health and weelbeing

We have TikTok to thank for putting us up to countless workout trends (hello, 3-2-8 method or Wall Pilates) and challenges (think: plank, dragon flag, barbell), but it has yet to test more than just our fitness prowess—that is unless you’ve taken part in the #75Hard challenge. Yes, it sounds vague and intimidating, but enough to leave you wanting more. So, what is 75 Hard? “If you’re looking for a new fitness program or challenge, this is not it,” says the program’s website. Rather, it’s a “transformative mental toughness program” that combines fitness, nutrition, self-improvement, and physical and mental discipline. Although not new to the scene, with 1.5 billion views to date (yes, billion), the 75 Hard regimen is still going strong—and the before and after photos of participants alone can be alluring enough to make just about anyone consider doing it. But is it all that it’s cracked up to be? I turned to experts to find out.   

What is 75 Hard?
75 Hard was born out of an interview creator Andy Frisella, a podcaster and CEO of the supplement company 1st Phorm, had with “Iron Cowboy” James Lawrence (he completed 50 Ironman races in 50 consecutive days across all 50 states), who told him that you must  put yourself in uncomfortable places in order to develop mental fortitude. The 75-day program is based on the following daily criteria:

Follow a diet, which can be your choice, but it must be a structured eating plan with the goal of physical improvement. No alcohol allowed.
Complete two 45-minute workouts, one of which must be done outdoors.
Take a progress picture.
Drink one gallon of water. 
Read 10 pages of a non-fiction book (audiobooks excluded).

If you don’t follow through on any of the set guidelines, the challenge resets at day one. And no modifications are allowed–yeah, it’s intense. 
On 75 Hard’s website, Frisella claims that his program will show you how to boost your confidence, self-esteem, self-worth, self-belief, fortitude, and grittiness—making a positive impact on yourself, your career, relationships, time management, thinking, and physical shape. “75 HARD is the only program that can permanently change your life…from your way of thinking, to the level of discipline you approach every single task in front of you with,” he states. 

@healthgab
#75hard #fyp
♬ original sound – Rylee Jade

What experts are saying
While 75 Hard may sound good on paper, I’m skeptic of anything too rigorous or restrictive, so of course I had to dig deeper by grilling doctors, dietitians, and fitness trainers to break down the pros and cons of the program.

Pros
“75 Hard is a great way to develop discipline and mental toughness,” said Dr. Brittany Robles, MD, MPH, CPT, an OBGYN physician and NASM certified personal trainer. “By committing to 75 days of strict adherence to the program, you’ll be training your mind to push through discomfort, which is the biggest factor in achieving long-term goals. Additionally, 75 Hard can help you develop healthy habits, such as regular exercise, proper hydration, and mindful eating.” Erica Baty, RDN, CDE, a registered dietitian and fitness instructor, agreed that most of the “rules” of 75 Hard are generally healthy habits: “Reading, exercising, being active outside, consuming a healthful diet, and drinking lots of water have all been shown to provide numerous health benefits such as more energy, weight maintenance or weight loss, improved body composition and lower risk of chronic diseases.”

Cons
Dr. Shoaib Malik, MD, a board-certified family medicine doctor, warned that it’s important to understand the full picture (read: the good, the bad, and the ugly) of the challenge before deciding whether it’s right for you. He cited that the strict requirements of the challenge can be intense, leading to burnout, injury, or negative impact on mental health for some individuals, as well as the potential pitfalls related to negative body image. Catherine Karnatz, RD, creator of Nutrition Education RD, echoed the same concern that 75 Hard can give rise to: “Taking a progress picture daily may spark an obsession with your physical appearance, frequent body checking, and body dysmorphia. In the most severe cases, poor body image and restrictive eating habits may contribute to disordered eating and eating disorders.”
Alayna Curry, a NASM certified women’s fitness specialist, also pointed out that while 75 Hard is meant to be challenging with the goal of achieving radical change, it’s not sustainable. “The average person can’t commit to exercise 7 days a week, let alone 2 workouts a day,” she asserted. “As soon as people give up the strict routine and go back to ‘normal,’ it will be hard to maintain the changes they’ve experienced.”
There may be even more potential cons based on what “diet” you choose, including restricting alcohol. to mention the repercussions of adhering to an overly restrictive diet “While I encourage following an eating plan that will be personally sustainable for your lifestyle, I do not recommend completely cutting out entire food groups that you enjoy,” Karnatz voiced. “Categorizing different foods that you eat as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ can create disordered behaviors and fear around food.” 

