Today we’re diving into one of the most talked-about fitness and mental toughness challenges out there: the 75 Hard Challenge. If you’ve seen it pop up online or heard someone talk about how it “changed their life,” you probably already know it’s a big deal. But what’s it really like to take on this challenge?
For those who aren’t familiar, the 75 Hard Challenge is a 75-day program designed to push you physically and mentally. It’s not just a fitness challenge—it’s about building discipline and resilience. The rules are simple to understand but tough to follow. Here’s what you have to do every single day for 75 days:
- Two 45-minute workouts, and one has to be outdoors.
- Follow a diet. No cheat meals, no alcohol.
- Drink a gallon of water.
- Read 10 pages of a non-fiction book.
- Take a progress photo.
Miss one thing, and you’re back to Day 1. Brutal, right?
Getting Started
I’ll be honest—starting this challenge was intimidating. It’s not just about hitting the gym or eating clean for a week; it’s committing to doing everything on that list every single day. No skipping, no shortcuts.
The first few days were exciting, though. I was fired up, ready to crush it. But by the end of Week 1, reality hit. Balancing two workouts a day with work, life, and everything else? It was a logistical nightmare. The outdoor workout was especially tough when the weather wasn’t cooperating.
And the water. Oh, man, the gallon of water. At first, it seemed fine—hydration is important, right? But after my fifth trip to the bathroom before lunch, I started questioning my life choices.
Weeks 2-4: The Grind
By the second week, the honeymoon phase was over. This is where the challenge really started to test me. The workouts were draining, the diet got repetitive, and there were days I didn’t feel like reading or taking that progress photo.
But here’s the thing: the structure forced me to keep going. There’s no room for negotiation with yourself. You just do it. And slowly, that daily discipline started bleeding into other areas of my life. I got better at time management, saying no to distractions, and focusing on what really mattered.
Weeks 5-10: Momentum
Around the halfway mark, something shifted. The workouts became less of a chore and more of a habit. I started enjoying the outdoor sessions—there’s something about being out in nature, even when it’s cold or rainy, that just clears your head.
Physically, I felt stronger, leaner, and more energized. But the biggest change was mental. I realized how often we let ourselves off the hook with excuses: “I’m tired,” “I don’t have time,” “I’ll do it tomorrow.” With 75 Hard, there is no tomorrow. You either show up or start over.
The Final Stretch
The last few weeks were tough, but they were also the most rewarding. The routine was so ingrained by then that skipping didn’t even cross my mind. I wasn’t just completing the challenge—I was thriving in it.
When Day 75 came, it wasn’t about a physical transformation (though that was a nice bonus). It was about the mental toughness I’d built. The ability to commit to something and see it through, no matter how inconvenient or uncomfortable it got.
What I Learned
So, is the 75 Hard Challenge worth it? Absolutely—but not for the reasons you might think. It’s not about getting shredded or ticking off boxes on a list. It’s about learning what you’re capable of when you stop making excuses and start holding yourself accountable.
It’s not easy. There were days I wanted to quit. But finishing it proved to me that I can handle hard things—that I can push through, even when every part of me wants to give up.
If you’re thinking about trying it, just know this: the challenge isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence. Take it one day at a time, and you might surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.
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