For anyone unfamiliar with the 75 HARD Challenge, it’s a mental toughness program created by Andy Frisella. It’s not just about physical fitness—it’s designed to build discipline, resilience, and strong habits over 75 days. The challenge consists of five daily rules:
- Follow a diet (no cheat meals or alcohol).
- Complete two 45-minute workouts each day, one of which must be outdoors.
- Drink a gallon of water daily.
- Read 10 pages of a non-fiction book.
- Take a progress photo every day.
- Sounds simple, right? Well, it’s more difficult than it seems, and I’d like to share my experience going through it—both the highs and the lows.
My 75 HARD Experience
Weeks 1-2: The Honeymoon Phase The first two weeks were fueled by excitement and motivation. I was fully committed and thriving, following each task to the letter. The only tough part was drinking a gallon of water every day—it took some getting used to, but I pushed through. I felt unstoppable, and the hype around starting this challenge really carried me forward.
Days 15-35: The Struggle As I entered the middle phase, the challenge got significantly harder. This was the part where the initial motivation faded, and I found myself struggling to keep up, especially with the workouts and water intake. There were moments I felt like giving up, but I reminded myself of why I started and kept pushing. These were the most mentally challenging days, but getting through them gave me a new sense of determination.
Day 50: Feeling Invincible By day 50, something clicked. I was tired, but I also felt incredibly strong. After completing 50 days without missing a single task, I felt like nothing could stop me. The outdoor workouts, no matter the weather, felt like just another part of my day. I had reached a level of mental and physical toughness I had never felt before.
Days 51-59: The Struggle Returns Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I hit another low. Around days 51-59, the fatigue and frustration came back. I felt terrible and was ready to give up again, but this is where I realized the real battle happens. I knew I had come too far to fail now, so I kept fighting. If you’re doing the challenge, this is where you have to dig deep.
Days 60-75: The Final Stretch Once I reached day 60, it felt like I was practically done. But here’s the thing: you can’t let your guard down. Confidence was high, but I knew one small slip-up could ruin everything. I stayed alert and disciplined, but I could see how easy it would be to get too comfortable.
Days 68-75: God Mode As the challenge neared its end, I entered what the book calls “God Mode.” At this point, I felt unstoppable—mentally sharp, physically strong, and full of energy. The last few days flew by, and when I finally hit day 75, I knew I had accomplished something truly life-changing.
The Results
By the end of the 75 HARD Challenge, I had lost 15 kg, my energy was through the roof, and I felt mentally clear. The physical changes were great, but the real transformation happened in my mindset. I developed a new level of discipline, and the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. The 75 HARD Challenge isn’t easy, and it’s not supposed to be. But if you’re looking for a way to push your limits, both physically and mentally, this challenge will change you. If you’re thinking about starting, I’m happy to share tips and answer questions—I’d love to hear from anyone who’s done it or is considering it!