I Survived 75 Hard for 7 Days – Here’s Why You Should Or Should Never Do It!
This blog is based on a video from my YouTube channel. If you prefer to watch that, click here.
The 75 Hard Challenge is a mental and physical test that has taken the internet by storm. Created by Andy Frisella in 2019, it’s not your average fitness challenge—it's a brutal program designed to push your limits and change the way you think about self-discipline and personal growth. But is it really as life-changing as people say? After completing a week of 75 Hard, I’ve learned the hard way that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. In this post, I’ll share my honest experience, what I learned, and whether I’d recommend it to others.
What is the 75 Hard Challenge?
The 75 Hard Challenge is a 75-day program that requires you to complete five daily tasks without fail. If you miss any task, you must start over from day one. Here’s what the challenge entails:
Drink a gallon of water
Complete two 45-minute workouts (one must be outdoors)
Read 10 pages of a self-improvement book
Follow a healthy diet (no alcohol, no cheat meals)
Take a progress picture each day
Sounds simple, right? Well, it’s not. The challenge is meant to build mental toughness, and you quickly realize that it’s not just about following rules—it’s about changing the way you approach life.
Why I Decided to Try It
To be honest, I didn’t want to do this challenge. I’m someone who values flexibility and hates rigid rules, so the 75 Hard program felt like a huge mental block. However, I also believe in pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and that’s exactly why I decided to give it a try. Sometimes, we need to force ourselves to do the things we don’t want to do—especially when it comes to personal growth.
The idea of 75 days felt daunting, so I decided to break it down into manageable chunks. I committed to trying it for a week and planned ahead to make sure I could stick to the program. I marked everything in my calendar—meal prep, workouts, and even reminders to take my daily progress photo. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail, right?
The Challenges I Faced
From day one, I was hit with unexpected challenges. Here are the biggest hurdles I faced during my first week:
Drinking a Gallon of Water
The gallon of water was way harder than I thought. It’s easy to say, "Just drink water," but when you’re trying to get through a full gallon a day, you realize how much it affects your routine. The constant trips to the bathroom became a joke in my house. It was definitely one of the toughest aspects of the challenge.Two Workouts a Day
The second workout of the day was tough to squeeze into my already packed schedule. I’m someone who loves working out, but having to do two separate 45-minute sessions every day—one of which had to be outdoors—was exhausting. On one particularly rough day, I almost gave up after an exhausting morning. I was dealing with stress from work, an achy body from my volleyball strength training program, and feeling physically drained. But I pushed through and finished my outdoor walk anyway.The Diet
The diet part was actually easier than expected. I already eat relatively clean and follow a Mediterranean-style diet. However, I had to make sure to eliminate processed foods and avoid snacking on protein bars, which was a bit of a challenge for me. Meal prepping helped me stay on track. I made healthy, nutrient-dense meals like chicken soup, salmon with roasted veggies, and protein oatmeal muffins. It wasn’t hard to stick to the diet, but I did have moments where I craved sweets. I didn’t give in, but it was tough.The Reading
The 10 pages of reading each day wasn’t a big challenge for me. I love reading, and I’ve always been a fan of personal development books. For this challenge, I chose The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, which has been an eye-opener. It’s not overly information-heavy, but it’s been a great reminder of how chaotic life can be when we’re constantly rushing. I was able to check off the reading portion without any problems.Time Management
Arguably the biggest challenge was managing time. Between workouts, meals, reading, and the rest of my daily responsibilities, I found myself stretched thin. There were days when my schedule completely fell apart, and I was left scrambling to fit everything in. The mental battles were real—I’d tell myself, "I’ll just start tomorrow," but the truth is, that’s what the challenge is all about: fighting through those moments of resistance and proving you can stick with it no matter how difficult things get.
The Biggest Takeaway: Mental Toughness
So, after a week of following the 75 Hard Challenge, what did I learn? The most important lesson is that willpower isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a skill you build. Every day, I had to make conscious decisions to keep going. I had to remind myself that life isn’t always going to be perfect, and the challenge is about embracing the discomfort and pushing through even when you don’t feel like it. It’s about proving to yourself that you can do hard things, even when you don’t want to.
Would I Recommend the 75 Hard Challenge?
After completing just seven days, I can honestly say this challenge has given me valuable insights into my habits and mindset. Would I recommend it? Yes, but with a few caveats.
The 75 Hard Challenge is ideal for people who are ready to:
Build serious mental toughness
Create structure and discipline in their life
Embrace discomfort and change
Commit to a challenging yet rewarding process
However, it’s not for everyone. If your schedule is already packed or you’re struggling with other responsibilities (like parenting or a hectic job), this challenge may feel like too much. And that’s okay—sometimes the best approach is a personalized one.
Final Thoughts
Seven days into the 75 Hard Challenge, I’m already noticing changes in my mindset. Sure, I haven’t seen drastic physical transformations yet, but I’ve gained something far more valuable: the confidence that I can handle whatever life throws at me.
If you’re considering the 75 Hard Challenge, ask yourself if you’re ready for a serious commitment. If you are, it can be life-changing—not just for your body, but for your mind. But remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and pushing through when it gets tough.
Have you tried the 75 Hard Challenge or thought about giving it a go? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
And as always, if you're looking for a more tailored approach to fitness or self-improvement, feel free to book a call with me and let’s find a plan that works for you.
