Marius Praniauskas: the four-time record-breaking handstand king

Many Guinness World Records highlight the feats of human strength, balance, and more. Exercise is often an important part of a person’s routine and a grounding force within the chaos of everyday life. One man that can attest for the effort that comes with achieving these athletic records is the holder of four handstand records, professional show performer and personal trainer Marius Praniauskas.  

Marius presently holds Guinness World Records titles for longest duration to perform a single arm handstand on a balance dome (male), longest diamond-grip handstand, longest handstand on a balance board, and most weight lifted in a single arm handstand on a balance dome (male).  

Marius completing the longest handstand on a balance board record.

Marius's start 

Marius found his passion for training at age 13. He was not a professional handstand man and that was not his goal. What fuelled Marius was the changes he saw in his body: improved strength. Initially he could not do more than one pull-up, but with consistency and strong spirit, over time Marius was able to transform into the record-breaking success story he is today. He said that he used to train four to six hours, every day of the week and that in a five-year period he saw drastic improvement in himself and his handstand abilities.  

His journey to record-breaking success  

Often to achieve accomplishments beyond one’s wildest imagination, a person needs a little external push. Marius was no exception to this, and he had a friend encouraged him to chase after records after he found success performing, for instance on Lithuania’s Got Talent. At first, he was doubtful of his chances, as he grew up in a small town called Kupiškis in Lithuania. Marius noted that he researched the at-the-time present records and found that he found the idea of breaking them to not be very difficult. 

The first record he was able to achieve was longest handstand on a balance board. He had trained hard to maintain his strength and often fit in his sessions late at night due to a busy schedule. With a central focus on endurance, Marius would practice the record itself and would also hold handstands for extended periods of time. He trains six times a week.  

“As soon as I reached this milestone, I immediately began preparing for three more records, even though I hadn’t yet received confirmation of the first one,” he stated. “I wanted to seize the momentum and push myself beyond my limits.” 

Injury and setbacks  

Although in the end Marius achieved great success, during his era of training and other performances, he received an injury that halted his progress, specifically with bar tricks. At the age of 22, he injured his leg and subsequently went on to have three operations on that leg. Despite the setback, Marius would train with his cast on and became stronger from the experience, but he did let go of bar tricks in order to focus on strength and balance.  

Life as a record breaker 

Marius completing the record for longest duration to perform a single arm handstand on a balance dome (male).

Being a four-time record breaker would be an achievement that anyone would have pride over and Marius is no different.  

“Being a Guinness World Records title holder is an incredible feeling. It’s a recognition of all the hard work, dedication, and countless hours of training”   

“When I saw my name officially listed, it felt like a dream come true. But for me, this is not the end — it’s just another step,” he said.  

Marius has his sights on a few more records in his future and enjoys the process of preparing himself to attempt a new record.  

 "Every new record is not just a challenge but an opportunity to continue growing and improving.”