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I Lost 50 Pounds in 75 Days with the 75 Hard Challenge

One influencer reveals what he did to lose weight fast.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Drew_Escarcega_Hustle_with_Drew6
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Do you want to lose 50 pounds in just over two months? Drew Escarcega, Founder of Photobooth101 and the YouTuber behind Hustle With Drew, lost a whopping 50 pounds in 75. How did he do it? According to the influencer and entrepreneur, he lost weight fast on the 75 Hard Challenge. “I'm gonna talk about my experience doing the 75 hard challenge and exactly why you should do it too,” he says at the start of the clip.


What Is 75 Hard?

He starts by breaking down what 75 Hard is. “It's basically a challenge where you have to do these things I'm about to mention every single day for 75 days. And if you miss one, you have to go back to day one.

Follow a Strict Diet, No Cheating

Stop Drinking Alcohol. Refuse Glass Of Whisky. Say NoShutterstock

The first thing you have to stick to is you have to follow a diet. There's also no cheat meals or no alcohol whatsoever,” he says. “So I really wanted to do this challenge because I wanted to force myself to start eating better basically.”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Do 2, 45-Minute Workouts Per Day

Man in fitness wear exercising near Manhattan. Healthy exercises. Active senior man is fitness exercising outdoor. Exercising after retirement. Senior man training legs muscles doing lunges exercise.Shutterstock

Next, “You have to do two 45-minute workouts each and every day,” he says. “And one of those workouts must be outside. It doesn't matter if it's raining or snowing. There's an earthquake zombie apocalypse. You have to do one of those workouts outside.”

Take Progress Photos Daily

Woman photographer with dslr camera taking pictures outdoor. Mixed race girl with photo camera outdoor. Home hobby, lifestyle, travel, people conceptShutterstock

The next step is to take a progress picture every single day. Progress photos help you stay motivated and serve as photographic evidence your body is changing.

Drink a Gallon of Water Daily

Hand holding 1 gallon plastic bottle of drinking water; silhouette on white.Shutterstock

You have to drink one gallon of water each day. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

RELATED: This Plan Is How to Lose 5 Percent Body Fat In 2 Weeks

Read 10 Pages of a Book Daily

Woman with cup of beverage reading book at table, closeupShutterstock

You have to read ten pages of a book every single day, no exception,” he says, adding that he “honestly really wanted to start reading more books.”

He Did the Challenge with a Group of Friends

Silhouette of happy success positive teamwork hold hands up as business successful, business victory & celebrate achievement. Accomplish people merger & acquisitions concept.Shutterstock

He explains that he did the challenge with 8 of his friends. “We just all kind of made a pact that we'd do this together, start together, finish together, and it worked out great.”

He Struggled on Day One

Fat man sitting on stairs after jogging, no faith in himself, insecuritiesShutterstock

On the first day, he struggled to do the workouts. “When I took my first progress photo, I couldn't believe how big my stomach was. Like I really feel that I was, it looked like I was pregnant. It looks like I was ready to have twins, maybe triplets. I just really wasn't happy with the way I looked. And that actually gave me some motivation,” he says.

RELATED: I Lost 45 Pounds and Got Rid of Stomach Fat by Cutting Out These 6 Foods

Week One Was Hard, But He Noticed a Difference Fast

A man sitting on the bench and looking at the seaShutterstock

He admits that the first week he “started off slow,” sticking to more gentle workouts, like walking, and ramping up to more strenuous ones as the week progressed. “Around day five, I could see some difference. I had dropped a few pounds. I felt a lot better,” he says. His sleep was also better, and he felt more hydrated.

After a Couple Weeks, He “Started Feeling Really Good”

Fat man with a big belly worries about his body. Men are more likely to Clog arteries, Man at risk for diabetes, Belly Fat. Close-up part of the bodyShutterstock

“A couple weeks in, I started feeling really good. I mean, better than I have felt in years. Like I felt amazing,” he says. He could see a huge difference between day one and 15 of his photos.

One Month in and There Was a Huge Difference

back view fat asian girl exercising By walking to burn fat and jogging slowly, fat woman walks for exercise in a natural park.Shutterstock

“One month in, you could definitely start seeing my pregnant-looking stomach slimming down a little bit,” he says. People also started telling him he looked great, which had a “snowball effect,” he says. “It made me start really, really going harder on my workouts because once you start hearing compliments, people are telling you that, you know, hey, your hard work looks like it's paying off. You basically can't turn back at that point.”

