by In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find the time and motivation to commit to a strict fitness regimen. However, for those looking to make a serious change in their health and fitness level, the 75 Hard Challenge may be just the kickstart they need.
I recently completed the 75 Hard Challenge, and let me tell you, it was no walk in the park. But the results were absolutely worth it. Over the course of the challenge, I lost 20 pounds and transformed my body in ways I never thought possible.
The 75 Hard Challenge is a fitness challenge created by entrepreneur Andy Frisella. The premise is simple: commit to following a set of rules for 75 days straight without any cheat days or breaks. The rules include following a strict diet, completing two 45-minute workouts each day (one of which must be outdoors), drinking a gallon of water daily, reading 10 pages of a self-help book, taking progress photos, and abstaining from alcohol or cheat meals.
At first glance, these rules may seem daunting. And I won’t lie, they absolutely are. But with the right mindset and determination, it is possible to successfully complete the challenge and see incredible results.
For me, the most challenging aspect of the 75 Hard Challenge was the strict diet. As someone who loves their sweets and carbs, cutting out processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats was a major adjustment. But I knew that in order to see real changes in my body, I needed to fuel it with nutritious whole foods.
Meal prepping became my best friend during the challenge. I spent Sundays planning out my meals for the week, cooking up batches of lean proteins, vegetables, and complex carbs to have on hand for quick and easy meals. Having healthy, ready-to-eat options in my fridge made it much easier to stick to my diet and resist the temptation of unhealthy takeout or snacks.
In addition to my diet, the two daily workouts were another significant challenge. I work a full-time job and have a busy schedule, so finding time to fit in two 45-minute workouts each day was no easy feat. But I made it a priority to wake up early and squeeze in a sweat session before work, and then do a second workout in the evening.
One of the rules of the challenge is that one of your workouts must be done outdoors, rain or shine. This was particularly tough for me, as I live in a rainy climate and prefer the comfort of a climate-controlled gym. But I forced myself to bundle up and hit the pavement, raincoat and all, and found that the fresh air and change of scenery actually made my outdoor workouts enjoyable.
Another aspect of the challenge that I found to be incredibly beneficial was the daily reading requirement. I have always been an avid reader, but I often found myself neglecting books in favor of mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching Netflix. The 75 Hard Challenge forced me to prioritize personal development and self-improvement, and I found that taking the time to read 10 pages of a self-help book each day helped to keep me motivated and focused on my goals.
One of the key components of the 75 Hard Challenge is mental toughness. Completing the challenge requires a significant amount of discipline, resilience, and self-control. There were days when I felt exhausted, unmotivated, and tempted to give up. But I reminded myself of why I started the challenge in the first place – to improve my health, fitness, and overall well-being – and that gave me the strength to push through.
One of the techniques that helped me stay on track during the challenge was the use of a visual tracker. I created a calendar and marked off each day that I successfully completed all of the requirements of the challenge. Seeing my progress visually laid out in front of me was incredibly motivating and served as a constant reminder of how far I had come and how much closer I was to reaching my goal.
After 75 days of strict adherence to the challenge rules, I stepped on the scale and was amazed to see that I had lost 20 pounds. But even more than the physical changes, I noticed a significant improvement in my mental health and overall well-being. I felt more energized, confident, and empowered than ever before. The 75 Hard Challenge had pushed me to new limits and shown me that I was capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.
In conclusion, the 75 Hard Challenge was one of the toughest things I have ever done, but it was also one of the most rewarding. The discipline, dedication, and mental toughness that I gained from completing the challenge have carried over into other areas of my life, and I now feel more equipped to tackle any obstacle that comes my way. If you are looking to make a serious change in your health and fitness level, I highly recommend taking on the 75 Hard Challenge. It may feel never-ending and daunting at times, but with the right mindset and determination, you can achieve incredible results and transform your body and mind in ways you never thought possible.
