Tag: exercise

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75 Hard Challenge | My Honest Day 57 Progress & Lessons

If you follow me on Instagram (@levelupsaho), you already know I’ve been all-in on the 75 Hard challenge. It’s not just another fitness challenge, it’s a full-scale commitment to showing up, every single day, no excuses. I didn’t start this on a whim, and I’m not coasting through it either. This challenge is teaching me more than I expected! Not just about self-discipline and mental toughness, but about my own cravings, limits, and capabilities.

Why I Took on 75 Hard

I needed something that would push me past my usual limits. Physically, mentally, and in every area of my life. Half-measures weren’t cutting it anymore. 75 Hard doesn’t let you negotiate with yourself. You either do the work or you start over. Two workouts a day (one outdoors for mental resilience), a gallon of water, 10 pages of reading, progress photos, and sticking to a strict diet. No shortcuts. No cheat days. No wiggle room.

But what I wasn’t expecting was how much I would start craving certain things. Moments of peace, structure, and even my outdoor workouts.

Unexpected Benefits of 75 Hard: Why I Crave My Walks

I thought I’d be craving sugar, rest days, or just an easy way out. Instead, I find myself needing my evening walk. Not because it’s part of the challenge, but because it’s become this essential moment where my mind slows down. No music. No distractions. Just me, the cold air, and the sound of my footsteps. It’s a craving I didn’t see coming, but one I don’t want to lose.

And then there’s the exhaustion. The kind that settles deep in my bones, making every muscle ache. But it’s not the kind of exhaustion that breaks me. It’s the kind that builds me. I’m learning that I can push through. That I can function even when my body is screaming at me to quit. Every day, I prove to myself that I have more in me than I thought.

What 75 Hard Has Taught Me About Self-Discipline

This isn’t a feel-good, just do your best kind of thing. Some days, I’m dialed in. Other days, I’m dragging myself through every task. But I get it done. Every single day. Because that’s the deal.

  • The exhaustion is real. There’s no skipping workouts because I’m tired. I show up anyway.
  • No compromises. There’s no “I’ll make up for it tomorrow.” You either hit your targets or you start over.
  • Mental grit is everything. Stripping out the noise and doing what needs to be done has sharpened my mindset more than I expected.
  • Craving routine. I used to resist structure, but now I find comfort in it. My workouts, reading, and meal planning have all become something I look forward to.
  • Seeing what I’m capable of. The biggest lesson? I’m stronger than I thought. Pushing past my own limits every day is proving that to me in ways nothing else ever has.

What I’ve Learned So Far from 75 Hard

I expected 75 Hard to be tough. I didn’t expect it to shift the way I see myself. I always thought I needed motivation. But what I actually needed was proof.

Proof that I can show up, even when I don’t want to.
Proof that I can handle exhaustion, discomfort, and self-doubt without letting them stop me.
Proof that I can trust myself to follow through on what I say I’ll do.

Follow My 75 Hard Journey on Instagram

I post the reality of this challenge daily on my Instagram stories. No filters. No sugarcoating. Just the actual work, struggles, and wins. If you’ve ever considered doing 75 Hard or just want to see what real commitment looks like, come follow along.

This isn’t about aesthetics or short-term wins. It’s about proving to myself that I can commit and execute no matter what. If you’re ready to take on something big in your own life, stop waiting for the perfect time. Just start.
xoxo
-S

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The Nighttime Ritual: Embracing Discipline at the Gym

As the sun sets and the world winds down, a different kind of journey begins—a journey to the gym. For those of us who find solace and strength in the stillness of night, this time becomes a ritual of dedication and discipline. The gym, illuminated by artificial light, becomes a place where we transform ourselves, both physically and mentally.

Each step toward the gym is a small victory. The temptation to stay in, to relax after a long day, is strong, but the commitment to our goals is stronger. The nightly ritual begins with a decision—to show up, to push through, to make the most of this time. It’s not just about working out; it’s about building a habit that fosters resilience and determination.

Inside the gym, the hum of machines and the clink of weights create a rhythm that drives us forward. The sweat that beads on our skin is proof of our effort, a tangible sign that we are pushing our limits. Muscles ache, and fatigue sets in, but these are just part of the process. With every rep and every set, we are chiseling away at our weaknesses and building a stronger version of ourselves.

Mirrors in the gym reflect more than our physical appearance; they reflect our dedication. Each visit, no matter how tired we feel, is a step toward our goals. The transformation is gradual, but it’s happening. We are getting stronger, more resilient, and more disciplined with each workout.

Discipline is the key to this transformation. It’s the commitment to go to the gym, even when we’re tired or unmotivated. It’s the resolve to finish that last set, to push through the discomfort, and to keep showing up, night after night. This discipline isn’t just about building muscles; it’s about building character.

As we leave the gym and the night deepens, the sense of accomplishment is palpable. We’ve faced the challenges, pushed through the fatigue, and emerged stronger. This nighttime ritual of discipline and dedication is more than a workout—it’s a testament to our commitment to ourselves.

But it’s not just the physical progress that we notice. The mental clarity and emotional resilience we gain are just as important. The discipline we cultivate in the gym spills over into other areas of our lives. It becomes easier to stay focused at work, to manage stress, and to maintain a positive outlook. The act of committing to our nightly workouts strengthens our ability to commit to other goals and responsibilities.

The gym at night also offers a unique sense of peace. There’s a certain calmness that comes with working out when most people are winding down. The fewer distractions and quieter atmosphere allow for deeper focus and introspection. It becomes a time for us to connect with ourselves, to reflect on our day, and to plan for the future. This quiet time, coupled with physical exertion, creates a balanced space for both body and mind to thrive.

Sticking to a nightly gym routine requires planning and foresight. It’s about preparing meals ahead of time, setting out workout clothes, and prioritizing sleep. These seemingly small actions build a framework of support for our discipline. They remind us that our commitment to fitness is not an isolated effort but part of a larger lifestyle choice that promotes overall well-being.

As we continue this journey, it’s important to celebrate our progress, no matter how small. Each session, each set, each drop of sweat brings us closer to our goals. Acknowledging these achievements reinforces our discipline and motivates us to keep moving forward.

So, let’s embrace this nighttime ritual. Let’s honor our commitment to the gym and to our goals. Each visit is a step toward a stronger, more resilient self. And in the quiet of the night, let’s find not just physical strength, but the strength to pursue our dreams with unwavering dedication. The journey is long, and the nights can be tough, but with discipline as our guide, we will continue to transform and thrive.

xoxo
-S