His Body Started Hurting Around Day 45

Fat man suffers dying from heat. Lazy, obese overweight young guy lies on bed, suffering from summer abnormal warmth, feels tired, unpleasant discomfort sensations in body, high blood pressure.Shutterstock

“About 45 days into the challenge, my body started to really, really hurt. I could really feel my knees and the joints around my legs. I started to feel some pain but started taking some fish oil and some vitamins, and within a few days, like all those pains went away,” he says. He also started stretching.

RELATED:This Diet Is More Effective Than Ozempic, Says Weight Loss Coach

He Was Looking “Great” at Day 60

Successful man raising arms after cross track running on summer sunset. Fitness male athlete with arms up celebrating success and goals after sport exercising and working out.Shutterstock

After 60 days, all of his friend group was “looking great,” and by day 75, he was “excited to finish” and so happy with the results. “I noticed that my skin had completely changed. I think it was the water and constantly taking two showers a day because of these workouts,” he says.

“I know it's gonna sound corny, but this challenge has changed my life,” he says. “The bar's been set. Like I know how much I can do physically, and it really has shown me that the physical stuff and being accountable every day, not just to myself but also to my friends that join me in this challenge.”

After, He Incorporated Some of the Healthy Habits Into His Life to Lose More Weight

Young man standing with his arms raised high in triumph under white cloudy sky with plenty of copy space.Shutterstock

After the challenge, he still had 50 pounds more to use. While he didn’t follow the exact same structure, he incorporated a lot of healthy habits into her life. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

More For You

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you want to lose 50 pounds in just over two months? Drew Escarcega, Founder of Photobooth101 and the YouTuber behind Hustle With Drew, lost a whopping 50 pounds in 75. How did he do it? According to the influencer and entrepreneur, he lost weight fast on the 75 Hard Challenge. “I'm gonna talk about my experience doing the 75 hard challenge and exactly why you should do it too,” he says at the start of the clip.


What Is 75 Hard?

He starts by breaking down what 75 Hard is. “It's basically a challenge where you have to do these things I'm about to mention every single day for 75 days. And if you miss one, you have to go back to day one.

Follow a Strict Diet, No Cheating

Stop Drinking Alcohol. Refuse Glass Of Whisky. Say NoShutterstock

The first thing you have to stick to is you have to follow a diet. There's also no cheat meals or no alcohol whatsoever,” he says. “So I really wanted to do this challenge because I wanted to force myself to start eating better basically.”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Do 2, 45-Minute Workouts Per Day

Man in fitness wear exercising near Manhattan. Healthy exercises. Active senior man is fitness exercising outdoor. Exercising after retirement. Senior man training legs muscles doing lunges exercise.Shutterstock

Next, “You have to do two 45-minute workouts each and every day,” he says. “And one of those workouts must be outside. It doesn't matter if it's raining or snowing. There's an earthquake zombie apocalypse. You have to do one of those workouts outside.”

Take Progress Photos Daily

Woman photographer with dslr camera taking pictures outdoor. Mixed race girl with photo camera outdoor. Home hobby, lifestyle, travel, people conceptShutterstock

The next step is to take a progress picture every single day. Progress photos help you stay motivated and serve as photographic evidence your body is changing.

Drink a Gallon of Water Daily

Hand holding 1 gallon plastic bottle of drinking water; silhouette on white.Shutterstock

You have to drink one gallon of water each day. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is important for a variety of reasons. Water helps get rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

RELATED: This Plan Is How to Lose 5 Percent Body Fat In 2 Weeks

Read 10 Pages of a Book Daily

Woman with cup of beverage reading book at table, closeupShutterstock

You have to read ten pages of a book every single day, no exception,” he says, adding that he “honestly really wanted to start reading more books.”

He Did the Challenge with a Group of Friends

Silhouette of happy success positive teamwork hold hands up as business successful, business victory & celebrate achievement. Accomplish people merger & acquisitions concept.Shutterstock

He explains that he did the challenge with 8 of his friends. “We just all kind of made a pact that we'd do this together, start together, finish together, and it worked out great.”

He Struggled on Day One

Fat man sitting on stairs after jogging, no faith in himself, insecuritiesShutterstock

On the first day, he struggled to do the workouts. “When I took my first progress photo, I couldn't believe how big my stomach was. Like I really feel that I was, it looked like I was pregnant. It looks like I was ready to have twins, maybe triplets. I just really wasn't happy with the way I looked. And that actually gave me some motivation,” he says.

