For many years I have struggled to stay consistent. I have tried programs like P90X or Insanity, but I usually do not get all the way through. I start and stop, start and stop. It has helped me stay in shape over the years because I have at least been consistent with my inconsistency of trying to stay in shape. At the beginning of the year I even attempted 75 Hard and only made it a few weeks. After COVID-19 hit I started trending in the wrong direction. It was a golden opportunity for self-development but I wasted it by eating out and playing online poker with friends every night.
After half the year quickly went by and I was not where I wanted to be, I decided to commit to 75 Hard and get back the second half of the year. The program consists of drinking 1 gallon of water per day, working out twice for 45 minutes each—one has to be outside, reading 10 pages, taking a progress picture, and sticking to a diet.
My diet plan was to fast until 11 am each day. I drank a lot of water in the mornings to keep from feeling hungry. For the first meal of the day I would make a protein shake with frozen berries, protein powder, flax seed, and chia seeds. I followed that up with a salad. I did eat out several times during the challenge for lunch but each time I ordered a salad. In between lunch and dinner I had an apple and a banana along with some almonds and pistachios. For dinner I usually made some sort of protein, rice, and vegetable combo. When I did eat out I chose a healthy option. I was usually done eating for the day by 6 or 7 pm. This diet plan helped me drop 20 lbs.
The Benefits
Over the years I have been able to stay in decent shape by running and lifting weights, but I have always struggled with eating healthier. The 75 Hard program has changed that completely. One of the biggest benefits has been the mental discipline to stick with a diet. I also tailored it to work with eating out so that I did not feel deprived. It is not that hard to eat a salad at lunch or choose a healthy option for dinner.
Here is a breakdown of all the increased benefits I have experienced by completing this program:
Weight Loss
I lost 20 pounds. My workouts consisted of a 45 minute run outside and 45 minutes of lifting weights in the gym. The diet played a critical role because I was not overeating. The first 2 weeks were difficult because I still craved junk food but after the first month it was pretty easy.
Lower Resting Heart Rate
Running everyday got my resting heart rate exceptionally low. It is currently at 45 beats per minute—that translates to less stress on my circulatory system. I ran the same route every day and took off 10 minutes from the first times I ran in week 1. I did not notice this increase in speed until the last few weeks. It seemed like I was not making much progress the first 6 weeks, but towards the end I was cruising and saw a noticeable difference in my performance. Consistent action is critical in making progress even if it does not feel like it. This is a good lesson to learn if it feels like you are not making progress. Stick with it and it is only a matter of time before you see a breakthrough.
Increased energy
Even though I was not seeing early results in my run times, I did notice an increase in energy. When I worked out in the morning I noticed that my day was started with more energy and enthusiasm. The days I waited until later to work out I noticed the mornings were not as productive. Overall though, I feel more energized every day than I did before I started.
Increased Drive
In addition to increased energy, I also have an increase in drive. I have been getting more done on a daily basis and strive to do more. The first half of the program it took most of my energy to complete the workouts and stick with the diet. Once it became routine and felt easier, I started looking for more things to accomplish in a day. I refinanced one of my properties and took a good chunk of cash out to reinvest. I purchased a duplex for a personal residence to reduce my monthly living costs by house hacking. I started studying for my real estate license and started getting back into flying.
More Confidence
I have never really been one for vanity. I do not particularly like taking pictures and the first time I came across the program I thought about not taking the pictures. The 75 Hard program is well designed though and if you take something out then you are not getting the full effect. Taking the pictures starts to help build confidence in the way you look. I am actually starting to like the pictures of myself and how my body has changed for the better. I am a lot more confident and feeling good about myself.
More Positive Outlook
I am excited about the future. It is easy to get bogged down by the news and media, but we are living in the greatest of times. It was not too long ago that you had to have 10 kids to work the farm because half of them would die. There was no indoor plumbing, no phones, and no cars. Most teens did not attend school but instead labored all day. I think the future will only get better as science and technology advance. If you live in America, the possibilities for a better future are unlimited.
Gained Knowledge
Reading 10 pages a day might not seem like much, but it starts adding up. Most days I read more than 10 pages once I started. One of the main benefits of the program is just doing the activities. Working out is not that hard once you are doing it. It seems paradoxical, but sometimes the hardest part is just starting. The same goes for reading. Once you are engaged in the material it is an enjoyable activity. Smart phones and TVs make it easy to default to entertainment or something easier than reading but they are not as beneficial. In the 75 days I was able to read 4 books that averaged 300 pages. I also finished 5 audiobooks and dozens of podcasts. I listened to audiobooks and podcasts on 1.5x speed while I worked out.
Sobriety
Part of the program is avoiding alcohol. I do like to drink in a social setting, but it did not bother me to not drink. If anything, it helped better in social situations to not rely on alcohol as a crutch. I still enjoyed networking and social events. It also saves a lot of money—alcohol expenses can add up quick and you do not get a return on it. Not having hangovers was another benefit. Weekends were productive and no days were wasted during the program.
Conclusion
I recommend anyone looking to change their life in a positive way attempt the program. I have tried and failed repeatedly to complete programs in the past, but this time it was different, and I am better off for it. I want to continue the disciplines I have learned in the program to continue to look and feel better than I did before the program.
I have been consistent at exercising over the years, but as I get older nutrition is becoming more important. Eating the right foods and avoiding alcohol keeps you looking and feeling better overall. Eating right was the hardest part of the program for me and sticking with it for 75 days in a row has made it a lot easier. I no longer crave junk food and I think it is a lot easier to just eat something healthy. I am not sure if it is a mental or physical change, all I know is that it is just easier to do the right thing when it comes to food now.
