What if you did it as a team?

Then get on board the May Push-Up Challenge and raise awareness about mental health, while doing your own a favour at the same time.

The team at headspace Port Macquarie will be giving the challenge a red-hot go. So to will the crew at Saltwater Wine stores in Port Macquarie.

headspace Port Macquarie is encouraging young people, local businesses, gyms and clubs in the area to join them.

Participants across the country will connect virtually to challenge themselves physically, learn about mental health and help raise awareness of the 3,046 individuals in Australia whose lives were lost to suicide in 2018.

With Australians currently experiencing disruption to their everyday lives, maintaining positive mental and physical health is a bigger issue than ever before.

The Push-Up Challenge was founded by Perth engineer Nick Hudson three years ago after experiencing depression relating to major open-heart surgery.

"We are facing extraordinarily difficult times with the spread of coronavirus and mandated social isolation and now, more than ever, we believe in the power of online communities and the importance of keeping your mental health in check," Nick said.

Each day as part of the challenge, participants get down and push-up, with the number of push-ups each day changing to reflect a vital mental health statistic.

The Push-Up Challenge runs over 21 days, from May 11-31 and you can register as an individual, a team, or get your workplace, club or gym involved as a community at www.pushupchallenge.com.au

In 2019, almost 50,000 participants got involved in The Push-Up Challenge, ranging in age from 11 to 64 years old, to raise almost $2.5 million for youth mental health services delivered through headspace.

Together, participants completed a total of 55 million push-ups - that's two push-ups for every Australian.

"We would love to see Australians across the country rally together to join us in The Push-Up Challenge. Challenge yourself physically, stay connected with your communities, and most importantly, just have fun," Nick said.

"The figure of 3,046 push-ups can seem daunting, but it is achievable. The push-up target can be tackled by an individual or as a team and the push-ups can be spread across the day. Alternatives to push-ups are also welcome."

Push-ups can be done at home and tracked via the online tracker, which allows you to view your individual and team progress and privately message teammates. The event also features Push-Up of the Day on socials and a daily Spotify playlist.

"This year, we are really excited that participants have the opportunity to fundraise either for headspace nationally, or for their local headspace, meaning funds raised will go directly to supporting young people in local communities."

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said The Push-Up Challenge is a great initiative and headspace is proud to be a partner.

"We know it's so important to look after our physical and mental health particularly at the moment, so this challenge comes at a great time when we're all looking for new approaches to connect socially in fun and healthy ways," he said.

headspace Port Macquarie's community engagement officer, Jules Jamieson said the team is excited to get involved this year.

"It will be an awesome opportunity for not only our team, but the whole community to connect while physically distancing at home," Julie said.

"We've already had several individuals and teams supporting this initiative locally, and we look forward to many more registering for the challenge.

"As an essential service, headspace Port Macquarie has continued, and will continue, to support young people going through a tough time. This is just another way to keep everyone motivated, and most importantly connected at this time."

Registrations are now open at www.thepushupchallenge.com.au

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