Andrews to Attempt World Record in Stand-Ups

Community-building wellness event gives University a second chance

In January 2016, Andrews University came just shy of breaking the current world record for the most people doing sit-ups simultaneously for over one minute. Though nearly 500 people managed continuous sit-ups with proper form, the record, set in May 2015 by Hathershaw College in the U.K., remains steadfast at 503.

“Health and wellness isn’t just about watching what you eat and making daily trips to the gym,” says Dominique Wakefield, director of University Health & Wellness. “Wellness also includes a community aspect many tend to overlook, but which is incredibly important to overall health.”

It is this big picture view that has inspired Wakefield to choose another, somewhat more attainable, goal: To attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most people doing stand-ups simultaneously for over one minute.

“Stand-ups involve little more than standing still with your arms at your sides,” explains Wakefield. “While sit-ups require at least a bit of abdominal strength, stand-ups allow individuals of any fitness level to participate, making this event even more inclusive than the last.”

Wakefield adds that she would not have attempted a second event in the same year if not for the contagious excitement of those who participated in the January event.

“When we came so close to the sit-ups record earlier this year, there was a palpable eagerness to try again in the future,” says Wakefield. “I couldn’t ignore their energy and motivation. I knew I absolutely needed to provide that opportunity.”

The stand-ups record-breaking attempt will take place on Thursday, April 7, in honor of World Health Day. Official witnesses for the event are Breanna Rawicsz, president of the Southwest Michigan Health and Wellness Association, and Lance Christopher, fitness editor at the South Bend Tribune in Indiana.

Interested participants should plan on gathering in Johnson Gym no later than 2:15 p.m. on April 7 to ensure a prompt start to the stand-ups attempt at 2:30 p.m. This event is open to the public, and the community is encouraged to participate.

The current world record for stand-ups is 942, held by the Queen’s Guards in London, U.K. The Guards set this record at Buckingham Palace in 1705.

“Even if we don’t break this record,” says Wakefield, “I think we can safely say this is one of the most unique community-building experiences Berrien Springs has ever seen. Regardless of what happens, I’m really looking forward to it, and I’m proud to be a part a community with such ambition. It’s inspiring.”