The Ultimate Guide to the 75 Hard Challenge: Rules, Purpose, and Real Talk from Reddit

May 2, 2025: The 75 Hard Challenge rules is a 75-day mental toughness program created by entrepreneur Andy Frisella. It’s designed to build discipline, confidence, and resilience through a strict daily regimen. The challenge has gained popularity on platforms like Reddit and TikTok, with participants sharing their experiences and progress.

The 6 Core Rules of 75 Hard

To complete the challenge, you must follow these six rules every single day for 75 days—no exceptions. If you miss even one task, you must start over from Day 1.

Two 45-Minute Workouts Daily

One workout must be outdoors, regardless of weather conditions.

Workouts must be at least 3 hours apart.

Activities like walking or yoga are acceptable; chores like mowing the lawn do not count.

Follow a Diet

Choose any structured diet plan (e.g., keto, paleo, plant-based).

No cheat meals or alcohol are allowed.

Drink 1 Gallon (3.78 Liters) of Water Daily

Hydration is crucial; however, excessive water intake may not be suitable for everyone.

Read 10 Pages of Nonfiction Daily

The book should be self-help or educational.

Audiobooks do not count.

Take a Daily Progress Photo

A full-body photo to track physical changes and maintain accountability.

No Skipping or Modifying Tasks

Consistency is key; missing any task requires restarting the challenge.

Purpose and Philosophy

While it may appear to be a fitness challenge, 75 Hard is primarily about mental toughness. Frisella emphasizes that the program is designed to develop discipline, confidence, and resilience. The physical transformations are considered a by-product of the mental growth achieved through strict adherence to the program.

Considerations and Alternatives

The intensity of 75 Hard may not be suitable for everyone. Health professionals advise consulting with a doctor before starting, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions. For those seeking a less rigorous approach, the 75 Soft Challenge offers a more flexible regimen:

One 45-minute workout per day, with one active recovery day per week.

Follow a healthy diet, allowing for occasional indulgences.

Drink 3 liters of water daily.

Read 10 pages of any book daily.

No requirement for daily progress photos.

Reddit Community Insights

The subreddit is a hub for participants to share experiences, seek advice, and find motivation. Users often discuss challenges faced during the program, such as maintaining consistency and managing time. Many find the community support beneficial in navigating the demands of the challenge.