The makers of Operation Transformation have teamed up with us here at Ireland's Classic Hits Radio and The Irish Sun for a new health series to kick off 2025: The 40 Day Health Challenge!
And Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio is excited to announce that Colm Hayes, the much-loved co-host of Colm and Lucy in the Morning, has stepped up as one of the 16 challengers!
The 40 Day Health Challenge, supported by health experts from Operation Transformation, is designed to motivate participants to focus on improving their physical health, mental wellbeing, and nutrition over 40 days.
With a packed schedule of events including ‘Motivation Mondays’, ‘Foodie Tuesdays’, and ‘Feel Good Fridays’, the challenge aims to engage and energise people of all ages and fitness levels.
Colm candidly admits that his lifestyle, while enjoyable, isn’t the most sustainable: "Like many of my listeners, I’ve made countless promises to myself to improve my fitness and health, but life always gets in the way. At my age (62), the stakes are higher—I’m in what my friends call ‘sniper’s alley’. This challenge is a chance for me to take control and make real changes while setting an example for anyone who feels it’s time to do the same."
Colm, who juggles early mornings, long hours, and a love for good food and wine, recognises the transformative potential of the challenge.
Lucy Kennedy, his co-presenter, says, "Colm likes to joke about this, but I know how much his health matters to him. I’ll be his biggest cheerleader – and also his biggest spy! If he so much as looks at a glass of wine, I’ll know. I’ve got cameras in his house (just kidding... or am I?). I really hope he makes it through the 40 days. It won’t be easy, but if anyone can do it, it’s Colm. Unless, of course, wine wins!"
Trina Mara will be at the forefront of covering the 40 Day Health Challenge, sharing daily updates and exclusive interviews with Colm and the other 15 challengers. Trina will dive into their personal stories, track their progress, and highlight the ups and downs of their journeys. Her show will bring listeners closer to the action, providing inspiration, practical tips, and sneak peeks into the expert advice being shared throughout the challenge. Whether it’s a live weigh-in, a reflection on the week’s achievements, or a behind-the-scenes look at Colm’s progress, Trina will ensure the nation feels part of this transformative journey.
This isn’t just a challenge for Colm; it’s an opportunity to show that it’s never too late to prioritise health. The challenge offers a supportive framework, practical tips, and expert guidance to help all participants – and the nation – build habits that last well beyond the 40 days.
The 40 Day Health Challenge will be streamed daily with weekly episodes available offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challengers' journeys. Daily updates, expert tips, and progress insights will also be featured on Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio and across social media platforms, ensuring you never miss a moment of this inspiring health journey. Tune in and follow along!
The 40 Day Health Challenge will take you out of your comfort zone but for a very good cause…your long-term health. Created by trusted experts each of the 40 days has a meal, exercise and mental health plan.
Eat
Coru Registered Dietician Sophie Pratt has a food plan focused on improving your diet. Eat to be healthy and you can set your goal to lose, maintain or gain weight.
Move
Movement and exercise are so important for your long-term health. Using the guidelines set by DCU School of Health and Human Performance for upper and lower body strength, balance and cardiovascular health, fitness expert Karl Henry has a plan that will bring everybody towards those fitness targets that are set for age and gender. Meeting the guidelines is a great way to improve your life now and your health into the future.
(See minimum fitness guidelines for age and gender here)
Headspace
Clinical Phycologist Dr. Eddie will inviting us to improve our mental well-being. Showing us ways to connect with ourselves and the people around us with daily tips.
GP Dr. Sumi will be challenging us to get on top of the things we tend to ignore or put off. Check out her weekly GP Tips over the 40 Days.
This includes are own Colm Hayes and you can also follow his 40 day journey on our in Instagram here.
Watch weekly streamed episodes from our TV Series Episodes Page where the experts meet the challengers.
If you’re looking for an exciting new challenge in 2025 and want to be part of 40-Days that will positively impact your health please join the movement here
