Fitness challenges have been a part of the online fitness movement from the get-go. Initially, fitness challenges were simplistic. One of the most popular early fitness challenges was doing 100 push-ups a day. However, with the rise of short-form content and platforms like TikTok, such challenges got elaborate and sometimes bizarre. Recently, a mother and TikTok influencer, 39-year-old Michelle Fairburn, found herself in a life-threatening situation after a fitness challenge went wrong.

On July 13, Fairburn uploaded a video informing her 52,700 followers about undertaking a challenge. Dubbed the 75 Hard challenge, the process involves drinking a gallon of water each day for 75 days. Besides drinking a gallon of water, there are other parameters. However, it was the gallon of water, that landed the Tiktoker in trouble.

How a search for fitness led to sodium deficiency

Fairburn wanted her followers to witness her transformation throughout the 75-day duration. While there were no problems in the beginning, around ten days into the challenge, she fell ill. On July 24, Fairburn uploaded a video saying she might have “water poisoning.” A day later, the TikTok influencer had some grim updates for her followers.

On July 25, Fairburn uploaded a video saying she was going to the hospital. The 39-year-old recorded the video after visiting her doctor, who told her to go to the hospital to run tests. “I have severe sodium deficiency, which actually can be fatal,” Fairburn said in the video. She said she was going to the hospital where “they can raise my sodium gradually.”

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In her following video, Michelle Fairburn said she felt much better after treatment. She also said that she would continue the 75 Hard challenge. However, Fairburn said she would not be doing “the water portion” of the challenge. Instead, she would stick to the doctor’s recommendation of 32 ounces of water “or when I’m thirsty.” So, what else is part of the 75 Hard challenge?

The 75 Hard by Andy Frisella

In 2019, Andy Frisella, who runs a supplement company and is also a podcaster, created the 75 Hard. Frisella refuses to label it as a fitness program and calls it a “mental toughness” program. Besides drinking a gallon of water, the challenge also requires a participant to work out twice a day, each session being 45 min long.

Those taking on the challenge also have to maintain a strict diet. Even some of the most disciplined fitness personalities, like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, have cheat meals. However, those taking on 75 Hard cannot have a cheat meal for the duration of the challenge. Interestingly, Frisella also asks people to consult their physician before starting the challenge.

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Michelle Fairburn didn’t disclose if she consulted her doctor before starting the challenge. However, it’ll be interesting to see the results, if she completes the challenge without a gallon of water a day.