Over 3000 Aussies affected by FSHD muscular dystrophy are slowly losing the ability to walk, eat, blink or even smile. But you can help change that and give life to muscles!
Sign up to support FSHD muscular dystrophy and muscle regeneration research. Everyone needs healthy muscles, and everyone can support in some way - whether it’s doing squats or donating!
Sign Up and Squat!
It's super easy to get started. Sign up, set a fundraising goal, and tell the world about how you are using your muscles for those who can't!
Sign Up
Sign up and set your own squat target to get fit and raise funds for FSHD Global Research Foundation. Do whatever challenges YOU - whether it's 10 squats a day or 100!
Squat and Share
Do the squats and share your progress with friends. Ask them to donate in support of muscular dystrophy research that will help everyone enjoy healthy muscles!
Be Rewarded
Feel good and hit fundraising targets to recieve extra rewards from caps to t-shirts. Every $50 raised earns a chance at winning even more valuable prizes!
Are You a Workplace?
Register as an Organisation and set up a Team OR Join an Existing Team below...
Join Those Using Their Muscles for Good
FSHD Global's Squat Challenge began in 2020, and everyone from althletes to schoolchildren have joined in to raise funds for research. Most of those with FSHD can't do a squat or any of the other things many people take for granted. Show your support and use your muscles for them!
“Our game is built on what the body can do. Our squad gets through thousands of squats every season without a second thought, and this Foundation is fighting for people who've had that ability taken from them. That's why we're asking everyone at Accor to do the one thing so many Australians living with FSHD can't.”
Bulldogs CEO, Aaron Warburton
"I was thinking of starting a family at the time I turned out to have FSHD. By doing the Squat Challenge, I hope to inspire people. Most of us with FSHD are unable or not recommended to do squats, so I take on the challenge in their honour—to build muscle for those who can’t. My goal is not to be the strongest, but to be the strongest version of myself." Read more
Nathan Hillman
Are you up to the challenge?
Not everybody can do a squat (even former rugby players as Drew Mitchell shares in this video) but if you're willing to take on the September Squat Challenge and use your muscles for those who can't, you'll be in some pretty amazing company...
Squat Challenge Sponsors
Leaderboards
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About FSHD Global Research Foundation
3000+ Australians affected
30% with no family history
50% inheritance chance
For more information on FSHD muscular dystrophy, our research, diagnostics, and patient advocacy programs, or for a copy of our annual report, visit our main website: fshdglobal.org
$33 million raised for research, clinical trial infrastructure, advocacy and Australian patient support
11 countries conducting FSHD Global-funded research from discovery science to enabling clinical trials and development of new diagnostics and treatments
350+ FSHD Global-funded tests provided to Australian patients and family members alongside personalised support and advocacy programs
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't do a squat?
You should get the OK from your GP before taking on a fitness challenge, so if you can't do a squat then don't do the physical stuff. You can still encourage others to sign up or donate directly to help.
What if I sign up later in September?
No worries! Do what you can during September. Some days you may be sore and need to take a break, so if you don't meet your squat target don't worry. What matters is raising awarness and vital funds for research.
What if I don't want to share on social media or raise money online?
It's ok to do it your way! If you can sign up online, then it's easy for us to collect your details. But if you'd like to call or email, we can register you as a fundraiser and share ways to donate offline. Phone 02 8007 7037 or email admin@fshdglobal.org
How do I log squats?
Your page tracks your fundraising not your squats, but you can use the blog function on your dashboard to share your daily or weekly squat wins - it keeps yourself and your donors motivated to keep going!
