At 85 years old, German fitness influencer Erika Rischkorecently astonished many by setting a new nine-minute plank record. This impressive feat, achieved at the end of August, was not a personal goal she had set for herself but rather a challenge proposed by a local TV station. Rischko, who had previously completed a similar challenge two years prior, performed the stunt live without any trial runs, just four weeks after receiving the inquiry.

Remarkably, Rischko's preparation for this record-breaking attempt was minimal. She explains that she didn't specifically modify her workouts much, apart from incorporating more upper-body weight-based exercises to enhance shoulder strength and stability. Her confidence stemmed from a deep-seated love for sport and exercise, and a proven ability to hold planks for extended periods, having outlasted competitors in the past, including former Olympic gold medalist and retired German gymnast Fabian Hambüchen, who conceded after six minutes.

Photo Credit: Women’s Health

Erika's consistent and extensive training regimen underpins her extraordinary fitness. She dedicates 10 to 12 hours a week to workouts, often completing two sessions a day on three separate days. Her diverse routine includes weight and functional training, pilates, yoga, and Spinning. Planks are a regular feature in her rotation, often performed with advanced variations. She has showcased challenging plank versions, such as balancing her toes on a plyometric jump box and her forearms on a stability ball, demonstrating incredible core and upper-body engagement, often accompanied by visible arm shaking.

Further pushing the boundaries of stability and strength, Rischko also demonstrated a high plank lateral walk on a ball at the beginning of August. This intricate exercise involves shifting sideways in a plank position, rolling a ball beneath her hands, a move she describes as demanding significant core, shoulder, and coordination, noting its deceptive difficulty. Erika often trains with her daughter, Silke, in the evenings and on weekends, with Silke's unavailability inadvertently serving as her rest days.

Rischko's inspiring journey culminates in a powerful message: “You are never too old to start exercising, and you can be as fit as you want to be.” Her achievements serve as a testament to the benefits of consistent physical activity and the boundless potential of the human spirit, regardless of age.