What do you know about 75 HARD?

Jill Washecka
Mar 28
3 min read

I’ve Created My Own Version That Works Better for Busy People.

Every few months, the 75 Hard Challenge seems to make a comeback on social media. It's marketed as a mental toughness program, not just a fitness challenge—and it certainly lives up to that label.

For 75 days, participants are required to follow these rules without compromise:

Two 45-minute workouts per day (one must be outside)
Follow a diet of your choice (with no cheats)
Drink a gallon of water per day
Read 10 pages of nonfiction
Take a daily progress photo
No alcohol or cheat meals

Miss a single task? Start over from day one.

While 75 Hard can absolutely build discipline and grit, it’s also…well, hard. And for many people—especially those juggling work, family, and fluctuating hormones—it may feel more like an all-or-nothing ultimatum than a sustainable challenge. I happen to work at a gym where two 45-minute workouts are literally part of the job, but everyone doesn't.

Why Challenges Like 75 Hard Are So Popular

Structured challenges appeal to people for a reason. Research shows that setting short-term, well-defined goals can improve adherence and motivation, especially in health behavior change.

Programs like 75 Hard provide:

Daily accountability
Clear structure
A defined end point
Social support (if done with a group or shared online)

In fact, studies have found that short-term behavior change programs—when they include both self-monitoring and social accountability—can significantly improve health outcomes, even months after the challenge ends.

But here's the catch: the intensity of 75 Hard may make it unsustainable or even demoralizing for some. For many people I work with, it’s not the desire or motivation that’s lacking—it’s the margin in their day-to-day lives. The commitment needs to be as low maintenance as possible, and that is ok.

Enter: My "60 Medium" Challenge

I wanted to create something that offers the same structure, intention, and personal growth as 75 Hard—but without the rigid “all or nothing” mentality that often leads to burnout or guilt. That’s how the 60 Medium Challenge was born.

Here’s what it looks like:

Two 20-minute workouts per day (one can be stretching, walking, or strength-based). Ideally one is outside.
Read 10 minutes of nonfiction (mindset, wellness, leadership, or personal growth).
Drink a gallon of water
Eat healthy meals (with grace, not perfection)
- one meal a week of fish
- one meal a week vegetarian
Limit alcohol (with clear boundaries that work for you). I have specific dates on the calendar like after the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, on Spring Break and on Mother's Day!
Meditate for 10 minutes per day
No eating after dinner

Why It Works

This version is more realistic while still challenging. It invites consistency without the pressure of perfection. And it reflects something that’s often overlooked in wellness challenges: mental well-being, not just physical output.

20-minute workouts are effective: Research supports that even short bouts of exercise improve cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, and mental clarity
Reading nonfiction contributes to cognitive stimulation and mental resilience.
Daily meditation has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and increase focus
Hydration and healthy eating are cornerstones of hormonal health and energy regulation—especially in perimenopause.

My Experience

I am starting the 60 Medium as a way to reset my habits after a stressful season. I do not need perfection; I needed momentum. And that’s what 60 Medium is going to give me in the lead up to Zoe's Bat Mitzvah at the end of May. This is NOT (and I want to emphasize this NOT) being used as a weight loss tool because that is not my goal.

The best part? The habits that start with this challenge might stick around long after the 60 days ended.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a challenge to reignite your motivation, boost your energy, and create sustainable habits, consider trying 60 Medium. It’s about consistency over intensity, progress over perfection, and showing up for yourself in a way that feels supportive—not punishing.

Because sometimes, medium is exactly what we need to go the distance.

Feel free to join us! Tracking document below.