The Everygirl verdict
We encourage doing what feels right for you, first and foremost. While we provide expert opinions and possible factors for your consideration, only you know what is right for you. But as for whether or not we think 75 Hard is worth it? Factors like getting outside, reading 10 pages of a book, and being conscious of fitting in movement and nutrient-dense foods are undoubtedly beneficial, and perhaps the structure might help you find motivation or stick to goals that otherwise feel difficult. 
That said, the challenge can be especially triggering for anyone with a disordered relationship with food or exercise, particularly the progression photos that give more focus on appearance than more important factors like how you feel and your well-being. The restrictions (no alcohol, going outside of your eating plan, exercising every day) leave little to no room for flexibility and can lead to detrimental and obsessive behaviors.
Plus, the truth is that our minds and bodies feel and need different things every day: you may feel ready to conquer the world after a 45-minute morning workout and afternoon walk on one day, but on other days, your body will let you know it needs rest, which isn’t a part of the 75 Hard plan (FYI, rest days are just as important as your workouts). Word to the wise: The program isn’t backed by science or guided by a trained expert, so it should be taken with a grain of salt. What’s more, for a plan to be effective and attainable—be it a fitness, eating, or career—it needs to be sustainable and enjoyable, and 75 Hard doesn’t fit the bill for most people. 
 
Alternatives to 75 Hard
If you’re looking for some structure in your workout and diet without the hardcore measures of 75 Hard, consider it’s less stringent, more accessible cousin 75 Soft. Created by TikTok fitness influencer Stephen Gallagher, this alternative challenge to 75 Hard calls for one rest day, limits drinking rather than cutting it out entirely, and doesn’t require any pictures, making it a more flexible and realistic option—with one caveat: it only includes one day of recovery (hot tip: If you need more than one day of recovery, always listen to your body). The four rules of the 75 Soft challenge are as follows:

Eat nutritious foods and only drink on social occasions.
Train 45 minutes a day, with one day designated for active recovery per week.
Drink 3 liters of water a day.
Read 10 pages of any book (audiobooks are allowed).

PSA: You can achieve mental toughness without committing to fitness trends and putting yourself through extreme practices. Instead, stick with movement that brings you joy and create your own little challenges. If you do Pilates two times a week, try adding one more sweat sesh a week. Maybe you’ve just discovered lifting weights makes you feel like a badass and you can’t get enough; make it a goal to add more reps to your back squat every two weeks (think: 8-10 squats week 1, then 10-12 squats week 3, and so on). Whatever your health and fitness goal—attaining mental toughness, eating healthy, working out more—it’s not all or nothing, and taking the what-makes-you-feel-good approach wins—TikTok trend or not. 

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My senior year of college consisted of applying for jobs, finishing out my internship, and relishing in the last moments before going out in the real world and #adulting. For Alix Earle, University of Miami senior and TikTok superstar who quickly reached elite status on the social media platform in the last year (with 4.8 million followers to date), college life looks a bit different.
Sure, she lives in an apartment she shares with five roommates, bounces between classes, tailgating, and frat parties, and struggles through assignments like the rest of us, but she’s also hobnobbing with the likes of Miley Cyrus, securing business collabs, and sharing makeup looks with her millions of fans in her trademark “Get Ready with Me” (GRWM) videos. I have to wonder how she juggles it all and finds balance with her recent social media fame. Thanks to Earle’s media interviews and in-demand TikTok videos, she let us in on her wellness routine. Read on to get the inside scoop on her go-to workout routine, eating habits, and self-care practices, and then try them for yourself (I know I will!).  

Her workout
When’s she not slaying it in front of the camera or jet setting, you’ll likely find Earle fitting in a solid workout sesh. As for the exact breakdown of her typical WOD (workout of the day, ICYMI), she relies on a few tried-and-true routines. “My routine often depends on what I’m feeling that day, but I usually start off with 12-3-30 on the treadmill and then go from there,” Earle explained to E! News. After 30 minutes on the treadmill, she strength trains with weights targeting whatever area of her body she feels like she should prioritize, and then finishes off with an ab routine from Youtube, as she told Hollywood Life. But her sweat sessions aren’t reserved just for the gym: “I also love Pilates classes or even following a few YouTube videos to target certain areas, my favorite being booty and abs!” she said. Her must-have YouTube workouts? Daisy Keech’s ab routines and Alexis Ren’s butt burners. 
“It often feels like there’s not enough time in the day, but I never regret getting some physical activity in,” Earle conveyed to E! News. “I tell myself all I have to do is get myself to the gym and then once I’m there I feel more motivated to workout.” And when she isn’t able to get to the gym or a class, hot girl walks it is. 

