What is 75 Hard? A Physical and Mental Challenge Explained
You’ve probably heard of 75 Hard, but you might be wondering what it’s all about. This popular fitness challenge is a mental and physical test that spans 75 days. The rules are strict, and if you slip up, you’ll need to start all over again from day one.
For many, 75 Hard is a thrilling, yet tough journey that demands self-discipline and perseverance. It’s not a challenge for the faint-hearted or easily discouraged.
Here are the rules of 75 Hard:
- Follow a specific diet without cheat days
- No alcohol
- Complete two 45-minute workouts per day, one of which must be outdoors
- Drink one gallon of water every day
- Read 10 pages of a book daily
- Take a daily progress picture
The Downsides of 75 Hard
While 75 Hard can be rewarding, it’s not without its challenges. One of the major downsides is the time commitment. Between the two daily workouts and the daily reading, you’re looking at a minimum of 2 hours per day – and that doesn’t include meal prep or other daily tasks.
For me, finding 75 consecutive days without interruptions like vacations, social events, or unexpected visitors seemed unrealistic. The lack of rest days also made it mentally exhausting, as the challenge requires unwavering consistency.
A close friend attempted 75 Hard twice but ended up failing both times due to the intense mental and physical strain. She mentioned that the rules were so rigid, they eventually led to a mental breakdown.
Given my current life circumstances, 75 Hard didn’t feel like the right fit for me.
What is 75 Soft? A More Flexible Alternative
Enter 75 Soft, a gentler version of the original challenge. 75 Soft maintains the spirit of self-discipline and commitment but with more flexibility and room for life’s interruptions. There’s no need to start over if you make a mistake, and it includes a weekly rest day.
Although there is no official version of 75 Soft, many people create their own variations. Below are the rules I chose to follow for my version of 75 Soft:
- Eat well but with more flexibility than 75 Hard
- Drink alcohol only socially
- Complete one 45-minute workout per day, with at least 20 minutes outdoors
- Drink 100 ounces of water daily
- Read 10 pages of a non-fiction book every day
- Take one rest day per week
Why I Chose 75 Soft
Last summer, a friend and I were looking for a challenge that could fit into our busy lives. She was a few months postpartum, I had a toddler at home, and both of us were gearing up for another hectic year. 75 Hard seemed too intense, so after some research, we agreed that 75 Soft would be a better fit for us.
I’d rate my performance in 75 Soft a solid B. Some weeks were easier than others, and certain rules were more challenging to stick to than others. But overall, I felt successful in completing the key elements of the challenge. Here’s a breakdown of my successes and struggles:
My Successes in 75 Soft
- Reading 10 Pages Daily: As an avid reader, I naturally love reading, but I typically prefer fiction. To make the challenge more meaningful, I committed to reading non-fiction daily. This allowed me to explore new genres, including parenting books, adventure memoirs, and nutrition guides. I also added audiobooks to my routine, further expanding my knowledge.
- Consistent Workouts: Before starting 75 Soft, I already had a regular workout routine involving yoga, running, cycling, and other physical activities. The challenge pushed me to commit to 45 minutes of exercise daily, even when I was busy. As a result, I grew stronger and more disciplined in my workouts.
- Outdoor Movement: Spending time outdoors became a daily ritual, whether it was a morning walk with the dog or a lunch break run. This focus on getting outside helped improve my mood and boosted my physical health.
- Increased Water Intake: One of my biggest wins was increasing my water intake to 100 ounces daily. Although I already had good hydration habits, the challenge made me more intentional about drinking enough water. Now, I consistently meet my hydration goals, which has had a positive impact on my energy levels.
My Struggles in 75 Soft
- Eating Well: Surprisingly, sticking to a healthy eating plan was one of my biggest challenges. Normally, I excel at more rigid food challenges like Whole30 or intermittent fasting, but the flexible nature of 75 Soft left me struggling without clear food boundaries. I noticed that I do better when I have a set routine, especially at work.
- Drinking Alcohol Only Socially: As someone who enjoys socializing, I found this rule difficult, especially during weekends at home with my husband. Though we often have a drink together in the evenings, it wasn’t always “social” in the traditional sense, and I found myself breaking this rule occasionally.
Final Thoughts on 75 Soft
Despite the challenges, I enjoyed the 75 Soft challenge and felt that it was a sustainable way to improve my physical and mental health. I appreciated the rest day, and I found it easier to integrate into my routine than the more demanding 75 Hard challenge.
If you’re a busy parent or someone looking for a more flexible challenge, 75 Soft may be the perfect option to improve your lifestyle. The challenge helped me create healthy habits, and I felt better overall by committing to daily fitness, hydration, reading, and self-discipline.
Have You Tried 75 Hard or 75 Soft?
Have you participated in 75 Hard or 75 Soft? I’d love to hear about your experiences and any tips you have for others considering these challenges. Whether you’re looking to boost your fitness, improve your mental resilience, or just try something new, challenges like 75 Soft can help you unlock your full potential!