Australia’s largest mental health and fitness event, The Push-Up Challenge, returns in 2025 for its eighth year, inviting Australians to raise awareness and funds for mental health by taking on the challenge of completing 3,214 push-ups across 23 days.
Taking place from June 4 to June 26, the event is designed to honour the 3,214 lives tragically lost to suicide in Australia in 2023. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to join the nationwide effort, pushing their limits while contributing to a vital cause. The challenge brings together people from all walks of life to engage in physical activity, connect with others, and learn more about mental health.
A Fun Way to Boost Fitness and Raise Awareness
Nick Hudson, the founder of The Push-Up Challenge, said, “It’s a fun and accessible way to improve your fitness, learn about mental health, and connect with friends, family, and the community, all while remembering those lost to suicide.” The challenge aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering education and encouraging proactive engagement with both mental well-being and physical fitness.
With nearly everyone impacted by mental health challenges at some point in their lives, Hudson emphasized that the event not only raises awareness but also empowers Australians to take positive steps toward improving their mental and physical health.
A Free Event with the Option to Fundraise
The Push-Up Challenge is completely free to participate in, with an option to fundraise and support the event’s charity partners. Participants can raise funds for Lifeline, which provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services, or for headspace, which offers early intervention mental health services for young people. Alternatively, participants can support The Push For Better Foundation, the charity organizing the event, which focuses on mental health education.
Hudson explained, “The Push-Up Challenge brings together three of Australia’s leading mental health organizations with a shared mission to promote mental well-being and support those affected by mental health issues.”
Impact and Results
In 2024, more than 218,000 participants took part in the challenge, completing over 317 million push-ups and raising over $12 million for mental health initiatives. A study by the University of Melbourne revealed the positive impact of the event on participants’ mental well-being. The research found that individuals who participated experienced significant improvements in resilience, social connections, and mental health, with notable reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms both immediately after the challenge and three months later.
The study also showed that participants facing mental health challenges were more than twice as likely to seek professional help after the event and over three times as likely to adopt healthy self-care habits, such as exercising more, spending time outdoors, or connecting with loved ones.
How the Challenge Works
While the challenge involves completing 3,214 push-ups, participants can set their own push-up goals or choose alternative exercises such as sit-ups, squats, or modified exercises. The challenge’s app allows participants to track their progress and see how they’re contributing to the collective effort.
Each day, the number of push-ups corresponds with a key mental health fact, helping participants learn more about mental health while they work toward their goal. This ensures that the event is not only a physical challenge but also an educational experience, empowering participants with knowledge they can use to promote mental well-being in their communities.
Join the Movement
The Push-Up Challenge is more than just a fitness event—it’s a powerful initiative that combines physical activity, mental health education, and community spirit. The event will run from June 4 to June 26, 2025, and participants can sign up now to be part of this impactful movement.
Whether you’re pushing your physical limits or simply aiming to raise awareness and funds for mental health, The Push-Up Challenge offers a unique opportunity to make a difference while improving your own well-being. Will you accept the challenge?