RELATED: I Lost 45 Pounds and Got Rid of Stomach Fat by Cutting Out These 6 Foods

Week One Was Hard, But He Noticed a Difference Fast

A man sitting on the bench and looking at the seaShutterstock

He admits that the first week he “started off slow,” sticking to more gentle workouts, like walking, and ramping up to more strenuous ones as the week progressed. “Around day five, I could see some difference. I had dropped a few pounds. I felt a lot better,” he says. His sleep was also better, and he felt more hydrated.

After a Couple Weeks, He “Started Feeling Really Good”

Fat man with a big belly worries about his body. Men are more likely to Clog arteries, Man at risk for diabetes, Belly Fat. Close-up part of the bodyShutterstock

“A couple weeks in, I started feeling really good. I mean, better than I have felt in years. Like I felt amazing,” he says. He could see a huge difference between day one and 15 of his photos.

One Month in and There Was a Huge Difference

back view fat asian girl exercising By walking to burn fat and jogging slowly, fat woman walks for exercise in a natural park.Shutterstock

“One month in, you could definitely start seeing my pregnant-looking stomach slimming down a little bit,” he says. People also started telling him he looked great, which had a “snowball effect,” he says. “It made me start really, really going harder on my workouts because once you start hearing compliments, people are telling you that, you know, hey, your hard work looks like it's paying off. You basically can't turn back at that point.”

His Body Started Hurting Around Day 45

Fat man suffers dying from heat. Lazy, obese overweight young guy lies on bed, suffering from summer abnormal warmth, feels tired, unpleasant discomfort sensations in body, high blood pressure.Shutterstock

“About 45 days into the challenge, my body started to really, really hurt. I could really feel my knees and the joints around my legs. I started to feel some pain but started taking some fish oil and some vitamins, and within a few days, like all those pains went away,” he says. He also started stretching.

RELATED:This Diet Is More Effective Than Ozempic, Says Weight Loss Coach

He Was Looking “Great” at Day 60

Successful man raising arms after cross track running on summer sunset. Fitness male athlete with arms up celebrating success and goals after sport exercising and working out.Shutterstock

After 60 days, all of his friend group was “looking great,” and by day 75, he was “excited to finish” and so happy with the results. “I noticed that my skin had completely changed. I think it was the water and constantly taking two showers a day because of these workouts,” he says.

“I know it's gonna sound corny, but this challenge has changed my life,” he says. “The bar's been set. Like I know how much I can do physically, and it really has shown me that the physical stuff and being accountable every day, not just to myself but also to my friends that join me in this challenge.”

After, He Incorporated Some of the Healthy Habits Into His Life to Lose More Weight

Young man standing with his arms raised high in triumph under white cloudy sky with plenty of copy space.Shutterstock

After the challenge, he still had 50 pounds more to use. While he didn’t follow the exact same structure, he incorporated a lot of healthy habits into her life. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Cassie B cassiebfitness
Copyright cassiebfitness/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want 2025 to be the year you achieve all your weight loss goals? If the answer is yes, one expert claims that you may need to modify your behavior. Cassie B of Cassie B Fitness is a coach and influencer who shares her health and fitness journey with thousands of social media followers. In a new post, she reveals some changes she had to make to lose weight. “Realistic things I gave up in order to lose 75 pounds in less than a year,” she writes. “Here’s what I gave up to lose over 75lbs,” she writes in the post. “I went from 225/230 to 150 in less than a year! I gave up these things and finally saw HUGE results.”

She Stopped Viewing Foods as “Good” or “Bad”

The first thing she did? “I gave up viewing food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. No single food makes you gain weight just like no single food makes you lose weight. Instead, I ate and enjoyed ALL food while staying in a deficit,” she writes.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

She Stopped Viewing Exercise as Punishment

She also changed her mental approach to exercise. “I gave up thinking of exercise as a punishment. Exercise is a way to celebrate what your body can do and make it stronger for what you want it to be able to do, not a punishment for what it’s currently capable of. I also realized exercise can occur ANYWHERE! Not just in a gym,” she says.

She Stopped Looking for Quick Fixes

She then stopped searching for the easy way out. “I gave up looking for quick fixes. I tried every single fad diet and ‘quick fix’ out there. They don’t work and they aren’t sustainable. Instead, I focused on sustainable, realistic changes,” she wrote.

