I have heard a lot of people doing the 75Hard Challenge. I seem to hear about this in waves, which I suppose is great marketing. I attempted the challenge a while back – maybe two years ago. I made it around 30-ish days and then I had to stop because I hurt my back. It was a good challenge for me at the time, but since then, I have learned so much. I would not attempt this challenge again, nor would I recommend it to others. Why? We just don’t need to be so intense. When we are too intense, we risk burning out quicker and failing in the long run. What we really need is consistency.
If you have not heard about the 75Hard Challenge, it is a challenge created by Andy Frisella. He is all about working hard and forcing yourself to do the things you think are impossible. He pushes you to be your best and to live differently than those who are not pushing as hard. 75Hard is all about mental toughness. The challenge is designed to build your confidence and grit. That all sounds great on the surface, but let’s dig in just a little.
In order to say you have successfully completed the 75Hard challenge, you must, for 75 days:
Complete 2 – 45-minute workouts, one has to be outdoors.
Follow a diet – anything of your choosing, but no matter what you choose, you get no alcohol and no cheat meals.
Drink a gallon of water every day.
Read at least 10 pages of a nonfiction book per day.
Take progress pics daily.
I believe they also added taking a 5-minute cold shower each day, but this was not part of phase one when I was doing the challenge.
Let’s just state the obvious first. Two 45-minute workouts every single day for 75 days is just stupid. You don’t do anything but wear yourself down and increase your risk for injury when you put so much stress on your body without a break. I agree with Andy in that we need to focus on fueling our body well, but I disagree that we need to be 100% compliant, 100% of the time. Reading is a good thing to challenge people with. I don’t agree with the progress pics because he says it is not a physical weight loss challenge and this sends a mixed message. I can’t really speak to the cold shower thing, but my opinion is that it is unnecessary and kind of stupid. You won’t convince me that taking cold showers will help you slay the day.
At my gym, Street Parking, Miranda has given her thoughts about the 75Hard Challenge. She says something I agree with wholeheartedly: No challenge should take the place of reaching for sustainable consistency as the main goal.
Consistency is key in any area of life. While I think the 75Hard challenge is indeed about consistency, I also think it is needlessly hard core. I propose a different kind of 75Hard Challenge. A 75Consistent Challenge. For 75 days, I challenge you to:
First and foremost, make room for God. Instead of 10 pages of a non-fiction book, how about committing to spending 75 consistent days where you intentionally get in the word, study, and pray? Can you imagine how different your life would be with this part of the challenge alone?
I am all for fitness, so move your body doing some form of physical activity you love 4-5 days per week for 75 days. Don’t kill yourself. Take your rest/recovery days. The powers that be in the health and fitness industry say that 150 minutes a week is the sweet spot, so aim for that and do what brings you joy. If that is a Crossfit class – sign up. If that is cycling – buy the bike. If that is running or walking – lace up your shoes.
Focus on your nutrition. Friends, you can move 150 hours a week and it won’t do a darn thing if you eat like crap. Make some small changes to your diet and once you master those changes – make some more. Aim to cut out soda, fast food, and processed food and I guarantee you will feel better.
In the 75Hard Challenge, if you don't do any aspect of the challenge for one day, you are supposed to go back to day one and start over. If you modify the challenge in any way, it doesn’t count. In my challenge – I say do what works for you as long as you do so consistently. I believe that taking small steps towards your goals will help you see the big picture. We don’t have to go “all in” to win. We just have to do things every single day that will help us get in a groove for long term sustainability. Once you finish my 75Consistent Challenge, you should be on the road to good health – physically and spiritually, which will make everything else you want a little easier to chase after.
Andy was certainly right when he said there is no easy way to that “thing” you desire. The hard things are hard because they are not easy. Duh… But when we take the time to focus on three simple things – our relationship with God, our fitness, and our nutrition, I have to believe we will be poised to take whatever the next steps might be in reaching the end goal. Landing a dream job. Investing more time into kids and grandkids. Creating. Getting involved in ministry. However you fill in the blank – it is easier to make the dream become a reality once you have practiced the art of consistency.
The 75Consistent Challenge isn't really a challenge. It is just a fun way to get you to think differently about your goals and how to achieve them. If you have done, or are doing, the 75Hard Challenge, this isn't meant to discourage you. Remember, I tried it too. I've just come to realize a different path… I encourage you to start with consistency and see where God takes you next. You don’t need to go hard. You just need to be consistent. Are you ready?
D 😊
Loved your article!!