75 Hard: How Hard is it Really?

With January already well underway, many of us are still riding the wave of New Year’s resolutions, trying to stay committed to our goals for the year. If you’re someone who’s looking to take things up a notch in 2025, you’ve probably heard of the “75 Hard” challenge — a viral fitness and mental toughness program that’s taken the internet by storm. It’s not your typical New Year’s resolution, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. But with the fresh start of the new year, there’s no better time to take on this intense challenge.
Created by entrepreneur Andy Frisella, “75 Hard” is a 75-day program that’s designed to test your discipline, mental toughness, and overall resilience. The rules are simple but rigid: you need to follow a strict diet (no cheat meals), drink a gallon of water each day, work out twice a day for at least 45 minutes each (one of those workouts must be outside), read 10 pages of a nonfiction book every day, and take a progress photo. Miss even one task, and you have to start over from day one — no exceptions.
But let’s be real; taking on “75 Hard” isn’t easy. As high school students at an academically rigorous school, we’re already juggling assignments, athletics, and social lives. Throwing in two workouts a day and a gallon of water on top of that sounds daunting, to say the least. Plus, the idea of having to start over if you miss just one day can feel like a huge mental hurdle. It’s a challenge that requires serious dedication, and while that can be motivating, it can also lead to burnout if you’re not careful, which is already a common phenomenon at SHP.
That said, there’s something to be said about the level of accountability that comes with the challenge. In a world where it’s easy to hit the snooze button on our resolutions or give up when things get tough, the “75 Hard” program offers a no-excuses approach. It’s about committing to the process, even when it gets difficult. You’ll face days when you’re tired, stressed out, or tempted to skip a workout or have that slice of pizza. But that’s when the real transformation happens, a mental transformation. It’s about pushing through the discomfort and proving to yourself that you’re capable of more than you think.
Starting “75 Hard” in January has its perks. The new year is all about new beginnings, setting goals, and finding motivation to take on challenges. The freshness of a new semester can serve as the perfect backdrop to dive into something like this. Still, it’s important to be realistic about what you’re taking on. If you’re already juggling a packed schedule, this challenge might require some adjustments to your time management.
Ultimately, “75 Hard” isn’t just a fitness challenge; it’s a test of perseverance. Sure, it’s tough, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. Whether you’re looking to build better habits, get in shape, or just prove to yourself that you can stick with something difficult, completing the challenge can give you a serious sense of accomplishment.
So, if you’re ready to push yourself in 2025 and take on something that’ll test your limits, the “75 Hard” challenge might be just what you need. It’s intense, it’s demanding, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. And who knows? By the time spring break rolls around, you might be feeling stronger, more focused, and ready to tackle whatever comes next.