75 Hard Challenge

As is the case with many things in life, the 75 Day Hard Challenge is simple, but it's not easy. The 75 Day Hard Challenge is put together in the way it's put together for very specific reasons. The challenge lasts 75 days because 30 days while not easy, is something almost anyone can do. 75 Days is over two months, it's really going to take a certain level of discipline and mental toughness to last the entire 75 days, and if you fail at all during the challenge, you start right back at day one. Another reason the 75 Day Challenge lasts so long is that one of the rules requires you to do one workout per day outdoors. Doing the challenge over the course of 75 days means you're going to have to put up with some workouts in inclement weather which will not be enjoyable, this will really test you and only the strongest will survive working out in rain, snow or bad weather. 

The 75 Day Challenge incorpoates you changing your diet, bringing some new healthy behaviors into your diet like drinking a gallone of water per day. It incorporates reading a non-fiction book which forces you to not only make the time to do so, but you'll hopefully also be learning something new every day, so that adds a mental aspect to the challeng. And the last rule of the challenge is taking a progress picture everyday. The purpose of this part of the challenge in addition to just getting you into goal setting and tracking progress, is that hopefully you'll be motivated as you see yourself and your body changing right in front of your eyes. 

1. Follow a Diet

The first rule of the 75 Day Challenge is you must follow a diet. There isn't a specific diet you have to follow, though it should be a healthy one, but it could be Atkins, Keto, Vegan, Low Carb, the idea is you have to pick some type of healthy and disciplined diet and stick with it the entire 75 days. Now over the course of 75 days you're likely going to have some birthday parties, vacations, long days as work, and other life challenges. This is where the discipline really comes in. There's going to be days where you get home late from work and just want to hit a fast food drive thru, but are you dedicated enough to actually stick with the program? 

2. Workout Twice Per Day (One Workout Must Be Outside)

The second rule of the 75 Day Hard Challenge is you must do two workouts per day, and one of those workouts, ie one hour, must be completed outside. It's tough to stick to working out once per day seven days per week, but twice is even more challenging, especially when one of those workouts is going to be outside in the heat, the cold, the rain, or the snow. Most of us live busy lives and it can be tough to fit a workout in everyday. In order to make this work it may require waking up extra early and getting in a run in the snow. It may require getting in a late night workout after a tough day of work. In my experience this is the toughest part of the challenge, not only because of the high level of physical activity, but also just finding the time to fit two hours of training in per day. It should be noted that an outdoor workout can consist of something as simple as a fast faced walk, though you should still try to challenge yourself as much as possible!

3. Drink a Gallon of Water Per Day

Rule number three of the 75 Day Hard Challenge is drink a gallon of water per day. Drinking water is incredibly important to your health. Drinking water keeps your blood stream fluid, it helps your body regulate it's temperature, supports digestion, and helps your body transport nutrients to your cells. This aspect of the challenge will be uncomfortable for some of you, but over time your body will adjust to it. 

4. Read 10 Pages of a Non-Fiction Book Per Day

The vast majority of people stop learning once they finish school, but learning is an important part of self mprovement and personal development and should be something we continue to do throughout our lives. Most of us live busy lives and after a long day at work the last thing many people want to do is make time to sit down and read a book, but it is something important we should all be doing. Ten pages isn't all that much, you'll need to make an effort to make the time for this, but it can be a relaxing way to wind down before bed, and before you know it you'll find yourself continuing to read even after you've completed your obligatory ten pages. By the end of the 75 Day Challenge you'll likely have picked up a new skill or at least will have learned something from your reading. 

5. Take a Progress Picture Each Day

Now this is arguably the easist part of this challenge, but one of the most important. Depending on the shape and condition of your body going into this challenge, some of you will see DRASTIC changes over the course of the 75 Days. The purpose of this aspect of the challenge is to teach you to monitor your goals and track your progress. You'll also find that taking a progress picture each day will be incredibly motivating and will keep you going on day that you really don't feel like doing your workouts or sticking to your diet.