Nigerian Fitness Coach, Oluchukwu Okeke, Set to Break Guinness World Record for Longest Step Aerobics Marathon

A Nigerian fitness coach and wellness advocate, Oluchukwu Okeke, has unveiled plans to break the Guinness World Record for the longest step aerobics marathon, an extraordinary feat she says is aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s strength, resilience, and talent on the global stage.

Okeke, who is the founder of Jemad Fitness, said the record-breaking attempt, themed “Rise Beyond Limits,” is scheduled to take place in December 2025. According to her, the initiative is not only a test of endurance but also a movement designed to inspire conversations about resilience, motherhood, and the power of movement as a form of therapy and empowerment.

She explained that her journey into aerobics began as a form of 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,” she said. “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.”

Okeke revealed that preparations for the record attempt began in June 2024 and have involved significant lifestyle changes, particularly in her diet and rest patterns. She stated that her meals have been strictly healthy and natural for several months, with a dietitian engaged to ensure proper nutrition and balance throughout her training.

She further highlighted that sleep and recovery have become key components of her 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 noted, adding that she has a team of coaches and medical professionals working closely with her to ensure she is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge.

Under the Guinness World Records guidelines, participants are permitted five minutes of rest for every hour of continuous activity. These breaks can be accumulated, meaning that 20 minutes of rest can be taken after four hours of exercise, but extra minutes are not counted unless a full hour of activity has been completed.

With her upcoming attempt, Oluchukwu Okeke hopes to not only set a new world record but also to inspire others—especially women—to embrace fitness as a source of healing, empowerment, and transformation, proving that the human spirit can always rise beyond limits.