Maj. Tommy Vu of the Oregon Army National Guard executes one of 1,027 chest-to-ground burpees during his Guinness World Records attempt at Physiq Fitness in Salem, Ore., Oct. 5, 2024. (W. Chris Clyne/Oregon National Guard)
An Army National Guard officer has reclaimed a Guinness World Records fitness title by completing over 1,000 burpees in one hour, service officials said.
Maj. Tommy Vu, a medical officer with the Oregon National Guard’s Medical Command, recorded 1,027 chest-to-ground burpees Saturday in Salem to set the world record for the second time since March 2023.
In his first record-breaking feat, Vu completed 1,003 repetitions of the dynamic exercise. Vu’s record held until Nov. 12, 2023, when Habtamu Franke of the Netherlands racked up seven more reps to bring the record to 1,010.
Vu’s latest attempt is pending validation from Guinness World Records. If Saturday’s demonstration is confirmed, he will hold five fitness records with the organization.
Maj. Tommy Vu of the Oregon Army National Guard powers through his world record attempt of 1,027 chest-to-ground burpees in one hour at Physiq Fitness in Salem, Ore., Oct. 5, 2024. Supporters do burpees alongside Vu to boost his morale. (W. Chris Clyne/Oregon National Guard)
Nicandro Sandoval, fitness manager at Physiq Fitness, counts chest-to-ground burpees for Maj. Tommy Vu during Vu's Guinness World Records attempt on Oct. 5, 2024, in Salem, Ore. Sandoval confirmed Vu's 1,027 burpees in one hour. (W. Chris Clyne/Oregon National Guard)
Maj. Tommy Vu smiles as he nears his goal of 1,027 chest-to-ground burpees in one hour Oct. 5, 2024, in Salem, Ore. Vu set a Guinness World Records mark, according to the Oregon Army National Guard. (W. Chris Clyne/Oregon National Guard)
A standard burpee involves placing hands on the ground in a squat position followed by a move into a pushup stance, a return to the squat position and a jump to stand. Chest-to-ground burpees are considered to be a more challenging version of the exercise.
Vu is also the male record holder for most chest-to-ground pushups in one hour (1,494), fastest time to complete 25 burpees (33.34 seconds), and most burpee pullups in one minute (26) and one hour (611), according to the Guinness World Records website.
“His dedication to both his military duties and personal goals showcases the work-life balance and drive for excellence we foster in our organization,” Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the adjutant general of Oregon, said in a statement.
Vu used his previous record attempts to raise awareness and money for charitable veteran organizations like Team Red, White & Blue. For Saturday’s attempt, he plans to donate $1,027 to a fundraiser supporting a friend battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Vu doesn’t look like he’ll stop his record-breaking pursuits anytime soon. The 36-year-old already has his sights set on the eight-hour, 12-hour and 24-hour burpee records.
