There's a saying in the fitness world: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." 75 Soft is a marathon, not a sprint. While you can certainly do it solo, having a digital space where you can share your "Day 12 complete!" selfie—and have 5 people cheer for you—can make the difference between quitting and finishing.
From massive Facebook groups with thousands of members to intimate WhatsApp pods of five, there is a community style for everyone.
The Best Facebook Groups to Join
Facebook remains the heavyweight champion of community organization. The "Group" feature allows for threaded discussions, file sharing (great for meal plans and trackers), and events.
What to Look For:
- "75 Soft Challenge Official" (Fan made): Look for groups with active moderation. The best ones will have daily "Check-In" posts pinned to the top.
- Niche Groups: "75 Soft for Moms," "75 Soft for Students," or "75 Soft Over 50." Niche groups often have higher engagement because you are connecting with people in your exact life stage.
- Start Date Groups: Many groups form around a specific start date (e.g., "75 Soft January 1st Start"). Joining one of these ensures everyone is on the same timeline as you.
Validation Tip
Before joining, check the group's "About" section. Ensure they are specifically 75 Soft aimed. Some general fitness groups can be harsh or focused solely on weight loss, which might clash with the gentle discipline vibe you need.
Why WhatsApp "Pods" Are Popular
While Facebook is the town square, WhatsApp (or Telegram/Discord) is your living room. A "pod" is usually a small group of 3-10 people who message daily.
The Benefits of a Small Pod:
- Instant Feedback: sending a photo of your workout shoes gets an immediate "Go get it!" response.
- Vulnerability: It's easier to admit "I really want to drink wine tonight" to 3 friends than 3,000 strangers.
- No Algorithm: You won't miss a post because Facebook decided not to show it to you.
How to Create Your Own Group
Can't find the perfect group? Build it. You only need 1 or 2 friends to start. Here is a simple template to invite people:
Invite Template
"Hey! I'm starting the 75 Soft challenge on [Date]. It's a gentle habit-building challenge (eat well, 45min movement, drink water, read 10 pages). I'm making a small WhatsApp group for accountability—no pressure, just sharing daily wins and keeping each other going. Want in?"
Setting the Rules
To keep the group healthy, establish norms early:
- The "No Shame" Rule: If someone misses a day, we support them to restart or continue. We don't judge.
- Response Expectations: You don't have to reply to every message, but try to react (emoji) so people feel heard.
- Topic Boundaries: Keep it mostly focused on the challenge/health to avoid notification fatigue.
Community Etiquette 101
Be the group member you wish you had:
- Celebrate Others: Don't just post your own wins; comment on others'.
- Be Honest: Posting about a struggle ("I really didn't want to walk today") makes you more relatable and helps others feel normal.
- Don't Spam: Avoid promoting MLMs, supplements, or your own business unless the group specifically allows it.
A Note on Internet Safety
If you are joining a public WhatsApp or Facebook group with strangers:
- Never share your home address or live location (e.g., don't post your run map that starts at your driveway).
- Be wary of anyone asking for money for "coaching" or "exclusive guides."
- You can always mute notifications if the group becomes too active. Protect your peace.