@alixearle
Replying to @samhorvath btw AminoLean is on sale today if you want to get it for the low 🫶🏼 @RSP Nutrition #RSPartner
♬ smiles & sunsets – ultmt.

Her diet
Courtesy of Earle’s “What I Eat in a Day” TikToks, we don’t have to guess how she fuels her sweat sessions. In one such video, she starts her day with a veggie egg scramble she whips up with spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms, topped off with hot sauce, followed by what she calls a “lunch snack,” consisting of a chia parfait and an immunity shot. Later in the day, she reaches for chips and salsa and hearts of palm for a mid-day nibble. Before hitting the gym, Earle sips on pre-workout from AminoLean, a pre-workout and energy drink brand she teamed up with to create a new flavor—aptly named Berry Alixir. And to round out her day of meals, she whips up a chicken bowl made up of chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli with a side of mac n’ cheese for dinner, then drinks a cup of tea before getting her beauty sleep. Earle’s MO when it comes to her diet? “Balance is key. Do not restrict yourself.” For that, she gets the Everygirl stamp of approval.
And if you’re wondering if she’s coffee-obsessed like the rest of us, this TikTok gives us the confirmation we need. Her Starbucks order? Grande shaken espresso with almond milk, two to three pumps of vanilla syrup (no classic syrup), and cinnamon powder. You’re welcome. 

@alixearle
Replying to @newphonewhodiisssss every day is different but this is a general idea!! #whatieatinaday
♬ Au Revoir – Sweet After Tears

Her self-care
Most of Earle’s TikToks and IG posts may be a highlight reel of her life, but she’s also been real about her struggles with mental health, namely anxiety and panic attacks, on TikTok. In a recent “Un-GRWM” video, she recalled her long journey with anxiety, not to mention being ashamed of it and not wanting to leave the house because of it. “I’ve shared the good, the bad, and the ugly because that’s just life and what makes us human–no matter what age you are,” Earle told Hollywood Life. 
So what does a social media celeb do to decompress and take care of her well-being? “No matter what I have going on I need to move my body so I always find a way to incorporate that,” Earle expressed to E! News. Other than getting movement in, she revealed to E! News that she leans on journaling to clear her mind, as well as taking time off social media (yes, shocking!) and spending time with besties: “Having time to myself where I can collect my thoughts and journal really helps me get in a good headspace… ” Earle stated. “As someone who is always on social media, sometimes it’s good to put your phone down and relax. I’m fortunate to live with my five best friends, so if I’m ever feeling down there is always someone there to talk me through it and comfort me.” Bottom line: Earle stressed the importance of setting aside time for self-reflection throughout the day and not getting consumed by what you see and read on social media. 
As for “the haters [who are] gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate” (to quote Taylor Swift), Earle left us with this final piece of advice in her interview with E! News: “No matter what you do, not everyone is going to agree with you, or people may have something negative to say. You just have to stay true to yourself and not let little comments get to you.” Now that’s a self-care tip we’re going to copy. 

@alixearle
Everybody is different and needs to find what works for them 🫶🏼 this is what worked for me 🙂
♬ original sound – alix earle

Zendaya Swears by 5 Wellness Hacks
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Life on tour is grueling (or so I’ve heard), but Taylor Swift could’ve fooled us with her seemingly effortless stamina throughout her 3-hour “Eras Tour” show (complete with seamless outfit changes on stage, might I add). It got me wondering how she performs her way through 44 hits from her 10 studio albums without so much as breaking a sweat or popping one of the sequins off her red-and-sequined-snaked Reputation look. So naturally, I scoured the internet for every tidbit I could find about her wellness routine (you’re welcome, Swifties). How does she sweat it out? What does she eat in a day? Is she just like us when it comes to self-care? Read on for a breakdown of T-Swift’s health and wellness standbys. Alexa, play the Midnights album.

