The Push-Up Challenge has demonstrated its remarkable impact on participants, as revealed by a recent study conducted by The University of Melbourne. The findings, based on evaluations before and after the 2024 Challenge in Australia, underscore the transformative power of movement and community in fostering mental wellbeing.
The study examined the event’s effects on mental health, physical activity, social connectedness, and mental health literacy. Participants reported significant improvements in mental wellbeing, resilience, and social connection. For individuals facing mental health challenges, the event was particularly impactful, with noticeable reductions in the severity of depression and anxiety - benefits that extended even three months post-event.
The Challenge encouraged participants to take proactive steps for their mental health. Those with mental health concerns were more than twice as likely to seek help following the event, turning to health professionals, loved ones, or digital support groups. Additionally, participants adopted self-care strategies such as exercising, spending time in nature, and connecting with friends or pets, with these positive habits persisting long after the event.
Physical activity also surged among participants, along with a shift in attitudes towards exercise. The Push-Up Challenge proved effective in engaging individuals across all ages and genders, notably reaching men, who are often less likely to engage with mental health initiatives.
Professor Nicola Reavley of The University of Melbourne highlighted the Challenge's unique role in improving mental and physical wellbeing: “Our evaluation shows that The Push-Up Challenge is having an impact on mental and physical wellbeing across all ages and genders, and is particularly effective in engaging men, who can be harder to reach. The Challenge’s unique mix of exercise and mental health awareness provides valuable opportunities to build resilience, strengthen social connections, and support long-term healthy habits,"
Nick Hudson, Founder and CEO of The Push-Up Challenge, expressed his gratitude and excitement: “The Push-Up Challenge team works tirelessly to run the best event we possibly can, because we’ve always believed that community and physical activity can have a huge impact on mental wellbeing. Seeing the University of Melbourne evaluation findings are validating, humbling and motivating. Whether you’ve participated in the Challenge before, donated, shared a social media post or referred us to a friend, you’ll know that The Push-Up Challenge is about so much more than push-ups: it’s about feeling good and becoming that little bit better at understanding ourselves both mentally and physically.”
With the next Challenge set to run in Canada from 5 to 27 February, we're inviting Canadians to take on 2,000 push-ups, for the ~2,000 lives lost to suicide everyday, worldwide. Participants receive daily mental health tips and can fundraise for The Canadian Mental Health Association. Sign up now to be part of the push for better.