She Stopped Trying to “Speed It Up”

“ I gave up trying to speed it up,” she continued. “Weight loss is slow, but the time will pass anyway, and quitting won’t speed it up!!!”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

She Stopped Striving for Perfection

The last thing she did? “I gave up trying to be perfect. This isn’t all or nothing! Life happens! Aim for consistency, not perfection. Keep going when you have a day (or week) where you overeat. Enjoy the calories, and KEEP GOING!!” she wrote. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

You're probably familiar with the feeling of wanting to improve your fitness and health but finding traditional challenges too restrictive or intense. That’s where the 75 Soft Challenge comes in, offering a more approachable and sustainable way to make lasting changes. Wellness influencerAmanda Castillo took on this challenge in a popular video and found it to be a perfect balance between structure and flexibility. Her experience highlights how the 75 Soft Challenge can help anyone build healthier habits without the overwhelming pressure of perfection or burnout.


The 75 Soft Challenge: A Manageable Approach to Fitness

The 75 Soft Challenge is a modified version of the more intense 75 Hard Challenge, designed to help people develop healthier habits in a more sustainable way. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this challenge offers a more accessible approach to improving one's lifestyle without the rigid rules and potential for burnout associated with its predecessor.

Key Components of the 75 Soft Challenge

The 75 Soft Challenge consists of four main rules to follow daily for 75 days:

  1. Eat well and only drink alcohol on social occasions
  2. Exercise for 45 minutes per day (one day can be active recovery)
  3. Drink 3 liters of water daily
  4. Read 10 pages of any book each day

Unlike the 75 Hard Challenge, if you miss a day or don't follow the rules perfectly, you don't have to start over. This flexibility allows participants to focus on overall progress rather than strict adherence.

Benefits of the 75 Soft Approach

Dr. Matthew Sacco, a health and sports/performance psychologist quoted by the Cleveland Clinic, emphasizes the importance of tackling small changes over time: "When you're trying to make improvements, it's better and more helpful if you try to tackle one small thing at a time until you start to feel comfortable and get better over time". This approach helps build confidence and motivation, making it easier to maintain healthy habits in the long run.

Amanda's Experience with the Challenge

Amanda, in her video, shares her personal journey with the 75 Soft Challenge, offering insights into the real-life application of these principles. "I decided to do this challenge as a personal challenge to myself," she explains. "It's wild because I look back at my before and I saw no issues. I wanted to get toned, that's for sure. I wanted to go to the gym regularly. I wanted some muscle. I wanted abs. I mean, we all want abs."

Embracing the 'All or Nothing' Mentality

The flexibility of the 75 Soft Challenge resonated with Amanda's approach to self-improvement. "I am an all or nothing kind of person," she admits. "I can't gradually go into things, I just have to do it straight on. So I feel like when it comes to this challenge, some of the rules can differ."

RELATED:I Lost Over 50 Pounds Doing the 75 Hard Method

Initial Motivation and Obstacles

Amanda's dedication to the challenge was evident from the start. "I was so motivated in these first two weeks. I was not missing a workout. I was getting into my reading," she recalls in the video. However, like many people, she faced obstacles along the way. "I went to the outside lands, and it was so much fun. I saw Kendrick Lamar and Lana Del Rey; I danced at Odessa. It was just so much fun... So I tried to work out while I was there, but it was honestly just hard going to work out and then also trying to get ready for the festival."

RELATED: This Plan Is How to Lose 5 Percent Body Fat In 2 Weeks

Perseverance and Progress

Despite these challenges, Amanda persevered. "Today marks my six weeks of this challenge," she shared midway through. "I will say I feel like my physical progress isn't as drastic as I thought it would be, but I'm definitely getting stronger. I feel that for sure."

Adapting Workout Routines

Amanda's approach to workouts evolved during the challenge. "I ended up doing my own workout routine. I didn't know a bunch of workouts, so I dove into so many TikTok workout routines, a lot of YouTube workout routines, and I just pretty much copied and pasted and did whatever felt right to me," she explains. This adaptability helped her stay consistent with her exercise routine.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Gradual Dietary Changes

Regarding nutrition, Amanda made gradual changes. "I do want to emphasize that I also did not change my diet whatsoever, but something that I have changed is I have been just trying to consume more protein in the form of protein powder," she notes in the video. "I will say I have been drinking less. I still go out with friends, but if I do grab a drink, it'll be a tequila soda trying to keep it very low cal."

