Records among men
In 2016, Russian powerlifter Andrei Malanichev set a world record for barbell squats. His result was 485 kilograms without equipment! In 2010, he showed the best result in the squat without equipment - 450 kilograms.
Also a phenomenal athlete is Yuri Belkin, who is known not so much for the weight he was able to squat with, but for the ratio of his body weight to the weight of the barbell. In 2016, he managed to squat 440 kilograms with his own weight of 101.5 kilograms! The result is impressive.
However, the next three barbell squat records in a row belong to one person.
For the first time in March 2022, Israeli powerlifter Vlad Alkhazov set a world record of 505 kilograms. Thus, Vlad became the first person in the whole world who managed to squat with a weight of more than 500 kg without equipment.
A new world record for squatting with a barbell without equipment was set relatively recently at a powerlifting tournament in Minsk. The hero of the day was Vlad Alkhazov, who, with his own weight of 178.5 kilograms, managed to squat 510 kg on the barbell, thereby setting a new world record. However, Vlad did not stop there. And already in the second attempt he updated it, squatting with a weight of 525 kg.
All of Vlad's equipment consisted of only knee bandages, stretched to the limit.
It is worth noting that the new record holder is distinguished by incredible perseverance and the will to win, because in 2008 he received a severe knee injury with a tear of three ligaments and deformation of the joint. This happened while he was squatting with a heavier weight in sports equipment.
Vlad himself, after setting a new record, said that this result was achieved thanks to the three most dear women in his life - his mother, wife and daughter.
You can see how it happened in the video attached below.
Weight-lifting
In fact, almost anyone can get into the world-famous Guinness Book of Records. In this matter, the main thing is to decide on the record that you want to set or break, find sponsors to pay for representatives of the Guinness Book to come to register the record at the time and place where this event will take place, and everything else is a matter of technology. Moreover, technology plays a decisive role in setting sports records. As a result, a person who sets or breaks a previous record acquires the honorary title of Guinness Book of Records Holder and, if lucky, a certain amount of money from sponsors.
So one day at the beginning of 2008, one of the strongest weightlifters in the world, Honored Master of Sports of Russia, Sergei Rachinsky decided to try to write his name in the Guinness Book of Records. The test chosen was squats with a barbell weighing 100 kg on the shoulders without time restrictions. As a result, Sergei Rachinsky not only broke the previous record held by the Hungarian athlete Monlar (170 squats), but also set a new record - 180 squats in 25 minutes.
This is what Sergei himself writes on his Facebook page:
“I didn’t think that the record itself would arouse such interest among athletes, but I’m glad that it didn’t leave you indifferent. Actually it was like that. I squatted for fun in the off-season, long before competition, as a form of general conditioning. So the idea was born to break Boris Gridnev’s 1988 record of squats with a barbell of 100 kg 135 times (Moscow, Red Square). While I was thinking about how to do this, the Hungarian athlete Monlar completed 170 repetitions and got into the Guinness Book of Records. I must say that this outstanding result is simply phenomenal, as it was completed in 9 minutes! I didn’t even think about doing so many squats, and I didn’t understand how to do it. I should note that 100kg for 100 reps is essentially nonsense, and I was able to squat 100 reps in 5 minutes. I know about five other people who can do this. For example, the famous weightlifter Eduard Akhramenko squatted 130 times with a hundred in five minutes, and did it much “cleaner” than I did. All the “taste” begins after 150 repetitions, this is where it gets difficult.
As part of my preparation for this event, I fought with myself and it was interesting.
100 kg 110 kg 120 kg 130 kg 1 min. 34 28 27 20 2 minutes. 56 44 40 33 3 min. 74 60 51 40 4 min. 88 71 59 46 5 minutes. 101 80 64 52 There were, of course, even more interesting passages. For example, 50 kg for 500 reps in 35 minutes or 150 kg for 50 reps in 9 minutes. Another interesting workout, when you squat for a minute, rest for a minute, and so on for five approaches with a barbell weighing 105 kg, and in each approach there are at least 28 squats - a great workout, your legs are simply torn. Indescribable feelings! I rediscovered the exercise of squats.”
