Alaya F recently encountered a challenging experience with a spider bite, yet her unwavering dedication to the demanding 75 Hard Challenge remains resolute. Crafted by supplement expert and author Andy Frisella, this 75-day challenge is described as a “transformative mental toughness programme”.

Reflecting on her intensive routine, the 26-year-old actor details, “In one day, I am landing up getting 7 hours of physical activity. My body is exhausted from all the workouts — 5 hours of song rehearsals and 2 hours of the 75 Hard Challenge. On top of that, there are all the other things one has to do, so my days are feeling extra full now, but it is very rewarding.”

She further shares, “It is a very intense but wonderful start to the year. I started on January 1. Maintaining the four-litre water intake can be a little tricky sometimes. I am also getting back to reading and managed to meditate in my challenge, so it’s great. I feel mentally refreshed, and my body feels clean because there are no cheat meals or alcohol.”

Providing guidance to those contemplating the challenge, she concludes, “As long as you have an overall healthy diet, it is sustainable. I am avoiding refined sugars and fried foods.”

One needs to complete five crucial daily activities, including twice-daily workouts, strict adherence to a nutrition plan and the fortification of mental resilience — all without breaks, cheat days or substitutions. Failure to fulfil even one task results in the clock resetting, compelling individuals to restart the entire programme from day one.