The team from Hunter-based indoor climbing gym business, Pulse Climbing will be pushing up for Lifeline Hunter in June during the national Push Up Challenge.

This is the second year the business has been involved in the Push Up Challenge supporting Lifeline Hunter.

Pulse Climbing’s Marketing Manager, Nathan Salwowski said each of the business’ four gyms at Adamstown, Warners Bay, Maitland, and Gosford will set up a staff team.

Nathan said there will be some friendly rivalry between the staff at each gym, who are encouraging their members to join in the challenge too.

“The climbing community and our member base is a really supportive community and most of us have or know of someone who has been impacted by suicide and mental health issues,” Nathan said.

“The work of Lifeline is something we really believe in.

“Climbing is a safe space for people that can help people to overcome mental health challenges so there is an affinity there too.”

The Push-Up Challenge will coincide with the gym’s Winter Warmers Bouldering Competition, which will incorporate push-ups.

“There is a large fitness element to our programs at Pulse Climbing. Rock climbers do a lot of pulling so we can do with some push-ups to even things out,” Nathan said.

Lifeline Hunter’s Business and Community Development Manager, Pat Calabria thanked Pulse Climbing and its members for their continued support of Lifeline and promotion of positive mental health.

Pat said the Push Up Challenge isn’t just about getting fit. He said it is about making a positive impact on your own and others’ mental health.

“This challenge is about having fun, team building and raising awareness,” Pat said.

“It is free to sign up and fundraising is optional.

“People can ask others to sponsor them and, if they choose to push up for Lifeline Hunter, all funds raised will go to supporting the Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis and local suicide prevention support services in the region.

“You can do the challenge solo or create a team or community of teams.”

The challenge runs from 1 June to 23 June. During that time participants are challenged to complete a different number of push-ups most days.

Pat said the goal of 3,144 push-ups represents, sadly, the number of people who died by suicide in Australia in 2021.

“You can set your own goal and can replace push-ups with sit-ups, pull-ups, star jumps, squats or any modified exercise,” Pat said.

“There is an easy-to-use app to support you and help you track your progress.”

The Push-Up Challenge was founded in 2017 and is run by The Push For Better Foundation. The Challenge has become Australia’s largest mental health and fitness initiative. More than 153,000 Australians did the challenge last year.

Lifeline is a beneficiary partner of the challenge this year for the second year running.