If you’re interested in the 75 Hard Challenge but have concerns about restrictions and lifestyle changes, the 75 Soft Challenge may be more your style. If you’re unfamiliar with 75 Hard, it’s an intense daily routine designed to build mental strength and discipline. While some people want this, it’s not for everyone – and that’s okay. The 75 Soft Challenge still encourages healthy habits but is far less restrictive.
The Details
There are four simple rules for the 75 Soft Challenge:
- Eat well, and drink alcohol only on special occasions.
- Train for 45 minutes a day and devote one day to active rest.
- Drink 3 liters of water per day.
- Read at least 10 pages of any book per day.
If you’re worried about staying on track, making a checklist or keeping a journal can help tremendously. It also doubles as a way to reflect on how far you’ve come and all you’ve achieved.
What’s the Difference?
75 Hard requires participants to follow a strict diet, drink no alcohol, train for 45 minutes twice a day (and one workout must be outside, regardless of the weather), drink 1 gallon of water per day, read 10 pages of a nonfiction or self-help book per day, and take a picture of your body every day. Unfortunately, many experts say that following these “rules” can lead to obsessive behavior and dangerous habits, and the daily photos suggest a focus on appearance more than health.
The Benefits of 75 Soft?
Movement
The 75 Soft Challenge gets you moving every day. Exercise strengthens your muscles and improves stability, balance, and coordination.
Practice Moderation
Admittedly, we like to celebrate with a cocktail every now and then. Luckily, during the 75 Soft Challenge, you can indulge when the time is right.
Eating Better
For the 75 Soft Challenge, the goal is to eat well, which is not as restrictive as a hardcore diet, making you more likely to stick with it.
Consistency vs. Perfection
When it comes to achieving goals, consistency is more important than perfection. If you have a rough day on 75 Soft, you’ll simply do better the next day. If you screw up on the 75 Hard Challenge, you are expected to start over!
Time for a Life
The 75 Hard Challenge makes it difficult to have time for yourself. But the 75 Soft Challenge allows you time to do things for yourself and with family and friends.
Lasting Effects
The 75 Soft Challenge encourages healthy changes that are easier to maintain and have lasting effects on the mind and body.