75 Hard: Is It Worth It?

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, committing to a 75-day workout regimen might not immediately come to mind.

However, this new trend, dubbed "75 Hard," has gained significant traction on TikTok, where individuals share their progress.

What Does the 75 Hard Challenge Entail?

The rules are straightforward but demanding—participants must adhere to a healthy diet without cheat meals or alcohol, complete two 45-minute workouts daily (one of which must be outdoors), drink over three liters of water, and read ten pages of a nonfiction book each day.

While the routine may seem manageable on paper, the reality is far from easy. Those who’ve completed the challenge have shared their experiences, and experts caution that such a strict approach might not suit everyone. Adopting a more flexible version could be a better choice for many.

Tackling New Frontiers

Devamsha Gunput, a 29-year-old digital consultant, completed the challenge last March while balancing a full-time job in Edinburgh.

She admits it was extremely tough, especially during the dark, wet, and cold days that required one workout outdoors.

For Devamsha, the biggest challenge was establishing boundaries with her South Asian family to stick to the rigorous diet.

"Exercising twice daily and being strict with my diet were new and uncomfortable areas for me," she explains.

Despite the difficulties, the results were transformative—her exercise habits, approach to food, and reading routines have all drastically improved.

Originally created in 2019 by author and podcaster Andy Frisella, the goal of 75 Hard is to build mental toughness.

Although Frisella lacks credentials as a personal trainer or medical professional, the plan emphasizes a balanced and nutrient-rich diet (though it doesn't offer specific guidance).

Recently, variations such as "75 Soft" and "75 Medium" have emerged, allowing participants to incorporate occasional cheat meals and drinks.

A Shift in Mindset

Sophie Deakins, a 27-year-old assistant cinema manager in London, also completed the 75 Hard challenge.

Frustrated with her lack of discipline and consistency in other plans, Sophie revamped her diet by cutting out processed sweets while allowing natural sugars like honey and fruit.

She prepared all her meals at home and tracked her water and protein intake using an app.

Socializing posed the biggest obstacle for Sophie since outings often involved dining and drinking.

To overcome this, she was upfront about her commitment, which reduced pressure during social events.

After finishing, Sophie continues to avoid frequent dining out and unnecessary purchases like coffee, which has helped her save money.

More importantly, the experience shifted her mindset. "It taught me that I can conquer self-doubt and excuses about time," she shares.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

While 75 Hard has its advocates, experts urge caution before taking on the challenge.

Strength and conditioning coach Tana von Zitzewitz highlights the significant time commitment required—not just for workouts but also for reading and other activities.

She encourages incorporating manageable elements, like 45 minutes of daily physical activity, drinking more water, and limiting screen time, but warns that it’s essential to understand the intensity involved.

Motivation is another key concern, as excessive pressure to make sweeping life changes can make the process feel punitive instead of positive. "Find a way to challenge yourself with kindness," she advises, to avoid turning healthy habits into a form of punishment.

From a medical standpoint, NHS GP Sam Whiteman points out that the challenge hasn’t undergone clinical studies, so its efficacy is unproven.

He suggests that a less restrictive regime—such as exercising a few times a week and eating healthy—might provide comparable results.

For those looking to adopt healthier habits, Whiteman recommends the NHS Live Well website, which offers resources on developing balanced diets, exercise routines, and maintaining mental health.

A Focus on Mental Toughness

Interestingly, 75 Hard’s creator, Andy Frisella, does not include weight loss or appearance goals in the challenge.

While daily progress pictures are encouraged, the emphasis is on how participants feel by the end of the process rather than how they look.

This mindset shift has helped the challenge avoid unhealthy focus on physical appearance, as participants highlight mental and emotional growth in their TikTok content.

Final Thoughts

For those considering 75 Hard, understanding the commitment and assessing whether it aligns with their lifestyle and goals is critical.

While some find it life-changing, others might benefit more from adjusting the challenge's intensity to fit their needs.

Whether choosing to explore 75 Hard, its softer variations, or entirely different approaches, the ultimate focus should be on developing sustainable, healthy habits that enhance overall well-being.

Source: bbc

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.