Every push-up has a purpose. Sure, they build your chest, tighten your core, and test your grit—but this June, push-ups become something more. They become a daily reminder that strength isn’t just about muscle. It’s about resilience. It’s about showing up—for your mates, for your mental health, and for the 3,214 Australians we lost to suicide last year.
That’s the number we’ll carry in our arms and shoulders during The Push-Up Challenge 2025. Over 23 days, starting June 4, you’ll aim to complete 3,214 push-ups. That’s about 140 a day, but it’s not just a number—it’s a story behind every rep. Each push-up represents a life lost, a conversation missed, a chance to change the narrative around mental health. And this year, you’ve got the opportunity to be part of something that’s not only physically rewarding but deeply personal and incredibly necessary.
This isn’t just another fitness challenge—it’s a nationwide movement. Whether you’re knocking out reps in your garage, rallying your office team, or squeezing in push-ups between school runs, you’ll be part of a massive community working toward a common goal: to raise awareness and support mental health initiatives across the country. All funds raised go directly to organisations like Lifeline, headspace, and The Push for Better Foundation, helping Australians in crisis get the support they need.
The Power of the Push-Up
And here’s the kicker: while you’re helping others, you’ll be helping yourself too. Push-ups are the real deal when it comes to functional fitness. They build strength across your upper body, fire up your core, and preserve muscle mass as you age—which, let’s face it, becomes more important every year. They’re accessible, effective, and you don’t need a gym membership to knock them out. Just you, the floor, and a bit of fight.
According to our recent guide on how many push-ups you should be able to do at every age, your push-up count is a solid indicator of your overall fitness and longevity. This challenge isn’t just symbolic—it’s a chance to level up physically while anchoring yourself mentally.
The Push-Up Challenge started with one guy—Nick Hudson—using push-ups to claw his way out of depression. Today, it’s raised over $50 million and turned into the largest mental health and fitness event in the country. It’s supported by celebs, athletes, students, clubs, workplaces—you name it. But at its core, it’s still about one thing: showing up.
So here’s the invite. Sign up. Get uncomfortable. Push through the burn. Learn something new about mental health. Share the journey with your crew. And be part of a cause that’s lifting this country, one rep at a time.
Head to thepushupchallenge.com.au to register. It’s free, it’s flexible, and it might just be the most meaningful workout you’ve ever done.
This June, push for better. For your body. For your mind. For the 3,214 who no longer can.
