Ever wondered what it really takes to finish the 75 Hard challenge? More than physical endurance—it’s a mental game.

Completing 75 Hard was a journey filled with early mornings, tough workouts, and constant accountability, pushing me in ways I didn’t expect. Through the daily grind of workouts, diet, and even those days when motivation ran low, I discovered a whole new level of discipline. If you’re curious about what I learned, the highs, the lows, and whether it’s worth it—let’s dive into the details together!

Find my weight vest from Amazon HERE.

What is 75 hard?

75 Hard is a mental toughness program created by entrepreneur Andy Frisella. It’s designed to push participants physically and mentally over 75 consecutive days, aiming to build resilience, discipline, and strong habits. Here are the key rules of the program:

1. Two 45-Minute Workouts Daily – One must be outdoors, regardless of weather.
2. Follow a Diet – No specific diet is prescribed, but you must choose one and stick to it strictly, with no cheat meals.
3. No Alcohol – You can’t drink alcohol during the 75 days.
4. Drink a Gallon of Water Daily – Hydration is a big part of the program.
5. Read 10 Pages of a Non-Fiction Book – The book should be focused on self-improvement or education.
6. Take a Progress Photo Each Day – This helps document your transformation over time.

If you miss a single task, you have to start over from day one. While the program has physical components, it’s really about building mental toughness, discipline, and commitment.

GRAB YOUR 75 HARD TRACKER HERE

*Full disclosure: I only took progress photos weekly as required in the Stay Fit Mom nutrition coaching program.*

*For my nutrition program– I either had to hit my macros within range OR If I missed my macros, I couldn’t have any desserts. I found this to be an EXCELLENT boundary that gave me a little bit of freedom, but not enough to fly off the handle. It actually gave me more incentive to hit my macros so I could have a sweet treat.*

Biggest Challenges

Last year we expanded our family through adoption, and this transition period has been intense, leaving me feeling unable to fully commit to solid nutrition and exercise goals as I navigated the changes and adjustments of our new family dynamic. My biggest upfront challenge with 75 Hard was relearning how to make my workouts and nutrition a top priority while managing life as a mom of six and working full time. There were days when balancing it all felt nearly impossible, but 75 Hard reminded me that prioritizing my health ultimately made me a better mom, coach, and professional.

Time Management

To successfully navigate the demands of 75 Hard while managing a busy household, my time management had to improve significantly. I established immovable habits, like scheduling my workouts for 7 AM in the garage to ensure they were non-negotiable. I also committed to walking the dog twice a day and staying at least two to three days ahead with my meal planning and prepping. These routines not only kept me accountable but also helped create a sense of normalcy amid the chaos of family life.

Physical and Mental Benefits

While I only lost around 5 pounds during 75 Hard, the physical and mental benefits have been profound. My clothes fit better, and I feel more physically fit now than I have in the past two years. Beyond the scale, I’ve gained confidence in my commitment to myself, realizing what we always preach at Stay Fit Mom: true transformation goes far beyond numbers. It’s about feeling strong, capable, and proud of the effort I put in every day.

Staying Motivated

Staying motivated throughout 75 Hard was a family affair—we decided that each of us would earn $1 for every day we stayed committed to the challenge. If anyone quit, their earnings would transfer to those who remained, adding an extra layer of accountability. By day 75, I was the only one left standing, and I ended up winning $120! While the money was a nice bonus, the real reward was proving to myself that I could persevere, rain or shine. As I progressed, I noticed my body responding well to the extra workouts and consistent nutrition boundaries with macro counting. The non-fiction books I chose (Gentle and Lowly, The Screwtape Letters, The Comfort Crisis, and Atomic Habits) played a crucial role in strengthening my mental game, keeping me focused and inspired throughout the journey.

Impact on Family Life

Completing 75 Hard impacted our family too! With the added incentive to meal plan and prep, our family dinners became even more consistent.  We took meal prep bowls to the ball fields, we prepped overnight oats before school started and dessert treats were even less frequent. Although my motivation often wanes as the week progresses, the structure of 75 Hard kept me pushing through every day, ensuring that we maintained our nutrition goals together, seven days a week. 

Takeaways for Others

For anyone feeling like they’re just going through the motions with macro counting, 75 Hard can be a great option to spark renewed commitment and set clear boundaries for yourself. However, it’s important to know that it’s not a walk in the park. I had to let go of certain things, like having a perfectly clean house and dealing with piled-up laundry, and there was definitely less spontaneity in our lives. But in making those sacrifices, I found a deeper sense of purpose and determination that has been incredibly rewarding. If you’re ready to challenge yourself and prioritize your health, this could be the push you need!

Next Steps

Moving forward, I’m excited to keep some of the habits I developed during 75 Hard, particularly reading 10 pages a day. As someone who typically has an all-or-nothing mindset about reading, this manageable goal allowed me to finish four books in just 75 days! I’ve also recognized how much more movement my body needs to optimally thrive; in fact, I even purchased a weight vest (you can find the one I purchased from amazon HERE) for my dog walks during the last week of the challenge. I’m committed to keeping that momentum going—can’t stop, won’t stop! However, I’ve decided that riding the bike at 11:00 PM for my second workout is one thing I won’t be doing moving forward. There will be days when something’s gotta give, and that’s okay too.

In conclusion, my experience with 75 Hard has been transformative, pushing me physically and mentally while strengthening my commitment to myself and my family. If you’re feeling inspired to take on this challenge and see what you’re capable of, I encourage you to give it a try! You can print off your own 75 Hard template to help you stay organized and accountable throughout the journey. Remember, it’s not just about the physical changes; it’s about building resilience and discipline that will serve you well beyond these 75 days.