Sudbury/Manitoulin invited to participate in Push-up Challenge

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Sudbury/Manitoulin – are you ready for the Push-up Challenge which is back for its third year in 2026, encouraging Canadians to get fit, have fun and push for better mental health.

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“The Push-Up Challenge is a meaningful way for people across Sudbury/Manitoulin to come together, get active, and support mental health in our community,” Patty MacDonald, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association – Sudbury/Manitoulin, said in a release. “Mental health touches everyone, and many of us will face challenges throughout our lives. By participating and learning together, we can help break down stigma and encourage people to reach out for support when they need it.”

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Participants will take on 2,000 push-ups across 23 days in February, to remember and honour the approximately 2,000 lives lost to suicide each day worldwide and raise vital funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

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From Feb. 5 to Feb. 27, Canadians will participate in the event, which engages people in mental health through connection, physical activity, and education.

In the Sudbury-Manitoulin area, Hot 93.5 morning host G‑rant will join the local effort as ‘motivator‑in‑chief’, rallying the community to raise awareness and funds. Sudbury police officers and Sudbury firefighters will stage a friendly push‑up competition for bragging rights.

“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,” said Nick Hudson, the founder and CEO of The Push-Up Challenge.

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“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 Canadians to take a more proactive approach to their fitness and mental well-being.”

Following the Challenge, participants who reported experiencing a mental health problem weremore than twice as likely to seek help (including help from a health professional, family member, friend, digital support group or by taking medication), and more than three times as likely to adopt self-care strategies such as doing more exercise, spending time in nature, connecting with a friend or family member or spending time with a pet.

The Push-Up Challenge is free, and participants can choose to fundraise and support CMHA – Sudbury/Manitoulin. Since 2024, more than 120,000 Canadian participants completed more than 100 million push-ups and raised over $6 million for mental health.

If completing 2,000 push-ups feels out of reach, participants can choose exercise alternatives such as sit-ups, squats, or tailored exercises, with progress tracked through a dedicated app.

You can register for The Push-Up Challenge as an individual, team, or get your whole workplace, club, gym, or school involved at www.thepushupchallenge.ca.

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