By Baillie Ward, Contributing Blogger
If you’ve spent any time on social media recently, you’ve probably seen videos about the latest wellness trend sweeping TikTok: the Hot Girl Walk. Just browse through the #HotGirlWalk hashtag and you’ll see thousands of other TikTok users cataloging their own daily Hot Girl Walks.
Originally coined by Mia (@exactlyliketheothergirls), the premise of a Hot Girl Walk is simple: you carve out some time in your day for fresh air and self-reflection while going on a brisk walk. It’s not supposed to be a weight loss routine—instead, the Hot Girl Walk is all about making time for yourself, your goals and your own wellbeing.
There are a few simple rules for a Hot Girl Walk:
Rule #1: You can only think about three things.
For the entirety of your Hot Girl Walk, you can only think about three things: what you’re grateful for, what your goals are, and how hot you are. You might even compare it to a loose sort of meditation, where you’re focusing on what you’re currently thankful for while identifying things you’d like to achieve in the near future and how you can accomplish those goals.
Rule #2: You should walk four miles.
The original Hot Girl Walk is a brisk four-mile walk. However, if that’s out of your comfort zone, feel free to tailor it to your current fitness level. Maybe you only walk two miles, or maybe you walk four miles at a slower pace. As long as you’re getting out there each day, that’s what counts!
Rule #3: Hot Girl Walks should take place outdoors.
One of the main benefits of a Hot Girl Walk is getting outside and enjoying some fresh air, so you should try to take your walks outdoors. However, if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can still get your steps in on a treadmill if that’s what you have access to.
Seems pretty simple, right? The true beauty of a Hot Girl Walk is that you can—and should—make it work for you. If that means you’re taking shorter (or longer) walks, replacing a brisk walk with a run, or doing them on a treadmill, that’s totally fine. The most crucial aspect of a successful Hot Girl Walk isn’t the distance, pace, or location—it’s your mindset. Here are some tips to get yourself in the right headspace for an invigorating Hot Girl Walk:
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Press play on a playlist that amps you up
The creator of the Hot Girl Walk advises against listening to audiobooks, podcasts, or anything else that might distract you from the three main Hot Girl Walk thoughts (gratitude, goals and hotness). She does, however, encourage walkers to listen to music that cheers you up and energizes you. There’s even a Hot Girl Walk playlist on Spotify you can follow.
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Put on an outfit that makes you feel good
If you look good, you feel good. Throw on a comfortable walking outfit that makes you feel confident before heading out on your Hot Girl Walk. If you plan on walking the full four miles, make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes, too!
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Choose a destination
This one isn’t necessary, but it is helpful. Is there a local coffee shop two miles away you’ve always wanted to try? Great! Walk there and back and you’ve successfully completed your four-mile Hot Girl Walk. If you have a destination in mind for each of your outings, it’ll give you something to look forward to while you walk.
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Clear your mind
Try to limit distracting thoughts during your walk, including thoughts about work, school, or other stressors. We spend enough of our days stressing about things that are often outside of our control—this is your opportunity to put those on the backburner for a little bit and focus instead on the things in your life that make you happy.
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Stick to a routine
Creating a daily practice out of your Hot Girl Walk can lead to a number of health benefits. Daily walks are linked to improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, lower blood pressure and more. Even if you aren’t able to walk the full four miles each day, even a quick 15 minute walk in the morning can help start your day off on the right track.
And there you have it, folks. The Hot Girl Walk is an approachable activity that can boost your mood (and your step count). So get out there and enjoy the sunshine!