If you’ve heard of the 75 Hard Challenge, you may have also heard of the 75 Soft Challenge. People talk about them a lot on TikTok, as well as create mood boards about them on Pinterest. The original challenge, 75 Hard, was initially developed by Andy Frisella as a mental toughness program.
However, not everyone found it to be a sustainable challenge, which led to an alternative program known as 75 Soft being created by some users who needed an approachable alternative. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about starting and completing the challenge successfully.
Key Takeaways
- 75 Soft is a flexible alternative to 75 Hard. It’s created by users seeking a more sustainable approach as it focuses on building healthy habits and progress rather than extreme perfection.
- The rules are much simpler and more sustainable.
- Unlike 75 Hard’s intensity, 75 Soft emphasizes gradual improvements, consistency, and lifestyle changes that are realistic to maintain without causing burnout or injury.
- Its reduced intensity and flexible structure make it safer for beginners, people with personal commitments, or those who want to improve fitness and wellness without overexertion.
What Is the 75 Soft Challenge?
The 75 Soft challenge is a more flexible alternative to the 75 Hard challenge, a program that was created by Andy Frisella.
Compared to the 75 Hard, it focuses on building healthier habits, but with a more sustainable and realistic approach. The point is to work on progress rather than chase perfection.
Though it’s generally seen as a far better approach than 75 Hard, it may not be well-received by some people. For example, Dan Martell, who is known as an entrepreneur and coach for founders and CEOs, expressed his dismal views on the 75 Soft challenge in a short TikTok video.
In the video, he says that by doing the 75 Soft instead of the 75 Hard, you are already “breaking the core, fundamental purpose” of the program. He also adds that modifying it to make it more suited for you is an attempt to “piss off” Andy Frisella himself [1].
While some may share Martell’s perspective, others argue that the 75 Soft is simply a more approachable way of doing the challenge.

Weight Loss Has Never Been Easier
Get accurate nutrition info instantly. Keep track of your progress.
Download Eato For Free75 Soft Challenge Rules
So, what exactly are the rules of the 75 Soft challenge? Here’s a breakdown of the rules and how they differ slightly from the 75 Hard [2].
1. Focus on eating well

Unlike the 75 Hard, where you have to pick a diet and ensure that it can help you to achieve your goals, the 75 Soft simply encourages you to focus on eating well. Eating well can look different for everyone, and it’s up to you to interpret what that means for you.
On this challenge, you can also drink alcohol at social occasions, but still keep within your limits and not overdo it.
2. Drink a gallon of water per day
For this rule, it’s basically the same as the 75 Hard challenge. There’s no change in the amount of water that you should be drinking because it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Many of the vital processes in our bodies depend on water. It facilitates the passage of nutrients, the removal of waste, and the control of bowel movements.
A common guideline that many individuals adhere to is to consume half of their body weight in ounces of water each day. It’s important to remember, though, that this is not a set rule to adhere to and may vary for each individual based on things like activity levels, the state of the weather, and any pre-existing medical concerns.
3. One 45-minute workout daily
The third rule is to complete one 45-minute workout daily. You can choose the type of workout that you’d like to do, and it can be indoors or outdoors.
This is a more practical and sustainable approach compared to the 75 Hard challenge, where you are being asked to do two 45-minute workouts daily, one of which must be outdoors, regardless of circumstances or weather.
You are also encouraged to have at least one active recovery day per week on the 75 Soft so that you prevent overexertion and avoid sustaining injuries.
4. Read 10 pages of any book
The fourth and final rule for this is to read 10 pages of any book. It’s similar to the original challenge in its requirement to read 10 pages per day. However, this is more lenient and flexible in the sense that you can select any book to read, be it nonfiction, fiction, or an audiobook.
Under the 75 Hard challenge, you are expected to read 10 pages of a non-fiction or personal development book. Audiobooks are not counted as part of reading.
Benefits of Doing the 75 Soft Challenge

Several benefits can come with doing the 75 Soft challenge. One of the best aspects of it is that it enables you to build consistency in adopting a healthier lifestyle.
The original 75 Hard challenge is designed to build mental toughness, but this may not be a viable solution for everyone. Due to how brutal it can be, some might end up pushing themselves over the limit and burn out from it all. So, this version focuses on sustainability so that you can develop healthy habits without overwhelming yourself.
Besides that, it also helps to improve your overall fitness. Plus, encourage mindfulness, boost your motivation, and it’s highly accessible for anyone with personal commitments.

Weight Loss Has Never Been Easier
Get accurate nutrition info instantly. Keep track of your progress.
Download Eato For FreeIs it Safe to Attempt the 75 Soft Challenge?
The short answer is: Yes! The 75 Soft Challenge is intended to provide a safer alternative to rigorous programs such as 75 Hard. Its lower intensity and flexible framework make it less likely to result in injury, stress, or burnout. You may take on the task while also dedicating time to your rehabilitation.
However, like with any exercise or wellness regimen, it is critical to listen to your body. Adjust tasks based on your personal health and fitness levels.
If you have any pre-existing medical issues, are using doctor-prescribed drugs, have a history of eating disorders, or are pregnant or nursing, you should always see your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or dietary regimen.
How to Complete the 75 Soft Challenge Safely
If you have gotten the clearance from your doctor and plan to attempt the 75 Soft Challenge, here are some tips to help you get it done safely without overexerting yourself:
- Start small: If you are new to exercising, or it’s your first time following a wellness program, you want to start off with a short session. Then, gradually increase the duration or intensity as your body adapts to it.
- Rest when needed: Make sure to always prioritize rest and recovery in everything that you do. If you are feeling unwell, feel free to modify the workouts or adjust your diet slightly. Avoid pushing yourself too hard. Rest is just as important as consistency.
- Track mindfully: If you feel that you tend to lose track of your meals or workouts, you can also use an app like Eato or a printable tracker. Track what you eat and what activities you have done for the day. This helps you identify patterns and prevent burnout.
The Final Takeaway: An Easier Alternative to 75 Hard
In contrast to the 75 Hard Challenge, the true beauty of the 75 Soft variation lies in its balance. You still get the health benefits and outcomes, albeit without the intensity and rigidity. It’s meant to be a lifestyle change that you can actually stick to, rather than a short-term sprint towards your goals.
You can pair it with the Eato app, an all-in-one food and habit tracker. From tracking meals to logging daily wins, Eato helps you stay accountable while making your journey smoother and more rewarding. Try it today for free!

Smarter Nutrition Tracking
Track calories and over 100 other nutrients all in one place.
Download Eato For Free



