Valaoras said.
The answer: planking.
At the time, he was focused on weightlifting but wanted to strengthen his core. He began with manageable sets such as 90 seconds at a time, and committed to doing it daily. Two and a half years later, and he hasn’t missed a day since.
As his endurance grew, so did his ambition. What started as multiple short sets turned into single, extended holds from 15 minutes, then 20, and beyond.
But the transformation wasn’t just physical.
“It was a really good thing to get into my own space and be able to have the mental fortitude to get past that,” Valaoras said. “It increased my confidence in other aspects of life from school, work or relationships.”
Valaoras is now working toward an ambitious goal: breaking the world record for the longest plank, currently held at 9 hours, 38 minutes, and 47 seconds by Josef Šálek from the Czech Republic.
He hasn’t attempted the record yet, but everything he’s doing now is building toward that moment.
“I’m doing marathon challenges and other challenges in general to build my social media following,” he said. “So I can use my platform for good and have charity behind it.”
Rather than rushing into the attempt, he’s focused on growing an audience that will support both the challenge and the cause.
“I just want to have enough people to make this a big event,” he shared.
Charity has always been his priority and he knows that people can help propel that mission.
For Valaoras, the mission behind the movement is just as important as the physical feat.
This weekend, Valaoras will be patiently planking at the finish line at the Nashville’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. He has partnered with Aerial Recovery Group, a nonprofit with a wide-reaching impact to be his beneficiary of choice.
“They have three different branches,” Valaoras said. “Disaster relief, human trafficking and helping veterans.”
During the race, he will plank continuously from the start of the marathon until the first runner crosses the finish line—an estimated 2.5 hours.
“I’m gonna be planking until the first person comes in,” he said. “I feel comfortable doing that.”
The activation will feature a visible setup near the finish line, along with members of Aerial Recovery on-site to educate spectators and encourage donations.
There will also be QR codes and live fundraising tools available, allowing supporters to contribute in real time.
Aerial Recovery Group was not chosen randomly.
The organization speaks directly close to Valaoras as many of their efforts included relief in North Carolina following hurricane damage. Valaoras, who is originally from Winston-Salem knows all too well about the devastation that had occured in September 2024.
But it’s their proactive work combating human trafficking that resonated most deeply.
“They send in special ops guys to different countries and basically save kids,” Valaoras said. “I couldn’t even imagine kids being put into that, it breaks my heart.”
The organization also supports veterans transitioning back into civilian life by reconnecting them with fitness and community.
“It’s a great organization to be a part of.”
Despite his preparation, Valaoras admits there are still nerves.
“You don’t know how your body’s going to respond in that exact moment,” he said. “Planking is more of a mental thing.”
To stay grounded, he plans to stick to his routine: sleep, nutrition, and even his morning coffee.
But ultimately, it’s the “why” that keeps him going.
“Having a ‘why’ attached to it and having a great cause like Aerial Recovery, helps me push that much further,” he said.
While the endurance feat may seem extreme, Valaoras says planking itself is one of the most accessible and effective exercises anyone can add to their routine.
“It’s actually a full-body exercise,” he said. “It hits your legs, your core, your shoulders and more”
He emphasizes its benefits for posture, lower back support, and overall longevity, especially in a society where more people spend hours sitting each day.
“If you’re going to be sitting at a desk job, having something that supports your lower back is super important,” he said.
And beyond the physical?
“If you can stay consistent with it, you can have the confidence to go in and do pretty much anything you want to do in life.”
As his following continues to grow, Valaoras remains focused on impact over attention.
He has amassed over 17 thousand followers who are eager to watch his journey to a hopeful world record.
“The main thing is continuously building up the following in order to make a bigger impact for charities that I help support,” he said.
For now, all eyes are on Nashville, where a plank is becoming more than just an exercise.
And for Valaoras, this is only the beginning.
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