Mike Aidala Does It Again — Reclaiming the Turkish Get-Up World Record

On February 21st, 2026, in Arvada, Colorado, the floor at Arsenal Health was electric. More than 100 friends, family memebrs, and supporters packed in to watch Mike Aidala attempt to reclaim his Turkish Get-Up world record. The event, called "Get Back Up," was powered by REP Fitness and while free to attend, acted as a foundraiser for ValorFit for those who could spare a contribution.

To understand why this event was so exciting, you have to rewind back to 2025. Nearly a full year previously, Aidala uped the ante on the Turkish Get-Up's world record by a remarkable 55 pounds — going from the previously set 200 pounds up to 255 pounds. However, shortly after, he learned his record had been beat by a mere two pounds. The new mark? 257.5 pounds. 

He set a date where he'd make another attempt, spending the months leading up to it training rigorously.

Get Back Up First Attempt

Mike opened things up with attempts north of 270 pounds — he didn't just want to sneak past the 257.5 pound record, he wanted to annihilate it. But the Turkish Get-Up isn't a lift you can muscle through on willpower alone. "[It's] a unique orchestra of movement that requires many aspects to play in tune," says Aidala. Shoulder stability, timing, positioning, tension — if one piece of the puzzle is off, the whole thing falls apart.

For two and a half hours, he battled through nearly 20 attempts. Coming close many times, but unable to complete the lift. In the end, it just wasn't his day.

"Yesterday didn't end up as planned," Aidala shared afterward. "I took a big swing at some heavy attempts over 270 [pounds] and missed."

ValorFit Fundraising for Veterans

But the day managed to be a win anyway. The event raised over $3,000 for ValorFit, a non-profit organization that connects veterans with a supportive community in the gym and fitness space, supporting both physical fitness and mental health. A cause that's personal to Aidala. Both of his grandfathers served in the military — one survived as a POW through World War II, the other died by suicide when Mike was five years old.

Veteran suicide remains a serious issue, with rates of suicides among both men and women who have served consistently rising over the years — averaging nearly 20 deaths a day.

"Movement can be a powerful pathway back to purpose, connection, and resilience," Aidala shared. Supporting ValorFit isn't performative for him — it's personal.

Get Back Up Second Attempt

So, even though the lift didn't go that afternoon, Aidala wasn't throwing in the towel. "I'm down, but not out," he said. "I will get back up."

Two days later, Aidala walked back into the gym — fresh and ready to try again. He loaded up his bar and stood up with 260+ pounds locked out overhead.

A new world record.

What's Ahead

Pictured above: Aidala's world record breaking success in 2025.

Now, after some well-earned rest, Aidala is setting his sights on his next challenge: the Leadville Trail 100 — both the ultramarathon trail run and the mountain bike race through the heart of the Rocky Mountains — in six months. Because for Aidala, apparently, the only thing harder than standing up with 260-plus pounds overhead is sitting still.

And if this weekend proved anything, it's that when he says he'll get back up, he means it.