By now you must have heard of Hot Girl Walk – a TikTok trend with almost 300,000 million posts.
While you might dismiss this as just another social media trend, new research from Hunkemoller found we’re actually paying attention to these trends in the wellness sector, with more than a quarter of Brits – 28%, to be exact For – trying a viral health related trend in the past year after watching it online.
So, as part of our January Start the Year Strong campaign where we’re encouraging everyone to move in a way that feels good to them, I decided to give it a go.
I’ve been curious about the Hot Girl Walk for a while now – I’m generally quite skeptical about these viral trends because more often than not, the creator originally created them out of genuine respect for their follower’s health and well-being instead. Posting for views. That said, a daily walk seemed like something I might get on board with (especially after a December one that ran a thousand miles and left me feeling very sluggish).
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Hot Girl Walks: As a Health Editor, I Take on the Trend
how to walk hot girl
First, a little about what walking really is all about – because believe it or not, it’s not just walking. away with.
Mia, a TikTok user who calls herself the creator of Hot Girl Walk, came up with the idea for the global event in 2020. Picture this – we’re in extreme lockdown, our mental health is suffering, and she makes a TikTok about how she’s boosting her mental health.
Then, it goes viral. Millions of people around the world have jumped on the trend and admired how it has grown them, too. She encourages a four-mile walk in nature (that’s 6.4km for those of you who like kilometres) while listening to a motivational playlist or inspirational podcast.
But there’s a catch: During your walk, she encourages you to think only of the following three things:
- what are you thankful for
- what are your goals
- how hot are you
Yep, you read that right (and no, you weren’t the only one to immediately think of Paris Hilton).
The main objective of HGW (Hot Girl Walk) is simple: to promote your physical health. The NHS recommends walking 10,000 steps a day, and walking has many benefits – everything from improved cardiovascular function to promoting joint health.
Other key ingredients? It promises to help you improve your mindset too, using elements of reframing negative thoughts and expression. Think about it: 45 minutes of positive thinking is sure to make an impact on any given day.
Health Editor Allie Head Attempts the Hot Girl Walk
(Image credit: Associate Chief)
What I thought while trying out Hot Girl Walk
Time to try it. I gave myself a challenge. One Hot Girl Walk 45 minutes a day, seven days a week. what will i learn Will I struggle to squeeze it in or enjoy the time outside?
Spoiler alert: It was the latter. I chose to go for my walk first. Why? Since it’s currently dark from 4pm in the UK, I chose a lighter morning for safety reasons – that, and the fact that our bodies respond well to natural light (thanks, circadian rhythms).
Taking my steps to my local park the day before and with mint tea in hand, I’m sleepy, but it’s a really soul-soothing way to kick off the week. Also, I notice it helps my energy levels once I get to my WFH desk.
Another day, and marching from Hyde Park to the office blasting a winter wonderland isn’t quite as calming, but I still arrive at my desk with a clear headspace to tackle the day if I was doing email. feel more prepared for 45 minutes on public transport.
Later in the week, on a day before I started work, I tried an HGW after my 5 p.m. slump. I really liked this time, in a way, because it helped me relax for the day and wind down my screen time.
On the confirmation front – I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t repeating how hot I was around my local park. That said, I used it as an opportunity to reiterate some personal affirmations, reflect on my week, and generally get some “me” time, which I enjoyed.
Instead of solely listening to motivational podcasts, I actually turned off my phone for a few walks later in the week so I could take it out of my pocket for no reason and scroll through. I didn’t feel comfortable going out alone without it but felt that turning it off was a good middle ground as I could turn it on in an emergency.
One of those days when I didn’t manage the full four miles because I didn’t have enough time to squeeze it in that day. Taking some time to air and your mental health. Forty-five minutes can be a lot for busy moms or shift workers, so like I always say, the key is to do what’s right for you.
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What experts think about the hot girl walk trend
It’s fair to say I was a fan – but what do the experts believe? ok, james barr, a fitness First (opens in new tab) Personal Trainer, believes that HGW can be a great way to boost physical and mental fitness. “If it makes you feel good and helps build your confidence, mindset and mindset, then go for it,” he encourages. “Regular exercise outside or on a treadmill has great health benefits including longevity, heart and lung health as well as promoting calorie burn.”
What about his thoughts on TikTok trends in general? Well, as I point out in my 2023 wellness trends piece, most are worth approaching with caution. “Interestingly, a lot of the trends that are so popular online have been dismissed as mere fads or as having no scientific truth behind them. However, some hashtags or even individual video views have The numbers show how much we trust strangers online – without any real evidence to back it up,” he shares.
“For those really looking to check in on their physical and mental health, don’t pin your hopes on trends you see on TikTok. Instead, listen to the experts, reach out to a personal trainer or simply get your body Get going and you’ll start seeing results.
So – will you let the hot girl walk?
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