Beyond Physical Changes

As the challenge progressed, Amanda noticed significant changes beyond just her physical appearance. "I've been sleeping better. My energy's been higher. I love working out. Now, if a day goes by without me working out, it feels weird," she shares in the video. "But I would say the biggest change for me is just my relationship with working out and with food and how much better it's been. I actually crave healthy food now. It's really wild to me how we can condition our bodies to live and eat a certain way."

The Power of Consistency

Reflecting on her journey, Amanda emphasizes the importance of consistency over perfection. "It's not about being perfect, it's just about doing it, about being consistent. Even if it's going to the gym for 10 minutes or eating a salad covered in ranch, whatever, at least you're doing something that's a little bit better than what you were doing previously."

RELATED:10 Foods That I Will Never Eat Again After Losing 120 Pounds

Sustainable Lifestyle Changes

Amanda's experience with the 75 Soft Challenge demonstrates how a more flexible approach to fitness and wellness can lead to sustainable lifestyle changes. "I am just so thankful for what I've gained from this challenge," she concludes. "I'm definitely going to continue doing it. Some parts of it." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Martin Balcaitis
Copyright Martin Balcaitis
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

If you've ever felt frustrated with dieting, you're not alone. After 15 years of trying different weight loss approaches, Martin Balcaitis, 45, Senior Vice President of Operations at Lindora in Orange County, California, finally discovered the game-changing mistake that had been holding him back all along. His transformation story proves that sometimes the smallest changes can lead to the biggest results.

The Wake-Up Call

Martin Balcaitis

Copyright Martin Balcaitis

"I feel like I've always been trying to lose weight!" Martin tells Body Network. "But now that I'm in my mid-40s, I know that it isn't so much about the number on the scale, but my overall health for longevity – that was my real motivator this time around."

The Crucial Discovery

Woman in gloves puts raw chicken breasts in a plate on a digital weighing scale to prepare delicious food at home. Homemade cooking concept.​Understanding True Protein ContentShutterstock

Standing at 5'9" and weighing 222 pounds, Martin thought he had tried everything. Then came the revelation that changed everything: "I thought I was eating a correct portion for myself, but eyeballing wasn't my friend," he admits. "A food scale was crucial to my success."

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

The Transformation

Martin Balcaitis

Copyright Martin Balcaitis

The results speak for themselves. In just six months, Martin dropped from 222 pounds to 165 pounds, achieving a remarkable transformation in his body composition. "My overall body fat percentage went from 36% to 15% in 6 months," he shares proudly.

A New Approach to Food

Man eats, eating​What To Do InsteadShutterstock

Unlike previous attempts at weight loss, Martin's new strategy didn't involve cutting out foods entirely. "I haven't eliminated anything – which is great!" he explains. "I simply know how to manage portions and adjust my eating that day if I know I'm going to have something decadent or high-carb during the day."

A Day of Measured Eating

Woman hands breaking an egg to separate egg white and yolks and egg shells at the backgroundShutterstock

Martin's daily menu is both satisfying and strategic. "Breakfast is typically one egg, some egg whites and cottage cheese blended in what I call my 'protein eggs' with spinach and some meat," he says. "Lunch will be a salad with a yogurt-based dressing and dinner is roasted vegetables and lean protein – also three Lindora snacks too!"

RELATED:10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

The Workout Strategy

Gym and dumbbell weight training equipment on sport ,Healthy life and gym exercise equipments and sports concept ,copy spaceShutterstock

Time management proved to be another crucial lesson. "Time can always get the best of us so I make sure to workout in the morning," Martin explains. "I make too many excuses to not go to the gym after work." His dedication has paid off: "I can actually see some abs poking through now!"

Dealing with Setbacks

Within gym with modern fitness equipment for fitness events and more. Modern of gym interior with equipment. Sports equipment in the gym.Shutterstock

Martin maintains a realistic approach to challenges. "Sometimes the motivation just isn't there and you have to tell yourself that it's a marathon, not a sprint," he reflects. "Don't beat yourself up if you skip a workout or can't go the distance you wanted to."

The Power of Accountability

Feel softness, asian young woman, female hand holding pile clothing from table, stack folding clean clothes after washing, laundry and dry. Household working at home. Laundry and maid concept.Shutterstock

Making the journey public became a powerful tool. "Be vocal about it. I told people I was trying to lose weight to help hold me accountable," he advises. His commitment extended to his wardrobe: "I donated clothes once they were too big for me – I didn't want to buy big clothes again, so I had to keep going!"

