Pakistani Athlete Muhammad Arshad Breaks Thumb Push-Up Record

Muhammad Arshad, a strength athlete from Pakistan, has once again demonstrated his extraordinary physical prowess by breaking his own Guinness World Record for thumb push-ups with one leg raised. On May 4, 2025, Arshad completed 66 thumb push-ups in one minute, earning a new title from Guinness World Records .

A Serial Record Breaker

This achievement marks Arshad’s third time breaking this particular record and adds to his collection of over 14 Guinness World Records titles across various strength-based categories . His success is a source of pride for his family and an inspiration to his community.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition

Arshad’s journey in strength training began at a young age. Despite growing up in a small village in Vehari, Pakistan, where access to sports facilities was limited, he remained determined to improve his physical condition. He began training at home using bodyweight exercises, with push-ups playing a central role in his regimen .

The Challenge of Thumb Push-Ups

“Thumb push-ups are one of the most difficult and rare exercises, requiring exceptional strength, balance, and mental toughness,” Arshad stated . “This uniqueness is what drew me toward them.” The record attempt demanded that he balance on his thumbs while performing push-ups, simultaneously keeping one leg bent at a strict 90-degree angle for the entire minute.

Preparation and Mental Fortitude

Arshad emphasized the challenges of maintaining balance and adhering to the time constraints during his preparation. “Time is limited, the body becomes exhausted, yet maintaining balance and meeting the strict 90-degree bend requirement is extremely challenging,” he explained . “Even a small mistake can invalidate the entire attempt.”

A Message of Hope and Determination

Arshad hopes his achievements will inspire young people in Pakistan, demonstrating that strong intentions can overcome limited resources. He expressed his desire for the world to witness these unique challenges and recognize that dedication, hard work, and determination can lead to global recognition, even with limited resources . He described breaking the record as “a moment of immense pride and happiness,” attributing his success to his determination, hard work, and faith.

Additional Records

Muhammad Arshad also holds the record for the most one-arm push-ups carrying a 100 lb pack in one minute, achieving 49 repetitions on June 2, 2024 . He is recognized as a serial record breaker in the realm of push-ups and other physically demanding record titles.

You can watch a video of his record-breaking thumb push-ups here.