For fitness: She dances it out (on and off stage)
According to an article in Marie Claire, pounding the pavement and dance-based workouts from New York-based studio Body By Simone are the singer-songwriter’s secret weapons to keeping up endurance and strength to perform dozens of shows while on tour. Body by Simone classes (which are also offered on their digital studio so you can sweat it on-the-go) combine a unique fusion of dance, Pilates, and functional strength training (think: high-intensity dance cardio, bodyweight moves, and light dumbbell exercises) that create “a safe space where women can feel inspired and motivated to become the best version of themselves,” said Simone de la Rue, Body by Simone’s Founder. To give Swift’s fitness regimen a whirl, try this 20-minute full-body Body by Simone workout. You’ll jump lunge, push up shoulder tap, crunch as you side plank, and jump squat your way to Swift fitness status.
But dancing (on and off the stage) isn’t the only exercise she swears by. “For me, running is about blasting a whole bunch of new songs and running to the beat,” Swift told WebMD. “It’s also good because it makes me find a gym wherever I am…I love exploring the places we go when we tour.” If running isn’t your jam (same), give the Taylor Swift treadmill workout a whirl (it’s way better, IMO).

For diet: She follows intuitive eating habits 
Show biz is not without its fad diets, cleanses, and quick fixes, but don’t count Swift as part of that crowd. Rather, she takes a balanced approach to her diet. Translation: Taylor follows a wholesome menu during the week while letting loose with her food choices on the weekends. “…I try to keep it lighter, but it’s nothing too regimented or crazy,” Swift conveyed to WebMD. “I don’t like to create too many rules where I don’t need them. We know what’s good for us, thanks to common sense.” Case in point: She told WebMD she passes on sugary drinks and sticks to salads, yogurt, and sandwiches Monday through Friday, but enjoys a burger and fries, ice cream, or cookies on weekends (a girl after my own heart). 
We could all take a page from Swift’s book on mindful eating—that goes for sweets too. If you’re a Swiftie, you probably already know she’s no stranger to baking up a storm of desserts. “I bake pumpkin bread for everyone I know and make ginger molasses cookies and hot chocolate and chai,” she expressed to Bon Appétit. As for her go-to drinks? Skinny vanilla lattes on weekdays and PSLs on weekends. “The point is I’m never cutting out what I love,” Swift informed WebMD. She is just like us!
 
For hydration: She always has a water bottle with her
Swift can’t live without her Starbucks like the rest of us, but she knows water does a body good and makes it a point to load up on water, tour or no tour. “I have so much water in my dressing room because I drink, like, ten bottles of water a day,” Swift revealed to Bon Appétit. “I drink so much water my friends call me an alien.” She never leaves home without a water bottle and even keeps a case in her car for good measure. While you don’t have to guzzle ten bottles in a day (assuming you’re not a pop star performing night after night), a general rule of thumb is to aim for about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day. When we stay sufficiently hydrated, our cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems work more efficiently. So do as Taylor does and hit your hydration goal for the day. Step 1: Start with a glass of water first thing in the AM. Your skin will reap the benefits, too. 

For mental health: She journals 
“Health is a big part of being happy,” Swift shared with WebMD, which to her means being in great shape both physically and mentally. It turns out she’s a journaling stan (that instantly gets her the Everygirl stamp of approval, BTW): “From a young age, any time I would feel pain I would think, ‘It’s OK, I can write about this after school.’ As a young kid, I learned to process my emotions by writing.” Swift was onto something at an early age, because putting pen to paper has a bevy of benefits, including reducing stress, creating space from negative thoughts, and deepening self-discovery. 
And it’s no surprise that Swift also takes to her songwriting and music to feel all her feels: “…anytime something hurts, like rejection or sadness or loneliness, or I feel joy or I fall in love, I ask myself, ‘Can I write a song about this so I know how I feel?’” she said. Even if your journal entries about your feelings don’t become a platinum hit, journaling can provide an effective way to process emotions. Think of it like a therapy session with yourself.

For self-care: She has a routine to feel at home while traveling
In her interview with WebMD, Swift didn’t sugarcoat life on tour: riding hours on a bus, giving it her all on stage, and not sleeping in her own bed can feel draining. Her key to staying balanced through it all? Following a comforting routine and packing certain travel essentials. Her first order of business when settling into her hotel room is unpacking. “I do it everywhere I go,” Swift said. “I really like the way it feels to have my clothes put away in drawers and my shoes in the closet.” According to WebMD, Swift also always brings candles with her to her destinations. 
If you caught Swift’s Netflix documentary Taylor Swift: Miss Americana, you know that her squad includes her feline companions—Olivia, Meredith, and Benjamin—and she has personalized bags and cat backpacks for them for travel on her private jet, according to Parade Pets (they’re practically just as famous as their mom, thanks to their many cameos on IG and TikTok). What’s more, Swift brings them to events and music video shoots alike every chance she gets (as evidenced here and here). As a fellow four-legged animal mama (sorry, I’m partial to dogs), I can relate (minus the Gulfstream, of course). 

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