Things You Should Know Before Starting 75 Hard: Be Mentally and Physically Ready to Win

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When I first heard about 75 Hard, I’ll admit—I rolled my eyes. Two workouts a day? A gallon of water? No cheat meals? No wine? I thought, “Who has time for all that?” But deep down, I knew I needed something radical. Not just another diet, not another Monday-morning restart—I needed a mindset shift. I was stuck in a cycle of starting strong and fizzling out. So, on May 12, I committed—not just to a fitness challenge, but to myself.

And let me tell you, 75 Hard isn’t about abs or selfies (though yes, you’ll be taking one every day). It’s about discipline, follow-through, and proving to yourself that you do hard things—even when life hits back. If you’re curious, hesitant, or maybe just desperate for a change like I was… keep reading.

1. Understand the Real Purpose

Let’s be clear—this is not a weight loss program. It’s a mental toughness challenge created by Andy Frisella. That said, the physical results are a bonus—but they come from the grit and consistency you build.

Here’s what you commit to every single day for 75 days:

• Two 45-minute workouts (one must be outside)
• Drink 1 gallon of water
• Follow a diet—any clean, consistent diet (no cheats, no alcohol)
• Read 10 pages of a nonfiction book
• Take a daily progress photo

Miss one task? You start over at Day 1. No exceptions. No shortcuts.

It might sound extreme, but that’s the point. This isn’t for folks looking for the easy way out—it’s for those of us who are finally ready to stop breaking promises to ourselves.

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2. Prep Your Nutrition Strategy

This was one of my biggest shifts. I didn’t hop on any trend—no keto, no juice cleanse. I focused on clean, consistent, sustainable eating. I chose a low-calorie, high-protein meal plan that fits my lifestyle and my goals.

What’s helped me stay on track:

• Planning meals weekly (my Sunday ritual)
• Cooking in batches so I’m not tempted when I’m tired
• Keeping meals flavorful but simple
• No cheat meals, not even a nibble of my girls’ fries!

Some days I really want to grab something quick, but the promise I made to myself wins out every time.

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3. The Gallon of Water Is No Joke

Listen… I thought I drank a lot of water. I didn’t. Not like this.

That gallon? It humbles you. At first, I was running to the bathroom every 30 minutes, no joke. But I’ve learned some tricks:

• Start early—don’t wait until 2 PM to start sipping!
• Use a marked water bottle (motivational quotes help)
• Set hourly reminders on my phone
• Track it in my Pacer app

Now, it’s second nature. And my skin? Glowing.

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4. Plan Your Workouts Smart

Two 45-minute workouts sound doable… until life throws a wrench in your schedule. I’ve learned to be flexible but non-negotiable.

My go-to strategy:

• Morning outdoor walk (sometimes with my hubby or dog, Zeus)
• Evening treadmill or bodyweight strength workout at home
• On tough days: yoga + outdoor stroll
• Sundays: light walk + long stretch session

My portable treadmill under my standing desk? A lifesaver. I knock out steps while answering emails or writing blog posts!

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5. Choose Books That Light You Up

One of my favorite parts of 75 Hard has been falling back in love with reading. Audiobooks don’t count—it has to be physical pages.

So far I’ve read:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
• Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

Ten pages a day doesn’t seem like much, but the impact builds. It’s part self-care, part mental reset.

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6. The Daily Progress Photo Is Accountability Gold

I didn’t think I’d care much about this—but now I look forward to it. Not because I want to post a daily thirst trap, but because I’m documenting growth.

Tips that work for me:

• Same mirror, same time, same outfit
• Don’t overanalyze—just snap and go
• Look back every 10 days—it’ll blow your mind

Even on days I feel bloated or blah, I take it. That’s part of the process.

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7. Life Will Absolutely Try to Get in the Way

Just recently, I had a scary night where I couldn’t breathe and ended up searching for my inhaler at midnight while everyone else was laughing on the back porch. I was this close to calling it quits. But I didn’t.

Why? Because the whole point of 75 Hard is doing it even when it’s hard.

There will be moments—many—where quitting feels easier. I’ve battled smoke-triggered asthma, family cookouts, fatigue, hormones, and more.

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8. You’ll Build Confidence Like Never Before

I’m not the same woman I was on Day 1. I’ve lost weight, sure—but more importantly, I’ve gained integrity. I trust myself again. When I say I’m going to do something, I follow through.

This challenge forces you to show up, no matter what. That consistency is a gift you give yourself.

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Final Thoughts

75 Hard is so much more than a fitness trend. It’s a commitment. It’s a mindset. It’s a mirror that shows you what you’re truly made of.

Is it easy? No.
Is it worth it? Without a doubt.

If you’re considering it, do it with intention. Don’t just chase weight loss—chase growth. Chase clarity. Chase that version of yourself that’s been waiting to show up.

And if you ever need a cheerleader or accountability buddy—I’m just a message away. 💛

Things You Should Know Before Starting 75 Hard: Be Mentally and Physically Ready to Win

Until next time, shine amongst the stars!

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Starting #75Hard? 💪 It’s more than workouts & water—it’s mental grit, discipline, and life change. Here’s everything you need to know before Day 1: #MentalToughness #FitnessChallenge 👉