What is the 75 Hard Challenge?
Social media's ever-evolving world of challenges and trends has birthed a new sensation - The 75 Hard Challenge. But what is it, and what are the potential side effects?
The origins of 75 Hard
The brainchild of entrepreneur Andy Frisella, the 75 Hard Challenge was introduced in his book, "75 Hard: A Tactical Guide to Winning the War with Yourself," released in 2020.
Andy Frisella designed the challenge as a personal development and mental toughness program to help people transform their mindset, build discipline, and improve physical health. The idea behind "75 Hard" is to push individuals to develop mental resilience, consistency, and self-discipline through a series of daily tasks and habits.
Designed as a personal development and mental toughness program, it aims to build discipline, transform mindsets, and enhance physical health through daily tasks and habits.
The challenge: 75 days to transform
The challenge requires participants to follow several daily tasks consistently for 75 consecutive days, with no breaks or exceptions. Key rules include:
Strict Diet: Adhering to a specific diet plan, like clean eating or counting macros, without cheat meals or junk food.
Twice-Daily Exercise: Completing two 45-minute workouts daily, with one being outdoors, regardless of weather conditions.
Hydration: Drinking a gallon (about 3.8 liters) of water daily to maintain proper hydration.
Personal Development: Reading a minimum of 10 pages of non-fiction daily for learning and growth.
Progress Tracking: Taking a daily progress picture to monitor physical changes.
No Alcohol or Cheating: Avoiding alcohol consumption and strictly adhering to the chosen diet plan.
If by any chance any of your daily tasks are missed or you cheat, you must start over from Day 1.
Now, 2 years later, it is now all over social media, including Twitter, TikTok and Instagram and people are trying to change themselves with the challenge with most of them claiming it works for them.
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Consequences and caution
While the challenge has gained popularity on social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, it also attracted criticism after a TikToker, Michelle Fairburn, got hospitalized following the challenge.
Michelle's rapid water intake resulted in severe sodium deficiency, leading to hyponatremia, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Understanding Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia occurs when blood sodium levels drop dangerously low, disrupting the body's electrolyte and water balance. This can cause cells to swell and lead to various health issues.
Michelle's condition was a result of consuming an excessive amount of water too quickly to complete the challenge. Her body's inability to regulate sodium levels led to severe sodium deficiency and hyponatremia.
The importance of informed choices
The 75 Hard Challenge and similar trends may lack scientific evidence or professional guidance.
Before embracing any challenge or drastic lifestyle change, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and seek advice from healthcare professionals to understand potential risks and implications.
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Prioritize your health
Every individual's body and limits are unique, necessitating a focus on health and well-being above all else. Opting for balanced and sustainable approaches to self-improvement and challenges is essential.
In conclusion, while the allure of challenges like 75 Hard may be tempting, one should proceed with caution and prioritize health, informed choices, and moderation. Remember, pushing oneself without proper knowledge or medical supervision can lead to adverse consequences.
The decision to embark on such challenges should be carefully considered, keeping individual well-being at the forefront.
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