Sanford man lifts 100 tons in under 90 minutes
Chuck Pula, 78, completed 3,000 repetitions across 30 machines at a local gym to beat his previous record.
By Eric Collins ·
Chuck Pula, a 78-year-old resident of Sanford, recently completed a physical challenge by lifting 100 tons of weight in less than 90 minutes. He performed the feat at Planet Fitness, executing 3,000 repetitions across 30 different machines. The 90-minute timeframe represents a personal milestone for Pula, who previously completed a similar 100-ton lift in two hours during 2025.
Pula explained that he set the 90-minute limit based on the average duration of a typical workout. “The average workout enthusiast works out about 1 to 1 1/2 hours per workout,” Pula said. He noted that his training sessions had been getting closer to the 100-ton mark within that timeframe. “I have timed my training workouts and have continued to get closer and closer to 100 tons in under 90 minutes,” he added.
The approach to this challenge differed significantly from his previous attempts. Pula stated that earlier 100-ton workouts required heavier weights, fewer repetitions, and longer rest periods between sets. For the recent challenge, he doubled the number of repetitions while lowering the individual weight. He selected exercises that allowed for rapid movement, ensuring he worked every part of his body from the traps to the calves.
Pula described the process as a matter of conditioning his body to handle the high volume of work until it became routine. “It was a process. I had to condition my body to do more reps and handle it until it was almost normal,” he said. He emphasized that he is not a former powerlifter or bodybuilder, but rather a consistent workout participant who avoids following every piece of expert advice.
The Sanford resident does not use a personal trainer or performance-enhancing drugs. His regimen includes protein, creatine, and a healthy diet. Pula takes no pre- or post-workout supplements. Instead, his pre-workout routine involves eating various dark chocolates. “I was very satisfied with my phenomenal performance at age 78,” Pula said. “I am just a consistent workout guy.”
