What is the 75 Hard challenge? My results & how to succeed

What is the 75 Hard challenge?

The 75 Hard Challenge is a 75-day mental toughness program created by Andy Frisella. While most people think it’s just another fitness challenge, it’s actually a test of discipline, consistency, and resilience.

It forces you to show up every single day, no matter what. You’ll have to follow strict daily tasks, push through discomfort, and eliminate excuses. If you miss even one task, you have to restart from Day 1.

Sounds intense? It is.

When I first started, I thought the hardest part would be the workouts.

But I quickly realized that the real battle is mental — sticking to the plan on days when you’re tired, busy, or just don’t feel like it.

Most people fail because they rely on motivation. But 75 Hard doesn’t care how you feel. You either do it, or you start over.

Later in this detailed 75 Hard guide, I’ll break down exactly what the rules are, how I completed them, and the biggest lessons I learned.

Who created the 75 Hard challenge?

The 75 Hard challenge was created by Andy Frisella, an entrepreneur, speaker, and host of the Real AF Podcast. He’s also the CEO of 1st Phorm, a fitness supplement brand.

Frisella didn’t design 75 Hard as a fitness program — it’s a mental toughness challenge.

He saw how most people struggle with self-discipline, consistency, and execution, so he built a program that forces you to show up every single day, no matter what.

Most challenges let you off the hook. 75 Hard doesn’t. You either follow the rules exactly, or you start over from Day 1. Frisella’s whole point?

If you can stick to 75 Hard, you can apply that level of discipline to anything in life.

This motivational video captures the intensity of 75 Hard and Andy Frisella’s no-excuses approach to mental toughness.

Frisella also covers this in episode 14 of his Real AF Podcast, where he explains what makes this challenge so powerful.

Does the 75 Hard challenge work?

If you follow 75 Hard exactly as it’s designed, does it actually work?

Yes — but only if you fully commit.

Most people fail 75 Hard because they approach it like a fitness challenge. But this isn’t about weight loss or aesthetics.

It’s about mental toughness, discipline, and proving to yourself that you can execute, no matter what.

I did 75 Hard while traveling, which made it even harder. Finding places to work out, sticking to my diet in different countries, and making sure I hit my water intake without easy access to filtered water — it forced me to eliminate all excuses.

But that’s the whole point of 75 Hard. It’s designed to break you out of old habits and force discipline into your life.

Here’s how 75 Hard changed me after completing it:

• More structured days – Every day was planned and intentional. No wasted time.
• No relying on motivation – I learned to execute even when I didn’t feel like it.
• Stronger mental discipline – Every challenge after this felt easier because I built the habits to push through.
• Better health & energy – While I didn’t start 75 Hard for fitness, my energy, sleep, and overall well-being improved.
• More self-confidence – If you can control your actions for 75 days straight, you start to realize you can take on anything.

But here’s the truth…

75 Hard isn’t a magic solution. If you just “check the boxes” without actually pushing yourself, you won’t get the full transformation.

It works if you use it to level up, not just complete tasks.

If you show up every day with the mindset of:

“How can I push myself today?”

“What excuse am I eliminating?”

“What version of me am I becoming?”

Then yes, 75 Hard works — and it will change you in more ways you probably can imagine before you start.