FITNESS CHALLENGES: THE NEWEST HEALTH CRAZE

From celeb-approved 21-day detoxes to intense 75-day tests, fitness challenges are everywhere — and might be just what you need

- Akshita Prakash and S Farah Rizvi

Every few weeks, a new fitness challenge starts trending on social media - from the 75 Hard challenge to the 21-day concoction challenge, and many more.

These definedday programs are the latest fitness buzz, with celebrities like Neha Dhupia, Alaya F, and Kapil Sharma giving them their stamp of approval. Promising quick results through meal planning, light exercises, and dietary changes, they are gaining massive popularity. But before you jump in, it's worth asking: what are the real health benefits, what are the risks, and what should you be eating while doing them? We ask experts to break it all down.

The 21-day concoction challenge

Actor Neha Dhupia, who struggles with inflammation and bloating linked to PCOS, recently took on the challenge. The 45-year-old tells us, "A specialist suggested this drink to me, and I wanted to try it myself before sharing it. This challenge was about cleansing the gut, which for me is the root cause of everything."

The challenge involves a simple concoction: raw turmeric (haldi), one cube of raw ginger, 5-7 black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon of nigella seeds (kalonji), and MCT oil. If you don't have MCT oil, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, ghee, or olive oil. Blend the ingredients with water, freeze the mixture into ice cubes, and consume one cube daily for 21 days.

How to take on the challenge