Walk into almost any LA gym right now—whether it’s a boutique fitness studio in Silver Lake or a high-end spot in West Hollywood—and you’ll notice something: people aren’t just working out, they’re competing. From plank-a-thons to 75-day endurance tests, Los Angeles has turned fitness into a full-blown cultural challenge. It’s no longer about counting reps; it’s about joining a movement, proving your grit, and of course, posting the sweaty selfie to go with it.
The “75 Hard” Mental & Physical Challenge
Let’s start with the beast that refuses to die: 75 Hard. It’s not new, but LA has given it a serious revival this year. Created by entrepreneur Andy Frisella, the challenge lasts 75 days and focuses on mental discipline as much as physical endurance. Participants must follow five strict daily rules: two 45-minute workouts (one must be outdoors), follow a diet with no cheat meals, read 10 pages of nonfiction, drink a gallon of water, and take a progress photo every day.
Sounds intense? It is. Trainers at places like Equinox Beverly Hills and Dogpound LA report a surge in small groups doing the program together. “It’s not just about abs,” one coach told me. “It’s about mental toughness. People here love that.”
Still, most fitness experts (including those from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services guidelines) recommend modifying such programs to avoid burnout. LA’s version tends to be more balanced—mixing yoga, trail runs, and strength training to keep the challenge sustainable.
The “Hot Girl 100” Movement
Don’t let the name fool you—it’s gender-inclusive, attitude-driven, and very LA. The “Hot Girl 100” started on TikTok and blew up in local studios like Hot Pilates and Barry’s West Hollywood. The premise: complete 100 workouts in 100 days, no excuses.
Participants track their streaks via social media or gym apps, often joining small accountability groups. It’s got the kind of energy that makes you want to throw on a matching set and push through a 6 a.m. class. Trainers say it’s reignited consistency in a city that’s all about looking good but also feeling grounded.
“It’s not about perfection—it’s about showing up,” says one instructor at Hot 8 Yoga in Brentwood. “LA fitness used to be all aesthetics. Now it’s about community.”
The Stairway to Heaven Challenge
This one’s born from pure SoCal geography. The “Stairway to Heaven Challenge” started in Santa Monica and involves climbing five of the area’s toughest outdoor stair sets—from the iconic Santa Monica Stairs to the lesser-known steps in Rustic Canyon.
Each set ranges from 200 to 300 steps, and challengers aim to complete all five in a single day. Fitness enthusiasts treat it like a mini triathlon: endurance, lower body power, and sunblock discipline all tested at once. According to the City of Santa Monica Parks Division, the stairs see over 3,000 climbers per week during peak months—proof this outdoor challenge has become part of LA’s identity.
The 30-Day Functional Fitness Circuit
Forget old-school bodybuilding splits—LA’s current gym trend is functional. Studios like F45, Basecamp Fitness, and Rumble Boxing have turned 30-day circuit challenges into local rituals.
These challenges combine strength, agility, and endurance in high-intensity circuits, with daily themes: cardio day, upper body burn, agility ladder madness—you name it. The catch? Participants track heart-rate zones via wearables, turning each session into a real-time game of “beat your past self.”
Many gyms now integrate app-based progress tracking through Apple Health or WHOOP, which gives the challenge a data-driven edge. “The accountability is what makes it stick,” says F45 trainer Marco Santos. “LA folks love seeing numbers that prove the grind’s paying off.”
The Cold Plunge + Sauna Endurance Trend
This one’s more wellness-meets-grit. Thanks to influencers and biohackers, contrast therapy—alternating between ice baths and saunas—has exploded in LA gyms. But now, it’s evolved into a challenge format.
At Remedy Place in West Hollywood and Pause Studio in Venice, members are timing their plunges (2 to 5 minutes) and logging sessions for 30 consecutive days. The challenge is as mental as it is physical—forcing you to control breathing and stay calm under stress.
Scientific support for cold therapy’s benefits is growing (see studies from the National Institutes of Health), and locals swear it’s improving focus, recovery, and mood.
Table: LA’s Most Popular Fitness Challenges in 2025
| Challenge | Duration | Focus | Hotspots | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 Hard | 75 Days | Discipline + Endurance | Equinox, Dogpound | Extreme |
| Hot Girl 100 | 100 Days | Consistency + Confidence | Hot Pilates, Barry’s | Moderate |
| Stairway to Heaven | 1 Day | Outdoor Endurance | Santa Monica, Rustic Canyon | Tough |
| 30-Day Functional Circuit | 30 Days | Strength + Mobility | F45, Rumble | Moderate to High |
| Cold Plunge Challenge | 30 Days | Recovery + Mindset | Remedy Place, Pause Studio | Variable |
Why LA Leads the Fitness-Challenge Trend
Los Angeles thrives on community and self-optimization, two traits tailor-made for fitness challenges. The city’s workout culture has evolved from isolation to inclusion—group accountability, team workouts, and public progress check-ins are the new norm.
Add in the constant sunshine and camera-ready culture, and it’s no wonder LA gyms have become incubators for global trends. Challenges here don’t just live in gyms; they spill into social media, hiking trails, and even coffee shop conversations.
More importantly, they’ve shifted the city’s focus from quick results to long-term health habits. As one Venice trainer put it: “In LA, your challenge isn’t just about finishing—it’s about becoming part of a tribe.”
FAQs:
Are these challenges safe for beginners?
Yes, most can be adapted. Trainers recommend starting slower and focusing on consistency over intensity.
Which challenge burns the most calories?
The 30-Day Functional Fitness Circuit typically offers the highest calorie burn due to its high-intensity nature.
What’s the easiest challenge to start with?
The Hot Girl 100 is beginner-friendly and focuses on consistency rather than strict rules.
