How a TikTok Trend Brought a Nation to its Feet
The rise of the hot girl walk began on TikTok in early 2021 and has been steadily gaining momentum. The #hotgirlwalk has amassed more than 318 million views on the platform, and if my For You Page is any indication, it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
The phrase “hot girl walk” was coined by TikTokker Mia Lind in January 2021. At face value, it sounds simple enough: a walk where you feel hot! Mia explains in the video that she walks two to four miles a day, and in an interview with HuffPost, she goes on to clarify that she decided to get into walking, looking for a way to exercise that she didn’t dread.
The health benefits of walking have been touted by experts long before the hot girl walk phenomenon swept the nation. Daily walks can improve your heart health, increase your lung capacity, boost your endorphins, contribute to strong bones, and improve the quality of your sleep. Walking is also incredibly accessible – no gym membership, fancy equipment, or special workout clothes are required.
The hot girl walk, however, is about so much more than just its physical benefits. Per Mia’s instructions, it’s what you do on your hot girl walk that matters. You’re only allowed to listen to music or a podcast and think about the following:
- Things you’re grateful for
- Your goals and how you’re going to achieve them
- How hot you are
Pour your energy into yourself and feel confident while doing something good for your physical and mental health. Free yourself from worrying about your relationship drama, work stress, family issues, financial woes, that unending mental to-do list, and that nagging worry that maybe you won’t close all your rings on your Apple Watch today. Instead, simply crank up the volume and relish in the escapism of the hot girl walk.
A hot girl walk isn’t defined by distance, time, location, your average heart rate, or how many calories you burn. It’s a mindset, a mental exercise as much as a physical one. And despite its name, a hot girl walk is for everyone, not just ladies looking to get their steps in.
So lace up those sneakers, stay hydrated, and go hot girl walk this summer.
By Lucy Modzelewski
