For anyone with any sort of disordered relationship with food or exercise, or anyone who leans towards more obsessive behaviour, this could trigger some potentially dangerous habits. And while the challenge states it is for “mental toughness” rather than anything to do with weight loss, the idea of taking daily ‘transformational’ photos certainly suggests a focus on appearance rather than wellbeing.
While the 75 Soft Challenge encourages participants to move their body everyday, it incorporates active rest and suggests limiting drinking alcohol rather than removing it completely. The rule of “eating well” is much more expansive, and Stephen’s own meals always include a variety of food groups, rather than anything restrictive.
What are people saying about the viral challenges?
While some people enjoy extreme challenges and the difficult nature of them, others have spoken out about how they felt the 75 Hard Challenge would be triggering, or that the rigidity of the routine is unnecessary.
“When you want to do it but you have ADHD and a history of eating disorders so it’s probs a bad idea and you’ll forget you’re even doing the challenge,” one TikTok user commented under a viral video on the 75 Hard Challenge. Another responded: “Or… enjoy things in moderation and get long term results.”
Others have noted how difficult it is to incorporate certain elements of the 75 Hard into their jobs and schedules. One TikToker, who is a teacher, noted that she only gets a certain amount of toilet breaks during her day – and so the water intake goal was just too much.
Of the 75 Soft Challenge, however, many are loving it as a way to kickstart a routine without feeling it’s being taken to restrictive or extreme behaviours. “Ah, yes. Finally, [a] SUSTAINABLE challenge that is realistically attainable!” one commented.
Others have created their own versions of the challenge, incorporating journalling or mindfulness instead of any control when it comes to food – and some have even introduced a ‘75 medium’ challenge, which falls in between the Hard and the Soft.