Alaya F, the Bollywood actress and known fitness enthusiast, is pushing her limits by taking on the “75 Hard” challenge. This rigorous program is designed to test mental toughness and build discipline, and Alaya is embracing it to elevate her already impressive workout routine.
What is the 75 Hard Challenge?
The “75 Hard” challenge is a comprehensive mental toughness program created by entrepreneur Andy Frisella. It’s not just a fitness challenge; it’s a lifestyle overhaul designed to instill discipline, resilience, and mental fortitude. Participants must adhere to a strict set of rules for 75 consecutive days, and failure to comply with any rule on any day means starting over from day one.
The Core Rules of 75 Hard:
- Two 45-Minute Workouts Daily: One workout must be outdoors, regardless of the weather.
- Follow a Diet: Participants must adhere to a diet designed to meet their individual goals with no cheat meals or deviations.
- No Alcohol: Abstain from consuming any alcoholic beverages throughout the entire 75-day period.
- Drink a Gallon of Water: Consume approximately 3.5 litres of water each day.
- Read 10 Pages of a Non-Fiction Book: This promotes mental development alongside physical discipline.
- Take a Progress Picture: Documenting physical changes and maintaining accountability.
Alaya F’s “75 Harder” Adaptation
Alaya F isn’t just doing the “75 Hard” challenge; she’s amplifying it. She’s added her own set of restrictions to make it even more demanding.
- Meditation: Incorporating 10 minutes of daily meditation for enhanced mental clarity.
- Increased Workouts: Doing three workouts on most days, pushing her physical limits further.
- Extensive Reading: Exceeding the 10-page daily requirement and reading six books in total.
- Writing and Chanting: Adding 10 minutes of writing and Buddhist chanting to her daily routine.
- Dietary Restrictions: Cutting out gluten, sugar, meat, fried foods, and caffeine.
Alaya F’s Motivation and Experience
Alaya’s decision to take on the “75 Hard” challenge stems from a desire to regain discipline and push her boundaries.
“While I wanted to tone my muscles, I essentially wanted to become disciplined again,” she says.
She followed an 1800-calorie diet to fuel her physical activity and scheduled her life around the challenge, even sacrificing nights out to ensure she completed her outdoor workouts.
Overcoming Challenges
Alaya has faced challenges during her “75 Hard” journey. She recounts a harrowing experience with a spider bite that initially worried her, especially with an upcoming song shoot.
Despite the pain, Alaya remained committed to the challenge. She also mentioned the difficulty of managing the challenge with her demanding work schedule, particularly when rehearsals became intense. She found herself engaging in up to 7 hours of physical activity per day, including rehearsals and the required “75 Hard” workouts.
“In a day, I am landing up getting 7 hours of physical activity. My body is destroyed with all the workouts – 5 hours of rehearsals and 2 hours of the 75 hard day workout,” she shared.
The Mental Game
Alaya emphasizes that the “75 Hard” challenge is more mental than physical. It’s about pushing past perceived limitations and cultivating a resilient mindset. The strict rules and the requirement to start over if any rule is broken reinforce discipline and commitment.
Benefits and Results
Alaya reports feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and mentally clear as a result of the challenge. She also appreciates the structure it has brought to her life.
“I love the general hustle in life where I am running from one place to another to get things done. Nothing makes me happier, so I am enjoying it,” she says. “I feel mentally refreshed and my body feels clean because there are no cheat meals or alcohol.”
A Sustainable Lifestyle?
Alaya believes that maintaining a healthy diet while avoiding refined sugars and fried foods is sustainable in the long term. The challenge has also encouraged her to return to reading and meditation, further enhancing her well-being.
The 75 Hard Challenge: Is it For Everyone?
While the “75 Hard” challenge has gained popularity, it’s essential to consider individual fitness levels and health conditions before undertaking such a demanding program.
Fitness expert Suraj Somalkar notes that “every body type is different, the way I might respond to this challenge can be very different from someone else’s progress.”
It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or certified fitness trainer to determine if the “75 Hard” challenge is appropriate and to tailor it to individual needs and goals.
A Transformative Experience
The “75 Hard” challenge is undoubtedly a transformative experience that tests mental and physical limits. Alaya F’s dedication to the challenge, even with her own modifications, showcases her commitment to fitness and discipline. Whether or not it’s suitable for everyone, the “75 Hard” challenge serves as an inspiration to push boundaries and strive for personal growth.