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

A Science-Based Approach

Measuring,Body,Composition,Balance,,Standing,On,The,Medical,ScalesShutterstock

Martin emphasizes the importance of data in his success. "Knowledge is power, so I would encourage everyone to get a body composition analysis done so they have a true understanding of what their numbers are to make a plan of attack," he recommends.

The Path to Success

Social media and digital online concept, man using smart phone with Social media. The concept of living on vacation and playing social media. Social Distancing ,Working From Home concept.Shutterstock

For those inspired by his journey, Martin offers encouraging advice: "Just start! You don't have to wait for a certain day, you don't have to have a big goal in mind – just take little steps and once you see some progress it will motivate you to keep going."

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

Maintaining Momentum

Successful man raising arms after cross track running on summer sunset. Fitness male athlete with arms up celebrating success and goals after sport exercising and working out.Shutterstock

His approach to staying motivated remains practical and empowering. "If I am feeling badly about my body – it is 100% in my control to fix it," he states. "Having a plan and solutions is the answer and putting that plan into action is key." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Kiki (@kikivirk) is a weight loss influencer who has amassed a social media following for sharing all the tips and tricks that enabled her to lose a whopping 60 pounds and keep it off. In one of her viral videos – viewed over 8 million times, Kiki reveals the biggest weight loss mistake she made on her journey – and also what ultimately led to her weight loss success.


She Says Doing High Intensity Workouts Were a “Huge Mistake”

@kikivirk

The plan that helped me shed 60lbs 💪🏽 #weightloss #pcos #pcosweightloss #weightlossmotivation #weightlosstipsforwomen #pcosworkout

“I was so motivated to lose weight and I wanted to see results fast, but I didn't do my research and I jumped straight in, literally into a high intensity, 90 day workout plan. Huge mistake,” Kiki says in the video.

After 45 Days She Hadn’t Lost Weight

kikivirk2kikivirk/TikTok

After a month-and-a-half, she didn't feel like she'd lost any weight. “I was overdoing it. The long, painful HIIT workouts were actually doing my body no good. They were causing it too much stress and loads of other problems,” she says.

Related: 5 Pilates Exercises for a Flat Stomach in 14 Days

She Had “Weight Plateaus” and “Felt So Hungry and Fatigued”

young sports woman working out, running and feeling tired on treadmill in gymShutterstock

In another video, she specified that she was doing “high intensity cardio” five times a week in hopes it “would burn fat fast and give me my dream body,” she explained. “But instead, I had weight plateaus and felt so hungry and fatigued.

Her Fat Began to “Melt Off” When She Started Strength Training

,Dumbbells,,,Rack,hym,weights, fitness, exerciseShutterstock

“Literally, as soon as I started strength training and less cardio, the fat began to melt off, and the lean muscle mass I gained gave me the tone look I'd always wanted,” she continued.

Her Program: LISS, Walking, Strength and Resistance Training, and a Short HIIT Workout

Running shoes - woman tying shoe laces. Closeup of female sport fitness runner getting ready for jogging outdoors on waterfront in late summer or fallShutterstock

Her program starts with doing 45 to 60 minutes of LISS cardio four times a week. She also walks 7 to 12,000 steps every day, does strength and resistance training three times a week, and a 15-minute HIIT workout once a week.

Related: Patrick Mahomes' "Natural Dad Bod" Has Everyone Talking. Here's How to Ditch It, According to Expert

An Expert Weighs In

Kendra_Gamblehitfitnesstraining/Instagram

“What she says is definitely spot on,” says Kendra Gamble, HIT Fitness Training, Huntingdon Valley, PA, NPTI Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritional Consultant. “Intense cardio and intense HIIT more than twice a week will do the body more harm than good and is not the way to lose fat and get that toned look.” Instead, she agrees that “increasing your everyday steps is more of the most important and beginner things you can do to start losing fat along with getting your diet right.” Unfortunately, “fat loss is not an immediate thing and will take time and dedication but she explains it all perfectly.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are a beginner trying to lose weight, starting by increasing your steps and modifying your diet instead of going overboard with higher intensity workouts.

