My Journey Through the 75 Hard Program
"Little by little, a little becomes a lot" -Tanzanian Proverb.
According to the official 75 Hard website (seen here), 75 Hard is a transformative mental toughness program.
I can confirm it's exactly what it says: tough and transforming. My body changed throughout the days, but more than anything my mindset and confidence changed. 75 days is a long time, but it's going to pass anyway, right? If you're intrigued, keep reading to learn what it is, how it went, and what I'm doing now.
What is 75 Hard exactly?
For 75 days you commit to do six things every single day:
Take a progress picture
45 minute workout twice per day (1 must be outdoors)
Follow a diet (zero alcohol)
Drink a gallon of water
Read 10 pages of non-fiction (check out my Goodreads for what I'm reading)
If you fail to finish any task you start over at day 1. Intense.
I found success by removing any loopholes. It's too easy for me to justify thoughts like "I can skip this second workout because I went for an extra long walk yesterday." It was no nonsense. I focused my energy on getting the tasks done rather than figuring out how to work around it.
It's amazing what happens when you make something non-negotiable.
Why did you do it?
In short, I like giving myself a challenge; something to work towards.
In more detail, I felt like I needed a push. I consider myself a generally fit person. I was feeling less like myself after various life changes: birthing and caring for two children, living through a pandemic, transitioning to Stay at Home Mom life, getting older, etc. I felt sluggish and rarely liked the way I looked in a picture. I decided enough was enough.
As much as it's in my control, I aim to live long and live well. I needed to take my health seriously. I wanted to feel not only comfortable in my clothes, but truly good in them. I wanted to get stronger and feel completely capable. I wanted to be a good example for my girls. I can show them what it looks like to take care of yourself physically and mentally.
The timing didn't make sense when I first came across 75 Hard. I was in the earlier postpartum stage with my second baby and I was exclusively nursing her. Time went by and someone I know finished it which was the push I needed. Nothing was standing in my way except me.
Honestly I didn't think I could stick with it. Prior I had never done anything like it and it seemed unreachable. But I had nothing to lose, so might as well try. If I start a challenge, the perfectionist in me strives to keep going. I don't want to break the chain I started. I think that worked in my favor.
How was your experience?
My 75 Hard experience began on August 26, 2024 and my last day was November 8, 2024. Hot tip: download the 75 Hard app. It was helpful with tracking my tasks and keeping my progress photos all in one place. A free paper tracker works fine, but I liked the ease and convenience (and reminders to finish tasks as needed).
As with anything new, I was excited about the potential changes and I started strong. I love the beginning of something. Sticking with it - the middle - is where it gets tough.
By day 12 I had noted I was hungry, feeling drained, and it was getting harder. This was exactly what I had expected. The fresh, fun feeling of something new had worn off. Only the challenge was left.
By day 21 I was feeling good. I had more energy and found my groove. I imagine it took that long for the sugar cravings to quiet. My body needed time to accept this is what we're doing right now and it finally caught up.
Some days were easier than others, but overall I felt deeply good throughout the program. I was eating well, sleeping well, and knew that I was doing something beneficial for my health.
A lot of life happened throughout the course of the 75 days. We stayed at my parent's beach condo for a long weekend, attended my cousin's wedding, enjoyed an all-inclusive family vacation in Punta Cana, I was sick a couple times, and traveled to see Taylor Swift (!!!!!!). Through it all, I stuck with it. It wasn't always pretty, but I made it work. Day by day, I checked off my tasks and kept going.
What was the hardest part?
When I started planning for this challenge, I thought not drinking alcohol would be extremely difficult. I don't drink much, but this summer meant trips and gatherings. Somehow alcohol always shows up.
I began this challenge already reconsidering the role alcohol has in my life. 75 Hard gave me a great reason to completely remove it to see how I felt without it. Turns out, I feel amazing!
What actually ended up being the hardest part alternated between two of the tasks: fitting in the two workouts each day and drinking a gallon of water. These were especially hard when we traveled and I was out of routine.
I relied on walking for my outdoor workout which I enjoyed. Walking in downpour rain multiple days in a row is something I could do without though. But we did it! A gallon of water equates to 128 oz or 16 cups, which is a just a ton of water. My skin approved, my bladder was working overtime. If I didn't drink enough in the first part of the day it was hard to catch up.
What was the best part?
Figuring out a healthy routine that works for me was the best. I also learned the true power of the morning.
In a perfect world my ideal morning looks something like this...
Wake up at 6am before my kids.
Get ready and dressed - take and upload progress pic.
Do my first 45 minute workout (strength or cardio at home).
Make breakfast (I learned from my acupuncturist this should be cooked food and served warm like eggs or oatmeal).
Read my 10 pages of non-fiction while I enjoy my food.
Switch to mom mode to help my husband and oldest daughter out the door.
My little one and I take a walk (second 45 minute workout) after they leave.
A lot of mornings looked that way, but of course many didn't. Once I was in a groove I knew how to pivot as needed and fit in what was missed at other times. The rest of the day I focused on drinking my water, eating well, and fitting in extra movement as possible.
Front loading the day set the tone and freed up the rest of my time. The tasks weren't hanging over my head all day. Even if everything else fell apart, I fit in the important things (aka put on my own oxygen mask first).
What changes did you notice?
75 Hard is not marketed as a weight loss program, but I lost 10 pounds! Losing weight and feeling better in my body was a huge motivator to start, but I gained so much more.
My skin is clearer and brighter.
My sleep is more restful and restorative (as much as it can be with 2 young children).
My digestion feels better and bloating is minimal.
I'm more open and aware of additional healthy choices like connecting with friends and starting regular acupuncture (game changer)!
I'm better about responding to my own needs and designating time for myself.
My clothes fit better.
How do you feel overall?
I feel strong, fit, optimistic, smarter, content.
I proved to myself that I'm capable. I can do hard things.
I'm proud of myself for what I accomplished.
And you can too. If you want...
So, what now?
I learned 75 Hard is just the first stage of the LIVEHARD Program. This program overall lasts for one year and builds upon the habits of 75 Hard. The official website says to "Think of it like an Ironman for your brain."
It sounds great, but more than I can (or want to) give in this season.
So instead I'm continuing healthy habits, but turning down the intensity with 75 Soft. Can you tell I love a challenge!?
75 Soft Challenge Rules
Eat well and only drink alcohol on social occasions
Train for 45 minutes every day with one day of active recovery per week
Drink three liters of water per day
Read 10 pages of any book
Much more manageable! 75 Hard is not safe or recommended for everyone and this softer version might be just what you need. I was looking for a step between the intensity of 75 Hard and the full freedom of "regular" life. To sweeten the challenge, I'm doing it with a friend. We have each other to hold accountable and it's more fun together. I'm excited to see what changes from here.
I still have progress I'd like to make towards my goal, but I'm getting closer every day.
"Little by little, a little becomes a lot" -Tanzanian Proverb.
Have you done 75 Hard or 75 Soft? Will you be implementing any health challenges of your own? I'd love to hear your experience.