Andrew Walls was in need of a fresh start. He had been struggling with grief since the passing of his 24-year-old brother the year before. During this difficult time, Walls noticed he was putting on weight and felt the urge to make some changes in his life. A friend introduced him to the popular “75 Hard” challenge, which promised mental and physical transformation. Created by entrepreneur Andy Frisella, this program focusing on wellness and self-improvement had gained immense popularity on social media since its launch in 2019.
Described as a “mental toughness program” rather than a typical fitness craze, 75 Hard requires participants to adhere to strict rules for 75 consecutive days. Failure to do so means starting over from the beginning. Walls, a content creator from Madison, Wisconsin, decided to fully commit to the challenge after two previous unsuccessful attempts, aiming to finish by his 30th birthday on March 7.
Following the program’s guidelines, Walls maintained a specific diet, drank a gallon of water daily, abstained from cheat meals and alcohol, and read 10 pages of a nonfiction book each day. Additionally, he exercised twice daily for 45 minutes, including outdoor workouts, and documented his progress through photos. Walls established a routine that involved a morning lemon cayenne pepper shot, weightlifting on an empty stomach, meals consisting of eggs, rice, and fruit, and basketball as his second workout. Embracing a pescetarian diet, he enjoyed rice and salmon for dinner. The program not only helped Walls feel liberated but also encouraged him to adopt new habits, hobbies, and boundaries while breaking free from negative patterns.
Similarly, Shellece Pratt, a fitness influencer from Tampa, Florida, embraced the challenge to reset her routine after the holiday season. Waking up early for morning workouts, Pratt stuck to a structured diet of eggs, turkey bacon, toast, ground turkey, chicken thighs, broccoli, and sweet potato. She maintained her focus by drinking mostly water and occasionally having a Poppi drink to meet her daily water intake. In the afternoons, Pratt engaged in walks or pickleball and dedicated time to reading “You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets” by Jodi Wellman. As a creature of habit, Pratt found comfort in the consistency of her daily meals and activities, emphasizing the importance of discipline and commitment throughout the challenge.
I took part in the “75 Hard” challenge and successfully completed it in early 2024. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “If I set my mind on something, I make sure it gets done. That’s the most important lesson I learned from the challenge.” It is advised by health experts that those interested should consult a doctor before joining the program. Frisella’s website features a disclaimer recommending individuals to seek advice from healthcare professionals before starting. Concerns have been raised by health experts regarding potential adverse effects of the program. Northwestern University Medicine dietitian Bethany Doerfler cautioned that while routines like “75 Hard” can offer structure and accountability, they may also lead to issues such as overhydration, overtraining, and unhealthy restrictive patterns. Doerfler criticized the program as a complex trend with arbitrary fitness and lifestyle objectives centered on “beating yourself.” She emphasized the importance of creating a balanced exercise and wellness regimen that enhances mental health without unrealistic goals or shaming individuals for deviations. Doerfler stressed the significance of a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying heart or health conditions. Participants, including Pratt and Walls, have shared their progress on social media platforms like TikTok. Pratt, who has surpassed the 50-day mark, aims to inspire others to reach their full potential. Walls, who started at 250 pounds and lost 20, emphasized the importance of commitment and discipline over fleeting motivation. Both participants found the challenge rewarding and motivating. For further details, contact Taylor Ardrey, a news reporter for USA TODAY, at tardrey@gannett.com.
