Sherman Oaks was the scene this past Sunday for an unusual feat of strength, as an athlete nicknamed “Lumberjack Lance” attempted to set a new world record for grappler pull-ups. Lance Pecht completed 36 repetitions of the challenging exercise in one minute, conducting his attempt outside BUF Studio located on Ventura Boulevard.
This isn't your standard pull-up. Grappler pull-ups add a significant twist to the familiar gym staple by replacing the traditional bar grip with lacrosse balls suspended overhead. This modification places substantial additional strain on the hands, wrists, forearms, and upper body, making each repetition significantly harder to achieve.
Natalie Joseph, owner of BUF Studio, confirmed to City News Service that the recent attempt was meticulously conducted under Guinness World Records guidelines. The results are slated for submission to the organization for official certification. Joseph noted that four judges were present to monitor the attempt, including an attorney serving as an independent professional, alongside two fitness professionals. These judges were briefed on Guinness guidelines and observed Pecht’s form to ensure each repetition met the required standards.
Pecht, a former basketball player for Whitworth University, is no stranger to the pursuit of this particular record. His Sunday performance in Sherman Oaks marks an improvement over his previous attempt in July. On his 43rd birthday, July 12, Pecht completed 31 grappler pull-ups in one minute at Body Unlimited Fitness in Spokane Valley, Washington. That earlier feat had already surpassed the official Guinness World Records mark of 29, which was held by Elias Benz of Switzerland.
The previous attempt in Washington was also carefully documented, with the performance recorded from multiple camera angles and monitored by witnesses as part of the Guinness verification process. For that occasion, Pecht, who performs under the moniker “Lumberjack Lance,” wore a red-and-black sleeveless flannel as he strained for his 31 successful repetitions.
Following his July attempt, Pecht articulated his motivation to television station KXLY in Spokane, stating, "Initially I just made up my mind. I wanted a world record." He elaborated on his selection of the specific challenge, noting that he "started looking at pull-ups and things I was actually better at.” Pecht expressed hope that his efforts would inspire others to pursue their own ambitious goals. He also told KXLY, "I didn’t want to be the best in my area. I wanted to be the best in the world."
Now, with 36 repetitions successfully completed in the Valley, Pecht's latest effort awaits review from Guinness World Records, potentially setting a new standard for this formidable test of grip and upper body strength.