Michaela Bentley Fitness
Trainer, 58, Lost 15 Pounds and Blasted Belly Fat with These 4 Habits
Copyright michaelabentley_fitness/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you over 50 and struggling to lose weight? You might need to face some “hard truths” and make some changes to your routine, according to an expert. Michaela Bentley is a CPT & Nutrition coach. At the age of 58, she looks half her age! She maintains that she has a better grasp of diet and exercise than she did in her forties. In a recent post, she reveals the truth about losing weight after menopause. “At 59 here are my top tips to losing weight after 50,” she says, admitting they are “probably not what you think.”

There Are No Quick Fixes

“There are no quick fixes,” she writes. “The truth is I don’t have a magic wand and neither does any other fitness trainer. The results are up to you. So many people quit way too soon due to unrealistic expectations. It’s not your fault. The fitness industry is full of lies and half truths in order to get you to pull out your wallet. Real change takes time sometimes months and even years, depending on where you’re starting from. Get a program from a qualified source, be patient and stick with it.”

It’s Going to Be Hard

“It’s going to be hard,” she continues. “Big changes in life are hard won. Nothing worth doing is easy and losing weight is no different especially over 50. If you’re doing it right, it’s going to be hard, especially in the beginning while your body gets used to the feeling of getting out of your comfort zone. If you’re following a program that incorporates progressive overload, it’s probably never going to be easy, but I assure you if you stick with it, you will learn to love that feeling of being challenged.”

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

You Will Have to Make Lifestyle Changes

“It’s probably going to require a few lifestyle changes and you may not like them all,” she says. “I’ve had many clients say to me. I’m going to do the fitness part, but I don’t wanna change my lifestyle. I like having a drink in the evening and I don’t want to track my food. That’s great, but that’s not gonna get you results. If you really want big changes, you have to make big changes and that’s probably gonna mean changing some of your habits that are out of alignment with your goals and replace those with new healthy habits.”

Consistency Over Perfection

“Consistency is more important than perfection,” is her final tip. “You don’t have to be perfect, (god knows, I am not) but you do have to be consistent. Slow and steady wins the race. You can’t show up one day and then skip a bunch of days because you’re not feeling it. You need to show up every day in some form or another. If you do that, I promise you those results will come in time.”

She Also Started Strength Training

In another recent post, she revealed how she lost 15 pounds and got into the best shape later in life going “full ninja on belly fat.” The first thing that worked to blast belly fat was, unsurprisingly, strength training. “Lifting weights CONSISTENTLY with a plan that incorporates progressive overload. All this means is that you are added load and difficulty over time in order to avoid plateaus,” she writes.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

She Also Started Moving “A Lot More”

She also started moving more, “a lot more,” she admits. “As a society we’ve become sedentary. Most of us spend a good majority of the day sitting at a desk. If we want to shake things up, metabolically we have to move more. Try adding intentional steps to your routine. Aim for at least 8000k-10000 a day.”

Food Journaling and Tracking

“Start a food journal and preferably track your food through tracking app,” she continued about habit number four. “Most of us have no clue exactly what we’re eating and in what quantities. I can’t tell you how many women tell me they eat under 1500 cal a day and then when we look at their food journal, they’re actually eating almost double that.”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Seeing a Doctor

“If you’re struggling with symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, see your doctor,” she says. “I had a truckload of symptoms that I had no idea were related to my declining hormones. Getting my hormones back into balance not only helped with the symptoms I was having but it helped me improve my sleep and general mood which in turn, helped me reduce stress and lose the weight.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Dr. Shannon Ritchey dr.shannon.dpt
5 Strength Training Mistakes That Sabotage Your Weight Loss
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you dread cardio workouts, especially high-intensity interval training? One expert claims to have discovered a new workout method as effective as HIIT. Podcaster Liz Moody recently interviewed Dr. Shannon Ritchey, PT, DPT on her podcast, who turned her onto a game-changing workout. “Excuse me. Why did no one tell me that studies show I can get a more effective cardio workout in just 10 minutes?” she writes, revealing the clutch cardio workout that has been a game-changer in her routine. Here is what you need to know about REHIT.

She Was Never a Cardio Person

Moody maintains that she isn’t a cardio person. “I’ve always hated cardio, until I had @dr.shannon.dpt on the @lizmoody podcast — and she told me I could get all of the same results in under 10 minutes. Here’s the deal,” she writes.

