Pushup world record attempt scheduled in Elgin, Elmhurst

The thought of doing pushups likely won't get most people excited, but doing them for charity while setting a world record might do the trick.

The fitness program Training for Warriors, which has more than 200 affiliates worldwide including two in the suburbs, wants to set the world record for most people doing push-ups in one minute on March 1. The initiative will benefit the Florida-based nonprofit Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, whose mission is to support families battling childhood cancer.

The event is open to everybody, not just program members, said trainer Freddie Moreno of Training for Warriors in Elgin, which also has locations in Elmhurst, Rockford and Chicago.

"It's for a good cause, and we get a chance to participate in the world record, so it's pretty cool," Moreno said.

Participants will donate $1 for each push-up completed, but people can donate money even if they don't participate, said event coordinator Phil Squatrito of Jacksonville, Florida. The average person can do about 30 pushups in one minute, but fitness coaches and those who've been training can hit about 60, he said.

Participants, beware: You'll will have to do "real" pushups - all the way down, straight back, no "cheating" allowed.

"It's not just about the cause but giving back to those families that are suffering," Squatrito said. "(The amount donated is akin to) going to lunch a couple of times - or maybe dinner once."

There is no current world record for this category, Squatrito said, and TFW's attempt was approved by Guinness World Records in late December. Each location will have to adhere to strict standards, such as taking photos and video, having timekeepers and more.

"There is so much that goes into it, which is how it should be," he said.

The Elgin facility at 1108 South St. holds about 100 people, but Moreno is hoping someone with a larger space could donate its use on March 1, he said. The event is scheduled for 11:31 a.m.

Training for Warriors DuPage owner Josh Rupprecht, whose Elmhurst facility holds about 30 people, said he might be interested in finding a larger space as well.

"Especially if people want to come watch and hang out, that might be nice," he said. "It's great to be a part of something so much bigger. Doing something worldwide is awesome."

So far, more than 60 TFW affiliates - including those in Iceland, Germany, Denmark, Australia, Malaysia and Mexico - have committed to joining the challenge, Squatrito said. "Our hope is to raise a couple hundred thousands dollars in a minute," he said.

Training for Warrior hopes to keep tackling new world records to benefit charity every year, Squatrito said.

"We want to be the organization that's looked upon as, 'They want to give back through fitness and health.'"