It should be noted that the matter did not end at 180 squats, and Sergei improved his own record in the same year by squatting 212 times, which at the time of writing this article is still the official record of the Guinness Book of Records.
Here is what Sergei writes about his “fleeting hobby”:
“I’ll tell the truth, I didn’t squat for more than a year when I lost it. Just probably tired. Squatting 150-200 times a day with a weight of 80-130 kg ultimately tires, and this is not my profile, it’s a fleeting passion.”
In addition to the record in squats with a barbell of 100 kg, Sergei holds several more Guinness records:
- Push one 24 kg weight alternately for 12 hours - 5555 times.
- Push one 24 kg weight in a long cycle alternately for 1 hour - 915 times.
- Squats with a barbell weighing 80 kg on the shoulders for 1 hour - 520 times.
- Push two weights 16 kg for 1 hour - 931 times.
- Snatch of one weight 16 kg for 1 hour – 1557 times.
Squats with a barbell in equipment
Ukrainian powerlifter Evgeniy Yarymbash, being a multiple winner of the competition, squatted 470 kilograms.
“Bulldozer Man” Doni Thompson attempted a squat with 590 kg in 2015, but the judges did not count the result, considering the squat not deep enough. Nevertheless, at that time Doni remained the record holder with a result of 560 kg.
No matter how surprising it may be, the champion in squats with a barbell in equipment is Vladislav Alkhazov. In 2008, he squatted 567.5 kilograms, which to this day is an absolute world record.
Russian records
The Russian Book of Records contains a record dated December 2, 2015 for the maximum number of squats in 1 hour. The record was set by Mikhail Anatolyevich Bogdanov in the Republic of Bashkortostan, the number of squats in one hour was 2086 repetitions.
And the record for deep squats with body weight belongs to a 60-year-old (at the time the record was set) resident of the Rostov region, Boris Lysenko. The man performed 1806 repetitions without stopping or taking breaks in three hours. This time the man broke his own record for squats without a barbell in one approach, namely 1127 repetitions in two hours. The record is included in the Russian Book of Records.
And also read: Records for biceps curls → Records for dips → Record for push-ups → Record for pull-ups → Strength records of the past that are impressive to this day →
Barbell squat records by weight category
In the weight categories up to 125 kg and up to 110 kg, Kirk Karwoski from the USA takes first place. In 1994, he managed to squat 455 kilograms. And a year later, in 1995, having reduced my weight, I squatted with 415 kg on my back in a lower category.
In the category up to 100 kg, the leader is Ed Cohen, who managed to squat 423 kilograms.
Category up to 90 kg. The record here has remained unchanged since 1980, when American athlete Fred Hatfield lifted a barbell weighing 375 kg.
With a weight of up to 85 kg, Mike Bridges is in the lead. His record is 379.5 kilograms. The result was established in 1982.
With his own weight of less than 75 kilograms, Osby Alexander squatted with a weight of 328 kg, thereby setting a record in the category up to 75 kg.
In 1987, Jesse Jackson lifted a barbell weighing 300 kg in the weight category up to 67.5 kg.
In two categories at once (up to 60 and up to 56 kg), the record belongs to one athlete - Swede Karlsson Magnus.
And in the lightest category - up to 52 kg - the champion is the Pole Andrzej Stanazek, who squatted with a barbell weighing 270.5 kg.
How to set a Guinness record in sports? Personal experience of athlete Sergei Skolsky
Setting a record is not the easiest task for an athlete. Sergei Skolsky
shares his personal experience with the “Championship” readers.
I, a two-time world champion in powerlifting, will tell you how I set a Guinness record in the category “Maximum number of squats with additional body weight” (my weight was 95 kg, I had to squat with 100 kg).
