The TikTok Famed '75 Hard' Challenge Is Not Fit For All

Just a few days into the new year is a good time to look back at the New Year's resolution, for health, diet and fitness! A 75-ditness challenge may not be the first thing that comes to your mind. However, this has gained a massive traction on TikTok. It is called the "75 Hard" challenge, where participants also document their progress. The challenge includes strict rules to comply with. These include: adhering to a healthy diet with no cheat meals or alcohol, completing two 45-minute workouts daily (one outdoors), drinking over three liters of water, and reading 10 pages of a non-fiction book each day.

While this might seem like a straightforward regime, experts suggest that for some, a more relaxed version may help them better.

What the participants feel?

As reported in BBC, Devamsha Gunput, 29, who successfully completed the 75 Hard challenge while juggling a full-time job as a digital consultant in Edinburgh described it as a "tough but transformative journey". One of the biggest challenges she faced was setting boundaries with her South Asian family to maintain her strict diet.

Living in Edinburgh’s dark, wet, and cold weather made outdoor workouts particularly difficult. Despite these hurdles, Devamsha noticed lasting benefits, including more consistent exercise habits, improved reading routines, and a better relationship with food.

The origin of this challenge

The challenge was originally created in 2019 by author and podcaster Andy Frisella to foster mental toughness. While not a certified personal trainer or doctor, Frisella designed the program based on his personal experiences, emphasizing discipline rather than weight loss or specific physical outcomes.

Initial challenges

For Sophie Deakins, 27, who completed the challenge while managing a cinema in London, 75 Hard was a way to address her struggles with consistency and discipline. She eliminated sweets, opting instead for natural sugars from fruit and honey, and tracked her diet and water intake meticulously.

Sophie found the first few weeks challenging as she adjusted to new habits, particularly when socializing, as it often revolved around dining out and drinking. By being open about her goals, she was able to navigate these situations without succumbing to temptation.

Post-challenge, Sophie continued some habits, like avoiding unnecessary coffee shop purchases and limiting eating out, which not only improved her health but also saved her money. Most importantly, she experienced a significant mindset shift, overcoming self-doubt and excuses about time.

Balancing the Pros and Cons

While many find 75 Hard rewarding, it’s not suitable for everyone. Strength and conditioning expert and gym coaches advise considering the significant time commitment required for the workouts, reading, and other tasks. They suggest adopting simpler elements like daily movement and drinking more water without feeling overwhelmed.

Motivation is another concern. The pressure to transform one’s life at the start of the year can be counterproductive. Experts recommend setting achievable goals that add joy and value to daily life rather than creating stress.

What does not work out?

The 75 Hard challenge has not been clinically studied, nor has it been made after considering an average person's ability to cope with such changes so quickly. It is personally designed by Frisella, whose strength may not match others. This is what is making its long-term benefits unclear. Healthcare providers, doctors, and other experts point out that a more basic routine, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, might achieve similar results without the extreme demands.

Ultimately, while 75 Hard can help build discipline and mental toughness, it’s essential to tailor health and fitness goals to your needs. For reliable guidance, the NHS Live Well website offers comprehensive advice on diet, exercise, and mental well-being.