​CMHA launches “Push-Up Challenge” for mental health awareness

This February, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Grey Bruce is inviting the community to take part in a ground-breaking fitness and mental health initiative: the “Push-Up Challenge.”

In a bid to rally support for mental health, participants are encouraged to complete 2,000 push-ups over 23 days, beginning Feb. 1. This event symbolizes the 20 per cent of Canadians who will experience mental illness each year.

The challenge is more than just a fitness endeavour; it's an opportunity for Canadians of all ages and backgrounds to engage in mental health through physical activity, connection, and education. It's a free event, with fund-raising being an optional, yet impactful, component to support the work of CMHA Grey Bruce.

Participants will be “pushing up” not only to boost their physical health but also to gain insights into mental health. Each day, the number of push-ups will align with a significant mental health fact, making this a unique educational experience.

For those seeking alternatives, exercises, such as sit-ups, squats, or other forms, are also welcomed. A dedicated application (app) will aid participants in tracking their progress, fund-raising, and connecting with others involved in the challenge.



The challenge has made remarkable strides in Australia over the past seven years, drawing in more than 500,000 participants who have completed 900 million push-ups and raised more than $36-million for mental health. 2024 marks its inaugural year in Canada, led by the CMHA.

"The Push-Up Challenge is not just an event, it's a movement toward a healthier, more informed community,” says Claudia den Boer, interim chief executive officer at CMHA Grey Bruce.

“It's a unique blend of physical challenge and mental health awareness, highlighting the fact that there is no physical health without mental health. We're thrilled to bring this initiative to Canada for the first time, and we encourage everyone in Grey-Bruce to join us in pushing for better mental health."

Registration for the Push-Up Challenge is now open for individuals, teams, workplaces, clubs, gyms, and schools at www.thepushupchallenge.ca. Join in making a difference, one push-up at a time.

The Push-Up Challenge was founded by Nick Hudson in Australia in 2017. It began as a challenge among four friends and has grown to become Australia’s largest mental health and fitness event. 2024 is the first year for the challenge in Canada, where individuals will complete 2,000 push-ups over 23 days in February to raise awareness about mental health.

The event is a fun way for Canadians to connect with one another, get fit, and learn about mental health, with participants encouraged to raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association.