The idea to set a Guinness record came in the summer, in July 2020. In the midst of the pandemic, when almost everything in Russia was closed, the idea arose to try to break someone’s squat record, because... I have dominant hips. Looking at the Guinness Book of Records, I found a record that suited me for “maximum number of squats with additional body weight.” It is important not only the strength of the legs itself, but also a high level of strength endurance. Muscles begin to become highly acidic when performing multiple repetitions, taking into account the limited time.
Photo: From the hero’s personal archive
I applied for the record in September and waited 3.5 months for the application to be reviewed. In early December, I received an approving response to my attempt to update the record, and I set myself the goal of setting a new one in early February.
From September I gradually began preparations. I scheduled a training cycle for four months so that I would be in peak shape by February. I started with a 50 kg barbell for 60 repetitions in one approach, without fixing the time. Gradually, every week I increased the weight on the bar more and more and noted the time. I also added auxiliary exercises: lunges with a barbell around the gym, isolated exercises for the buttocks and hips, and additionally included more stretching (15-20 minutes after strength training). This is necessary for ligaments and joints - stretching helps muscles maintain elasticity and improves the tone of the whole body, and most importantly, significantly reduces the risk of injury. I only realized the value of stretching after I suffered a herniation in my lumbar spine from a previous squat record. At that time, I practically did not stretch and did not monitor my health so carefully; I considered myself a “demigod” and thought that I would definitely not be affected by injuries.
Rare, but apt: how effective is one workout per week?
After three months of preparation, I was already confident of conquering the record. In training, my best result was 40 reps in 55 seconds. Then I was very pleased with this, but one problem arose. The day after my “record attempt,” discomfort began in both knee joints. I was aware that this could happen at any moment. Over time, the body wears out such preparation and sends signals so as not to be overloaded and get more time to recover. Unfortunately, time was running out. I initially decided on the date; I didn’t want to lose track of it.
Photo: From the hero’s personal archive
In the last two weeks before the record, I completely rested my hips and continued to train only the upper and stretching. I added bath procedures twice a week: three sessions for 15 minutes at a temperature of 90°C. This helped the recovery of my knees and back.
On the day of completing the record, I felt confident, I tried to be calm, so as not to expose my body to severe stress and anxiety. At the time of setting the record, two timekeepers, fitness experts and witnesses were present, cameras and a strict timer were located nearby to clearly record the time. This is all necessary to set a record in the Guinness Book of Records.
Doesn't size matter? Why you shouldn’t compare muscle volume and strength
I was able to complete 37 repetitions, which was three repetitions higher than the previous record holder, Indian resident Kapil Kumar. After the attempt, having rested, I scolded myself a little for not being patient enough and not doing 40+ repetitions, although I still had some strength left. I just didn’t have enough time - I performed the repetitions a little slower, I was very worried about my knees.
Nevertheless, in this way a Guinness record was set, now I will wait for the “certificate from London”, and I wish the readers of the “Championship” to achieve their goals and strive to achieve them.
Powerlifting world records
Deadlift record
Benedict Magnuson (or simply Benya, as Russian powerlifters call him) was born on July 4, 1983. At the age of 16, I went to the gym to recover from a spinal injury. He recovered so much that in 2011 he set a world record in deadlift at the Ronnie Coleman classic tournament. 1015 pounds or 460 kg, with only a belt as equipment - this is the result given by a guy with a once problematic spine. The Icelander's height is 183 cm, weight at the time of the record is 172 kg. Many still believe that Magnuson could have taken heavier weights.
Bench press record
The bench press is not officially considered an indicator of strength in classical powerlifting, although there are championships for this exercise, and the usual question for a bodybuilder or powerlifter is: “How much do you bench press?” If you are still benching a small weight, feel free to answer that it is less than Ryan Keneally. This American set a world record in the bench press, lifting 487.6 kg in equipment. It’s interesting that the guy came to the bar after he was kicked out of all sports sections, and then from school. Ryan started with 96 kg. So when asked about weight, simply answer: “I’ll catch up with Keneally soon!”
