Is the 75 Hard Challenge Worth It? A Closer Look at TikTok’s Latest Trend

The 75 Hard challenge has taken TikTok by storm, but can it really change your life? Before you jump on the bandwagon, let’s take a closer look. If you’re a TikTok user, chances are you’ve come across the 75 Hard Challenge. With over two billion views under the #75HardChallenge hashtag, this challenge claims to help you lose weight and build muscle in just 75 days. But what sets it apart from other challenges? Well, it’s marketed as a ‘mental toughness programme’ rather than a traditional diet or fitness challenge. The website promises that it will ‘change your life’ and give you ‘complete control’ in just 75 days. Sounds impressive, right? However, the response to the challenge has been mixed. While some people swear by it and say it has improved their body composition and mental well-being, others think it’s too extreme. It’s important to note that the founder of the challenge, Andy Frisella, is not a certified personal trainer or nutritionist. He claims that over 100,000 people have completed the challenge for free, but it’s always a good idea to consult with qualified experts before starting any new fitness or diet program. So, what exactly does the 75 Hard Challenge entail? According to Steven Dick, Director at The Fitness Group, it involves following five non-negotiable rules for 75 days. These rules include following any diet, completing two 45-minute workouts (one of which must be outdoors), taking a progress picture, drinking 1 gallon of water, and reading 10 pages of a book. The challenge is not just about physical changes, but also about improving mental toughness. However, experts have raised concerns about the challenge. Liv Morrison, a head dietitian, points out that Frisella lacks the necessary qualifications and certifications to be giving out diet and fitness advice. She also warns that the challenge promotes making too many changes at once, which can be overwhelming for the average person. The requirement of two 45-minute workouts a day may also be unrealistic for many people with busy schedules. Additionally, the challenge allows for any diet, but popular diets like Keto and Atkins can be restrictive and may lead to rapid weight regain and the development of disordered eating. The recommended water intake of 1 gallon per day is also considered excessive and can be dangerous. In terms of sustainability, the 75 Hard Challenge falls short. It promotes an all-or-nothing mentality and restricts cheat days and alcohol, which can lead to social isolation and negative food beliefs. Personal trainer Steph Claire Smith emphasizes the importance of balance and sustainability in a healthy lifestyle. She believes that there are better and more enjoyable ways to live healthily and lose weight. In conclusion, while the 75 Hard Challenge may have its supporters, it’s important to approach it with caution. Consulting with qualified experts and considering the long-term sustainability of the challenge is crucial. Ultimately, a healthy lifestyle should be about finding joy and balance, rather than strict rules and extreme measures.