In 2019, a fitness challenge called the 75 Hard Challenge started making waves. It pushed people to change their eating habits, fitness routines, and mental health practices. You might have seen the before-and-after photos flooding Instagram and TikTok, sparking curiosity about whether this program is right for you. Let’s break it down.
The 75 Hard Challenge was created by Andy Frisella, an entrepreneur and CEO of a supplement company. While he’s passionate about nutrition and fitness, he doesn’t hold professional qualifications in these fields. Frisella describes 75 Hard not as a typical fitness program, but as a “mental toughness” challenge. He came up with this idea after observing how often people start and quit fitness programs, so he designed his own.
The program has six main rules you need to follow every day without exception. If you miss a single day, you have to start over. Frisella himself has shared his success with the program, sharing his transformation photos on Instagram. Many others on social media have also shared stories of getting in shape and feeling better mentally and physically thanks to 75 Hard.
The core elements of the program involve choosing a diet plan and sticking to it, drinking a gallon of water daily, and doing two 45-minute workouts per day. Choosing a diet can lead to weight loss in the short term, but studies have shown that these effects often fade after a year. The recommendation to drink a gallon of water daily slightly exceeds typical fluid intake guidelines, but it’s crucial to stay hydrated during exercise.
The program suggests working out for a total of 90 minutes a day, split into two sessions. A study found exercising can aid in weight loss by affecting appetite hormones, usually requiring significant exercise each week. However, opinions among health professionals are mixed. Some appreciate its simplicity, while others feel it’s too challenging and lacks proper guidance on fitness and nutrition.
There are concerns about workout-related injuries, which have increased over the years. While frequent exercise isn’t inherently problematic, it’s essential to match your activity level with your fitness. Experts suggest beginners should ease into such programs and stress the importance of proper form and rest days.
Though the program advocates an alcohol-free lifestyle and sticking to an eating plan, it’s designed more for developing mental strength. Experts agree these components can be beneficial but emphasize that the challenge might better suit certain personalities or fitness levels. Some worry about what happens after the 75 days.
In summary, like any fitness program, 75 Hard isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best plan for you will depend on your personal goals, current fitness, and lifestyle.
