In March 2020, when the brick-and-mortar fitness industry shut its doors during the lockdown, the workout world was instantly rocked. Walking as a form of exercise became mostly reserved for those unable to partake in more grueling types of fitness for whatever reason.
Think: Pilates and HIIT fusion classes, yoga sculpt sessions in heated studios, and Tabata-style strength training. And by the late 20-teens, the buzziest workouts had shifted to Frankenstein-like hybrids that aimed to challenge people’s physical capabilities. Crossfit was born and gained a cult-like following. From the ‘90s to the 2000s, people began to favor more intense cardio-based and sculpting workouts. But, like many of the exercise fads of the era - Jazzercise and step aerobics included - the allure of walking faded over the years. And, when the Sony Walkman exploded around the same time, power walks fueled by tunes were definitely on-trend. Back in the 1980s, when indoor shopping malls were the mecca of society, organized walks looping around the food court, merry-go-round, and Contempo Casuals were a major thing.
Once upon a time, walking was sort of cool. It was clear: Walking was the new “it” workout. And 38% started spending time outside over the past year to support their mental well-being. “People have been adding different variations to it, using different products they like - ankle weights, a new coffee recipe to drink on the walk, new shoes, new leggings, the list goes on,” she says.Īccording to Mindbody’s annual Wellness Index, in 2021 60% of consumers said that walking was part of their exercise routine. The hashtag #hotgirlwalk has amassed over 65.8 million views, with thousands of users sharing videos of their own hot girl walk - and the trend is still picking up mileage. “Additionally, the mindfulness aspects are known practices that help mental health and self-esteem,” she says of the modality. Mia tells Bustle she wanted to make the exercise community more accessible and to prove walking was a valid form of fitness. She introduced the concept in early January and it quickly went viral on TikTok, transforming her into an influencer almost overnight, going from 10,000 to over 90,000 followers in a few days. In 2021, Mia Lind, 22, was inspired to create the Hot Girl Walk, a social media movement that encouraged girls to show off how good their walk - either on a treadmill or outdoors - makes them feel.