Manchester aerialist takes on world record pull-up challenge for prostate cancer charity

Today, Manchester’s Andrei Tazlauanu, a professional aerialist and lifelong gymnast, will attempt to break the Guinness World Records for the most pull-ups in both 12 and 24 hours, testing the limits of human endurance and strength.

But this extraordinary feat isn’t just about setting records—Andrei’s mission is deeply personal.

He has launched a fundraiser for Prostate Cancer UK, inspired by the battles his father and grandfather faced with the disease.

Driven by a passion for fitness and a desire to make a difference, Andrei is turning his pull-up challenge into a powerful statement of resilience and hope.

Andrei Tazlauanu world record attempt

The current record for pull-ups in 12 hours is 5,742 and was achieved by Andrew Shapiro in America in 2016.

The record for 24 hours is 8,940 and was achieved by Kenta Adachi in Japan in February this year.

Andrei is a professional aerialist and hand balancer who has trained in gymnastics and acrobatics all his life.

Originally from Romania and has lived and worked all over the world, he has been based in Manchester for the past 9 years.

Pull-ups as therapy

His pull-up challenge began as a form of self-prescribed therapy in December 2023 and has already seen him unofficially beat the record for the most pull-ups in 12 hours while training for the attempt.

On Monday 8th July, he completed 5,802 pull-ups in 10 hours and 44 minutes.

Andrei trains several times a week with self-set challenges for the amount of pull-ups and time taken, building up to the attempt in late August.

This epic feat of endurance and physical and mental strength requires him to get on the bar for a set of pull-ups every 30 seconds.

Why Prostate Cancer UK?

1 in 8 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and one man dies every 45 minutes.

The charity Prostate Cancer UK strives for a world where no man dies of the disease, investing in research for treatments and testing, and helping men understand their risk, make the right choice about treatment and get the expertise they need.

Andrei’s pull-up attempt

Andrei’s pull-up attempt will take place across 24 hours on Tuesday 27th of August in Totem Gymnastics, near Mayfield Depot.

You can check out Andre’s Instagram by clicking here