Video of Ryan Keneally's record:
Barbell squat record
Squats are not considered a separate discipline, and are usually included in the classic triathlon of powerlifting for qualification. But nothing prevents the “jocks” from setting records in this exercise. Moreover, one record here belongs to our compatriot, and the second record belongs to a resident of Moscow.
Vladislav Alkhazov
Vladislav Alkhazov moved from the USSR to Israel as a child, where he began performing in the IPA. It was in this federation that Alkhazov squatted with 567 kg on his shoulders, setting a world record in equipment.
Andrey Malanichev
Muscovite Andrei Malanichev set a record of 450 kg in squats with a barbell on his back in bandages. In total, this already legendary powerlifter has 5 Russian records, the 2008/2009 Titan Cups and the title of absolute champion of Russia in 2005.
Records in weight categories
Sergey Feodosienko
Since 2012, the record in the bench press and deadlift, as well as the total weight of the triathlon, belongs to the Russian Sergei Fedosienko (160, 270 and 651 kg, respectively), but the American Koons Michael (225 kg) surpassed Sergei in the squat. Both athletes competed in the up to 59 kg category.
Donskoy pensioner set a world record for deep squats
While working in a mine, Misikov received a very serious injury many years ago. In the tunnel where he was working, the winch came off. The emergency cable broke his chest and legs. Doctors diagnosed a fracture of the tibia in four places, ruptures of soft tissues and blood vessels. The knee joint on the right leg was cracked, and the foot on the left was broken. The coal company wrote off the worker as a pensioner, and the doctors said: “You will be able to walk, but only with a crutch.”
An active man in the prime of his life, he did not want to put up with this situation. But recovery required a lot of money: expensive operations, imported medicines, care from nurses and daily massages. Not affordable for an ordinary worker from the slaughterhouse. And then he developed his own recovery program and began to engage in the most ordinary Soviet physical education. After the operation, the legs did not grow together correctly, one became shorter than the other, but Gennady did not give up. First I reached an average level of physical fitness for my age, and then I discovered new strengths in myself.
Five years ago, Misikov placed a camera in front of him and did 5,100 squats in extreme heat of 30 degrees in four hours. Absolute record for Russia. And last fall, two more amazing achievements: first, 619 squats in an hour with a barbell of 50 kilograms, and a month later - 303 with 90 kilograms!
- I have never been weak. In his youth he took up boxing, achieved good results, had 15 fights and won all of them ahead of schedule. He always stood up for the girls and could cut down a bully with one blow,” the champion recalls. “The work of a miner also required strength, and every day I rode a bicycle 20 kilometers to and from work. Because I wanted more movement. And I had never smoked (I only tried it a couple of times in my entire life), so my reserve of strength was tenfold. But these new forces came after 55 years.
Now Misikov trains twice a day for exactly two hours in any weather: hot, cold or rain. Four fractures do not allow me to run in the stadium, so as a warm-up - 200 - 300 squats and a punching bag. The main lesson is 20 sets of one hundred repetitions with a minute break between sets. In total, about two thousand squats, as well as about half an hour - an hour on the horizontal bar - for symmetry. Plus a barbell.
“Following Gena’s example, many of us started playing sports. And not only young people, but also adults, even pensioners,” Misikov’s wife Natalya supports. “He always tries to give advice and help with his knowledge. People are already coming to us from all over the region.
It is noteworthy that Misikov does not experience any deterioration in his health from the colossal loads. According to doctors who regularly examine the unique patient, his knees are in perfect condition, and his heart works like a machine. However, he is not going to stop there. New records are in the near future, the athlete said in confidence.
Accent
Gennady Misikov: Everyone wants to be healthy, but only a few can educate themselves. Therefore, we need to do more to promote a healthy lifestyle, including on TV. I understand that advertising of pots and household chemicals is important and brings in money, but we must think about what generation we are raising. If we were instilled with physical education from childhood, how many problems we could avoid! We could cut healthcare costs by a third, since there would be much fewer sick people.
