Nigerian Fitness Coach Attempts GWR Longest Aerobics Marathon
Fitness coach and wellness advocate, Oluchukwu Okeke, has announced her plans to attempt breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest step aerobics marathon.
The record-breaking attempt, she said, is to put Nigeria on the world map through an extraordinary display of endurance, strength, and purpose.
In a statement made available to Punch Online on Sunday, Okeke, founder of Jemad Fitness, said her upcoming record attempt, themed ‘Rise Beyond Limits’, is scheduled for December 2025.
According to her, the attempt aims to spark a wider conversation about resilience, motherhood, and the power of movement as a form of therapy and empowerment.
Okeke revealed that she began aerobics to find healing after battling postpartum depression.
“Stepping became my therapy. Each move reminded me that I was still here, still strong, and still capable of becoming more.
“This record attempt is not just about endurance; it’s about hope. I want women to know that they can rise again, no matter what they’ve faced,” the fitness coach said.
She explained that she has been preparing for the record-breaking attempt since June 2024, adding that the process required major lifestyle adjustments, especially to her diet and sleep patterns.
“My meals have been strictly healthy and natural for the past three months. We also brought a dietitian on board to ensure proper nutrition and balance throughout training,” Okeke said.
According to her, sleep and recovery have also become key parts of preparation.
“I make sure to get at least seven hours of sleep each night and reduce screen time to help with recovery and focus,” she said.
Okeke added, “I have a team of coaches and medical professionals working with me to ensure that I’m physically and mentally prepared for the record attempt.”
For Okeke’s attempt, the Guinness World Records guidelines allow participants five minutes’ rest for every continuously completed hour of activity.
These breaks can be accumulated, meaning 20 minutes of rest can be taken after four full hours of exercise, but extra minutes don’t count unless a full hour of activity is completed.