You’ve probably heard of 75 Hard — the viral fitness challenge where you do two workouts a day, drink a gallon of water, read 10 pages of nonfiction, and follow a strict diet for 75 days. It’s brutal. I tried it in 2024 and lasted 12 days before burning out. So when I heard about 75 Soft — a more flexible version — I was skeptical. But also curious. Could a “softer” challenge actually produce results? I decided to test it for 30 days.
What Is 75 Soft? (And Why It’s Not Just Lazy 75 Hard)
75 Soft was created by a TikToker named @the.recovering.fit. It’s basically a stripped-down version of 75 Hard. The rules: eat well (but no strict macros), exercise for 30 minutes a day (not two hours), drink 8 cups of water (not a gallon), and no alcohol (this one stays). There’s no reading requirement, no outdoor workout mandate, and no cold showers. It’s designed to be sustainable for normal people with jobs and lives.
I liked the simplicity. No complex tracking apps, no guilt if I missed a day — but the no-alcohol rule was non-negotiable. That alone would be a challenge for me, since I like a glass of wine with dinner.
Week 1: The Honeymoon Phase
Day 1 was easy. I did a 30-minute jog, ate a salad for lunch, and drank water like a camel. Day 3, the cravings hit. I wanted pizza, beer, and a nap. I stuck with it, though. By day 7, I felt lighter and less bloated. The water thing is real — my skin looked clearer. The no-alcohol rule was harder than I expected. I realized I used wine as a way to unwind, and without it, I had to find other ways to relax. I started reading before bed instead.
I also noticed I was sleeping better. Falling asleep faster, waking up earlier. No hangovers, no sluggish mornings. It was a good start.
Week 2: The Grind
Here’s where the challenge got real. I had a stressful day at work and wanted to skip my workout. But 30 minutes is so short that I couldn’t justify it. I did a quick yoga session in my living room. It wasn’t impressive, but it counted. The diet part was flexible — I allowed myself one “cheat meal” per week. On Saturday, I had a burger and fries. I didn’t feel guilty. That’s the point: it’s not about perfection.
I also started craving healthier food naturally. By week two, I wanted vegetables. My energy levels were up. I wasn’t tired in the afternoons anymore.
Week 3: The Real Changes
I stepped on the scale for the first time since starting. I was down 4 pounds. Not dramatic, but steady. More importantly, my clothes fit better. My waist measured an inch smaller. I also felt stronger — I could do more push-ups than before. The mental benefits were bigger than the physical ones. I felt more disciplined. When I faced a tough decision, I thought, “If I can stick with this for 21 days, I can handle anything.”