If you spend any time on TikTok (cue hand-raised emoji), you’ve probably seen videos of ladies going through their “hot girl walk” routine. And while your immediate thought might be that it is a new weight loss obsession, its creator intended otherwise. At their core, hot girl walks are meant to be about something else: mindset. Let’s talk all about this beneficial trend and how anyone can enjoy it!
The Hot Girl Walks Formula
Mia of @exactlyliketheothergirls is the one to thank for a renewed focus on the power of walking. She began a phenomenon when, during the pandemic, she shared her new routine.
Here are the ingredients:
- 4-mile outdoor walk
- Great playlist or podcast
- 3 permitted lines of thought: things you’re grateful for, how hot you are, your goals
According to Mia, “a HGW is about building confidence so that you know you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
The Benefits of HGW
There is absolutely something to be said for getting your body moving, taking in some fresh air, and practicing a mindset meditation. All of these things have tons of benefits for the mind, body, and soul.
Mayo Clinic says that walking can do everything from helping you maintain a healthy weight and manage chronic conditions and diseases. The latter include heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes. It also supports strengthened bones and muscles.
An article from Harvard Health Publishing noted that getting out into the fresh air also has immense benefits. Vitamin D, which has innumerable important roles in the body, is improved. Mood will likely be elevated and concentration will increase, as studies have suggested. You might even heal faster!
Lastly, positive thinking has a real impact not only on your perspective, outlook, and stress management but on your long-term physical health. An article from John Hopkins Medicine shares a fascinating finding from Lisa R. Yanek, M.P.H. “People with a family history of heart disease who also had a positive outlook were one-third less likely to have a heart attack or other cardiovascular event within five to 25 years than those with a more negative outlook.” This same piece also connects positive thinking to improved immune system function.
Who Should Embark on HGW?
The answer is everyone!!
Look, we get that sometimes trends like this can stink of toxic positivity. Often, they become more about who has the cutest Lululemon set to post online. But it’s clear from the above statistics and insights that HGW have real, lasting benefits. And, they can be a bonding experience, too!
Although you want to be sure you don’t lose sight of the mindfulness aspect, you can totally plan daily or weekly HGW with your friends. In fact, a few of us here at the Hush & Hush office have been hot girl walking to celebrate writing this post, and we’re loving it!
If you decide to take up the mantle with us, share on social using #HushandHushHotGirlWalks!
Happy walking, hottie!