In February, the Bodyfix crew got behind The Push-Up Challenge to support mental health in Aotearoa. It’s a simple idea with real impact: show up each day, move your body, and raise funds for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (MHF).
As part of the campaign, participants aim to complete 2,000 push-ups between 5–27 February. The number matters: it reflects the estimated number of people who die by suicide each day globally, a reminder of why mental health deserves attention, funding, and real support.
What our Bodyfix community achieved
Because of our members, friends, whānau, and supporters, Team Bodyfix finished the challenge with:
- $2,014 raised for the Mental Health Foundation
- 27 team members took part
- A finish as the #36 ranked fundraising team
Whether you completed every rep, scaled it, donated, shared the link, or encouraged someone through a tough day, THANK YOU. This was a true community effort.
Why we supported The Push-Up Challenge
At Bodyfix, we believe training is about more than fitness. It’s about building habits that support your life: your energy, your confidence, and your wellbeing.
The funds raised through this campaign support the MHF’s work across three core areas:
- Promoting everyday actions that lift mental well-being
- Providing tools and resources that support people through tough times
- Advocating for a better mental health system and society
This is the kind of mahi that helps people feel less alone, and helps communities get stronger together.
A note from Moo Williams, Team Captain and Bodyfix owner
“I’m incredibly proud of our Bodyfix community. The Push-Up Challenge wasn’t just about push-ups, it was about showing up each day, checking in on each other, and supporting a cause that affects so many of us.
We had people of all ages and fitness levels get involved, and that’s what Bodyfix is about: doing hard things together, one small step at a time. Thank you to everyone who took part, donated, or backed the team. You helped us raise $2,014 for the Mental Health Foundation, and that’s something we can all feel good about.”
Movement helps mental health (and community helps even more)
Exercise isn’t a replacement for professional support, but it can be a powerful part of looking after yourself.
Here’s what this challenge reminded us of:
- Consistency beats intensity. A small daily target is often more helpful than an all-or-nothing mindset.
- Movement can be a circuit-breaker. A short walk, a class, or a few minutes of strength work can help shift stress and improve your mood.
- Connection matters. Training alongside others creates accountability and belonging, which are protective for well-being, especially during stressful seasons.
One of the best parts of this campaign was seeing people encourage each other through the harder days, because mental well-being is a bit like training: some days feel easy, and some days feel heavy. Either way, you don’t have to do it alone.
What we loved most about the challenge
- It was inclusive. You didn’t have to be a “push-up person” to take part. The event allows alternatives such as squats, sit-ups, or lunges, making it accessible for different bodies and abilities.
- It created momentum and mental health awareness. A clear daily goal and strong cause helped people build routine. The daily mental health facts served as a reminder of how important this cause is and how many people are affected by mental health-related issues.
- It brought the gym together. Friendly check-ins, shared progress, and a real sense of “we’ve got you”.
Keep the momentum going
If the Push-Up Challenge gave you a spark, here’s a simple weekly structure that supports both physical and mental well-being:
- 2 strength sessions (full body, technique-first)
- 1–3 group classes (conditioning, mobility, boxing, spin, or whatever you enjoy)
- 5–10 minutes of movement daily (walk, stretch, easy bike, breathe)
If you’d like help turning that into a plan you can stick with, chat to a trainer or jump into a class. That’s what we’re here for. Get in touch
Thank you for backing the cause
This campaign may have finished, but the message stays the same:
Whāia te hauora hinengaro kia puāwai ai te hauora tangata – there is no health without mental health.
From Moo and the whole Bodyfix team, thank you for being part of a gym that shows up for each other, on the gym floor and beyond.
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out. Help is available. Find a list of helplines at https://mentalhealth.org.nz/help.
