How to Run a Push-Up Challenge at Work
Why a push-up challenge works at the office
It needs no equipment, no gym, and almost no time — yet it gets people moving, laughing, and bonding. A push-up challenge is the lowest-effort workplace wellness initiative with the highest engagement, especially with a live leaderboard fuelling the rivalry.
Set simple, fair rules
- Agree on form up front (full vs knee push-ups both count)
- Decide how reps are verified — honour system, or done in pairs
- Set a clear window — a single day, a week, or a month
Decide the format
- Daily total — log push-ups throughout the day, highest total wins
- Max set — most push-ups in one unbroken set
- Streak — hit a daily target every day to keep your streak alive
- Team total — departments compete on a combined count
Track it on a live leaderboard
Put a live leaderboard on the office TV or share the link in Slack. People log their reps and watch the standings shift — that visibility is what turns a quiet challenge into a buzzing one. For remote teams, a shared link works just as well.
Keep it inclusive
Allow scaled options (knee or incline push-ups) and add a "most improved" category so it's not just the fittest who can win. The goal is participation and fun, not intimidation.
Prizes and recognition
Keep prizes light — a trophy that travels desk to desk, a gift card, or bragging rights on the leaderboard. Public recognition is the real motivator.
Get started
Set up a push-up challenge leaderboard in under a minute and drop the link in your team chat. Create one free →