Meet the man who did 1 million push-ups: How Kevin Cullum turned fitness into a mental health mission

Kevin Cullum, a 35-year-old dad of two, has just hit an amazing milestone—1 million push-ups since 2015! But his story isn’t just about getting fitter; it’s about persistence, mental strength, and proving that even small steps can lead to big things. What started as a simple way to track his fitness turned into a mission to inspire others. With every push-up, Kevin didn’t just build muscle—he shared his journey to encourage others to take on their own challenges, big or small.

Cullum achieved his goal of 1 million pushups after nearly a decade of beginning his pushup mission in 2015. He started sharing his journey on Instagram as the pushup guy after achieving nearly 100,000 pushups. “I was trying to break the world record for the most push-ups done in one hour,” he said, adding that he trained for a couple of months, but when he started getting injuries he thought he wouldn’t be able to do it. “So that’s when I fully transitioned my focus to doing a million push-ups.”
Apart from inspiring millions to be more fit, Kevin also spreads awareness around mental health and shares his own struggles with anxiety.

He started his journey after hearing a colleague talk about tracking their own fitness progress.

What are pushups and how to incorporate them into the routine

Push-ups are one of those classic exercises that never go out of style. They’re simple but effective, working multiple muscle groups all at once—your chest, shoulders, arms, and core. The best part? You don’t need a gym or fancy equipment—just your body and the floor.
If you’re just starting with push-ups, focus on getting the basics down. Place your hands slightly wider than your shoulders, keep your body straight (no sagging in your back!), and tighten your core. Slowly lower your chest towards the floor, then push yourself back up. The key is smooth, controlled movements—don’t rush it. Just go at your own pace and build up strength over time.

Incorporating push-ups into your routine doesn’t mean you need to do a million right away. Start with a number you’re comfortable with, and then slowly increase it as you get stronger. Whether you add them at the beginning or end of your workout, or do them in sets throughout the day, consistency is key.

How such fitness goals can boost self-confidence and ease anxiety

When Kevin began his

push-up challenge

in 2015, he didn’t set out to become a fitness influencer or break records. It all started with a personal goal to see what he could accomplish over time. But the effects of working toward that goal were much bigger than just physical strength.
Setting big fitness goals, like reaching 1 million push-ups, can do wonders for your mental health. Hitting a big goal shows you’re capable of more than you think, and that confidence can carry over to your work, relationships, and personal growth.
For Kevin, the push-ups weren’t just about fitness—they were a way to manage his anxiety. Focusing on a clear, achievable goal helped him redirect his energy from worrying to doing something productive. “Each push-up represents growth,” he says. “It’s about believing in yourself and knowing you can achieve big things.”

Connection between workout and anxiety

We all know exercise does wonders for your body, but it’s also fantastic for your mind. Whether you’re lifting weights or going for a jog, working out releases endorphins—those mood-boosting chemicals in your brain. For anyone dealing with anxiety, it’s even more helpful. Exercise gives you a chance to tune out the stress and focus on something positive, like the rhythm of your movements. It’s a great way to clear your head, ease tension, and feel better both mentally and physically.
Kevin’s journey shows how fitness can help with mental strength. As he worked through his push-up challenge, the simple, repetitive motion kept him focused and calm. It wasn’t just about getting stronger—it was about building mental resilience and finding some peace. For anyone struggling with anxiety, using exercise as a way to clear your mind and ease stress can really make a difference.
Moreover, Kevin’s experience highlights how important it is to set goals that stretch your limits but are still attainable. A fitness goal like 1 million push-ups might seem out of reach for most, but it’s the kind of challenge that shows how breaking down large goals into smaller steps can have a huge impact.
What started as a personal challenge in 2015 quickly grew into something much more significant for Kevin. His push-ups weren’t just about fitness—they became a symbol of grit and persistence. Each rep took him closer to his 1 million push-up goal, but along the way, he realized the journey was about more than just hitting a number.
Kevin now shares his journey on Instagram, inspiring others along the way. “Stick with it long enough, and you can achieve incredible things,” he says. And he’s right—whether it’s fitness or anything else, perseverance and consistency are key to turning big goals into reality, one step (or push-up) at a time.