Physical activity initiatives offer universities an opportunity to improve student wellbeing while encouraging conversations about mental health. The University of Melbourne evaluated The Push-Up Challenge, a national program combining a month-long physical activity challenge with daily mental health education, self-care messages and help-seeking information. Tracking more than 29,000 participants, the study found improvements in wellbeing, increased help‑seeking and greater engagement in self‑care, alongside a rise in physical activity during the challenge. Although these activity levels were not sustained long term, the findings suggest universities can leverage engaging, large‑scale wellbeing campaigns to boost physical activity, strengthen mental health literacy and encourage early help‑seeking among students.
Citation: Logan, N., Morgan, A., Ross, A., et al. Evaluating the Push-Up Challenge: Impacts on Mental Health, Help-Seeking and Exercise Behaviours in Australia. Journal of Prevention, 2026. (link)
