Latest news with #ThePush-UpChallenge
West Australian
31-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
The Push-Up Challenge: Organisers say there is time to register for event that raises mental health awareness
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.' 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,
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,
Perth Now
14-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
School communities across Perth will take place in the event
Primary school students across Australia are gearing up to take part in National Walk Safely to School Day, aiming to step towards a healthier future while encouraging alternative active transport. In its 26th year, the nationwide initiative encourages families and their children to walk to school as a way to support road safety, physical activity, community connection and promote environmental awareness. The event emphasises not only the physical benefits of walking to school but the impact walking has on children's cognitive and academic performance. Your local paper, whenever you want it. This year, Kewdale Primary School is showing its commitment by inviting police to walk with the students as well as having giveaways, participation certificates and even temporary tattoos. Principal Tracey Irving with Tayte Hannivia-Jones, Paige Daly, Chelsea Gawthorne and Max Oremek. Credit: Andrew Ritchie / The West Australian Kewdale Primary School principal Tracey Irving said the school had proudly taken part in the event for the past four years. 'We are committed to equipping our students with the tools they need for lifelong success, and we believe that physical and mental health are fundamental to achieving that goal,' she said. 'Walking or riding to school is a simple yet powerful step families can take to support their children's health and wellbeing. With most of our students living only a short distance from school, even a brief walk can positively impact their learning, mental and physical health, and overall sense of wellbeing,' As well as taking part of the Walk Safely to School event the school commits to other initiatives such as The Push-Up Challenge, Running club, Minister's Running Challenge and Crunch&Sip. Chief executive of the Pedestrian Council of Australia Harold Scruby shares his concerns regarding the 'disturbing' statistics on the childhood obesity epidemic. 'It continues to affect one-in-four* children at critical levels across Australia,' he said. 'The best exercise for all Australians is walking regularly. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. We should encourage them to take a walk before school, during and at the end of their day.' The initiative also encourages school and P&Cs to host a healthy breakfast on the day. National Walk Safely to School Day is on Friday . *Australian Bureau of Statistics: National Health Survey: First Results, 2017-18