There Is Science Backing REHIT Workouts

“Researchers have discovered something called REHIT workouts, which studies found actually resulted in 2x the level of improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness relative to moderate intensity continuous training (going for a run, basically) group,” she says.

RELATED:10-Min Walking Workout Burns Fat at Home, Says Coach

What Is REHIT?

She goes on to explain what it is. “A 3 min light warm up, like walking, then 30 seconds of all out exertion (like a full on sprint) followed by 3 minutes of recovery, another 30 second period of all out exertion, and then another recovery period, totaling in 10 minutes. That’s it!” she says.

How Does It Work

Then, she explains the mechanism of action. “REHIT (Reduced Exertion High-Intensity Training) increases the body’s demand for ATP, the main energy currency. Since most ATP is produced by mitochondria, this intense activity signals your body to adapt by producing more mitochondria for future energy needs. REHIT triggers key enzymes and pathways involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, such as PGC-1α, optimizing mitochondrial function.”

You Get the Same Results in Short, Intense Bursts

“The short, intense bursts of REHIT are enough to fully activate these pathways, meaning you don’t need longer sessions to see increased efficiency,” she continues. “Shorter, high-intensity efforts can achieve the same results.”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

She Does 2 of These Sessions Per Week

“Now, I’m doing 2 REHIT sessions a week (benefits didn’t increase at 3 or 4 sessions, according to research), mixed with the weight training routine that Dr. Shannon shared on the podcast episode,” she says. “It’s such a good one and will help you get your healthiest body this year, without spending a second longer than you need to!” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Dillon Swinney builtbydillonn
I'm a Coach and These 10 Fruits Will Help You Burn Body Fat
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you trying to blast belly fat? It might be time to infuse some new habits into your routine. Dillon Swinney is an online fitness coach who helps his clients burn fat and build lean muscle, eating foods they love. In a new post, he reveals the habits that helped him blast belly fat more quickly. “These 10 things were crucial and really helped my progress with losing belly fat,” he writes in the post.

Cutting Out Alcohol

Bartender pours alcoholic drink into small glasses on bar​Don’t Drink as Much AlcoholShutterstock

Putting down the bottle and cutting out alcohol was instrumental in Dillon’s fat loss – and not just because of the calories in booze. “This was a game-changer. Reducing alcohol intake helped my body recover and shed fat faster,” he writes.

Stick to a Plan

His next healthy habit was sticking to a plan. “I stayed committed, even when it got tough. Pushing through the hardest part—those first two weeks—made all the difference,” he writes.

Prioritizing Sleep

Rear View Of Young Man Stretching In Bed After Waking Up In The Morning, Unrecognizable Male Resting In Light Bedroom After Good Sleep, Looking At Window, Enjoying Start Of New Day, Copy SpaceShutterstock

Prioritizing sleep was also key. “Getting 7-8 hours a night helped my body recover and kept my metabolism running smoothly,” he says. According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss.

RELATED:30 Best Protein Foods That Melt Fat Almost Instantly

Walking

Person walking to Freedom ConceptShutterstock

“Walking instead of doing intense cardio” was also surprisingly helpful. “I kept it simple by walking regularly. It was easy on my body and helped burn fat consistently,” he says. Going for a daily walk can be a game changer, especially at a brisk speed. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day reduced the risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

Patience and Consistency

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Habit five is “staying patient and consistent,” he says. “Results take time, and consistency was key. I stayed focused even when progress seemed slow.”

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Following the 80/20 Rule

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Dillon makes sure to eat healthy most of the time, focusing on an 80/20 approach. “I didn’t deprive myself. I made sure 80% of my meals were healthy, and allowed myself flexibility in the remaining 20%,” he says.

Decreasing Inflammation

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He also prioritized decreasing inflammation, especially regarding nutrition. “I focused on eating anti-inflammatory foods that helped reduce bloating and belly fat,” he writes.

He Found a Plan

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There should be no winging it, Dillon says. “I found a plan that worked – Instead of feeling lost, having a structured plan to follow kept me on track,” he writes.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Hydration

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He also prioritized hydration by drinking more water. “Staying hydrated helped with digestion and energy, which fueled my workouts,” he says. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Food Tracking

Healthy diet. Male hands holding a smartphone and keeping track of the calories of his food with a fitness appTrick 2: Strategic Food Tracking for SuccessShutterstock

His last belly fat-blasting habit? “Tracking my food,” he writes. “Keeping track of what I ate made me more mindful and helped me stay on top of my goals.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.