By Heidi Cheadle - Regenesis Fitness Club Manager and Personal Trainer.
This is my third year as a “push-upperer” taking part in the annual push up challenge from 1 – 25 June. Over the course of the challenge, the total amount of push ups completed is 3,318, which represents the number of people who succumbed to suicide in Australia in 2019. Each day has a different daily target of push ups to be completed that reflects a mental health statistic.
I like that you can sign up in a team, so you can all chip away together to hit the targets. I have signed up with several girls from my cricket team which has been a great way to stay connected throughout the off season and to see who will bank the most! It can be quite demanding, so I also like that squats and sit ups can be substituted for push ups if you need. This year however, is my first year that I am attempting to hit each daily target in full while being a part of the team. Please send help!
Mental health affects so many of us so much of the time. Being a part of a solution that also raises awareness and reduces the stigma around mental health issues is a no brainer for me. With the help of some incredibly generous donors, my team and I have raised over $800, with the whole challenge raising over $3 million so far.
I am extremely fortunate to be able to participate each year with the help of some incredible people in my circle cheering me on. I am especially proud to participate this year, as I have recruited several of my strong and supportive clients to create their own team and #pushforbetter mental health in Australia.
I push up for my friends, for lifeline, for myself and most importantly, for those who can’t.
557 down, 2761 to go.
Let’s go!