REGINA — Mayor Chad Bachynski is putting muscle behind mental health, taking part in the Canadian Mental Health Association’s national Push-Up Challenge and inviting the entire city to join him.
The challenge calls on Canadians to complete 2,000 push-ups over the course of the campaign, representing lives lost to suicide and raising awareness about mental health across the country. Each day’s total is tied to a mental health statistic, turning physical effort into education and reflection.
For Bachynski, signing up was an easy decision.
“For me, mental health is incredibly important,” he said. “We talk about it at the city, in people’s personal lives and in my own life. About half of people will experience some kind of mental health challenge in their lifetime. This is one small but meaningful way to bring awareness to that reality.”
The mayor committed on day one and has been keeping pace with the daily targets, sharing his progress publicly on his official Facebook and Instagram pages.
“Some days are lighter, some are heavier, because each day is based on a statistic,” he explained. “But I’m keeping up with the requirement each day. So far, so good.”
The structure of the challenge mirrors the reality of mental health itself. Some days feel manageable. Others demand more.
Bachynski says that is exactly why initiatives like this matter.
“Physical activity can help with mental health,” he expressed. “This challenge is a great way to address that. It’s something people can get behind. It can be fun, but it also spreads awareness in a meaningful way.”
He is encouraging residents to use their own networks to multiply the impact.
“If you’re able, jump in,” he urged. “Use your platform. Challenge your friends and family. Bring that awareness forward and participate.”
The Push-Up Challenge is open to individuals and teams, allowing workplaces, schools and community groups to take part together. Participants can complete traditional push-ups or alternative exercises, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. The challenge runs until Feb. 27.
In a time when conversations about mental health are more open than ever but stigma still lingers, visible leadership can make a difference. Bachynski’s public participation sends a clear message that mental health belongs in everyday discussion, from council chambers to living rooms.
And he’s not just talking about it. He’s doing the reps.
Residents can follow the mayor’s progress on his official Facebook and Instagram accounts and learn how to sign up for the challenge themselves.
