Latest news with #Push-UpChallenge


West Australian
4 days ago
- Health
- West Australian
June push-up challenge for headspace Margaret River to spotlight national suicide crisis
Community members are being encouraged to get involved in the local headspace's June Push-Up Challenge. Headspace offices across the country are taking up the task to complete 3214 push-ups in 23 days to honour the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2023. Margaret River-based co-ordinator Dorian De Nobrega said there were great reasons to join the Push-Up Challenge. 'When people register for the challenge, they can choose to help raise vital funds for headspace to support our national youth mental health programs, or directly support their local headspace centre in Bunbury, Busselton or Margaret River,' he said. 'By participating and raising funds for headspace, we will be able to pilot new and innovative programs, grow our reach, and improve mental health outcomes of young people living in the region.' The Push-Up Challenge was created to promote awareness and encourage positive mental health, Mr De Nobrega said. The challenge is described as 'a fun and unique way to engage friends, family, colleagues and community in mental health through connection, physical activity and education'. 'Not only is the challenge lots of fun, but the visibility of it also means it generates conversations in our communities,' Mr De Nobrega said. 'These conversations help to reduce the stigma about mental ill health and encourage seeking help so people who are experiencing challenges don't feel so alone.' Mr De Nobrega stressed participants didn't have to be athletes or undertake any gruelling training regimen. They could instead complete half-push-ups, split the load with a friend, or substitute push-ups for less stressful movements like squats or burpees. To register and find out more, visit .


7NEWS
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
TV personality Dan Pasquali is putting his baking skills (and muscles!) to use for a good cause
Dan Pasquali is a content creator, baker and TV personality. He is known online as 'Dan's Bake Lab' where he makes all sorts of incredible sweet and savory dishes. Today, Dan is making dark chocolate and peanut butter protein balls. Dan is an ambassador for the 'Push-Up Challenge' which starts today (Wednesday). Recipe below: Chocolate protein balls This recipe makes 14 balls, each weighing about what I used (though I might double the peanut butter next time for a stronger flavour – I ran out of dates!): Ingredients: 17 Medjool dates 20g instant oats 20g cocoa powder 1 scoop chocolate protein powder 2 Tbsp peanut butter (might double next time!) 2 Tbsp maple syrup 1½ tsp vanilla paste ½ tsp salt 2 Tbsp LSA Coating options: Cocoa powder Cocoa nibs 1 cup dark chocolate + 1 tsp coconut oil Method: Blitz everything in a food processor. Roll into 30g balls. For coating: people can choose how to finish them – roll in cocoa nibs for crunch, dip in melted chocolate, or dust with cocoa powder.


Perth Now
31-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
How you can make a difference by joining Push-Up Challenge
Whether you take on The Push-Up Challenge while kneeling or one-handed, you will be making a difference towards improving mental health across the country. That is the message from founder Nick Hudson who began the initiative with his mates after suffering from his own mental health struggles following open heart surgery several years ago. Fast forward to 2025, the challenge has grown into a national event and has raised more than $50 million for Lifeline, Headspace, and Push for Better Foundation. And this year organisers have set a task of 3214 push-ups over 23 days — to recognise the number of Australians who died by suicide in 2023. 'The Push-Up Challenge is a fun and accessible way to improve your fitness, learn about mental health and connect with friends, family and community, all while honouring the lives tragically lost to suicide,' the Perth local said. 'Mental health challenges will affect nearly everyone at some point in their lives. 'The Challenge aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness through education, and encourage Australians to take a more proactive approach to their fitness and mental well-being.' Cat Ranieri as Jane Funda from Acrobatch with local kids. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian For those who aren't as flexible and fit as an acrobat, Mr Hudson said participants can take on alternative exercises. 'If push-ups aren't your thing we are talking squats, sit ups, lunges,' he said. 'If my dad, who is 75, can be in the challenge then just about anyone can.' In 2024, more than 218,000 participants completed over 317 million push-ups and raised over $12 million for mental health. The challenge not only raised money for mental health but a 2024 study revealed it also improved the mental wellbeing of participants. A University of Melbourne study found The Push-Up Challenge helped participants who may be experiencing a mental health challenge with significant reductions in the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms during the event and three months afterwards. Participants who reported experiencing a mental health problem were also more than twice as likely to seek help and over three times as likely to adopt self-care strategies. The Push-Up Challenge runs from June 4 to 26. To register for The Push-Up Challenge visit,