Simona Verre is a nursing student who is interested in exploring public health and obstetrics nursing specialties.
Have you heard of something called the “hot girl walk?” The hot girl walk trend gained popularity on TikTok to promote the mental and physical health benefits of walking, without going to the gym. Walking is a great way to improve your overall health by boosting circulation, strengthening muscles and enhancing your mental well-being. It also helps reduce stress and improve mood, and it’s a great way to stay active without spending money.
The walk itself consists of a 7km outdoor walk, where participants think about their goals and envision a positive future. On average, it would take about 75 minutes to walk this distance at a moderate pace. However, the time commitment of walking every day might not be realistic for everyone.
Walking: All you need is your feet
But wait - there’s more! To fully master the hot girl walk, social media tells us we need to “look the part” with a Lululemon workout set, belt bag and Stanley Cup. Keeping up with current trends is not always practical for students on a budget. Luckily, the best part about walking is its simplicity – no need for expensive gear or special equipment.
Walking is beneficial for heart and lung health, but 10,000 steps a day is not needed to reap these benefits. To follow this walking trend, all you need to do is simply walk!
Here are some tips to integrate walking into your daily routine:
- Take a break from studying to immerse yourself in nature, or even take your lunch break outside. Check out the Open Fridge Program at Student Counselling, Health and Well-being's office in the Bennett Center for free healthy snacks during your break.
- Listen to a podcast (bonus points if it helps you study). Consider listening to the Well-being and YU podcast too – a podcast created by York students, for students!
- Listen to a recorded lecture
- Call a friend
- Have an urge to scroll on social media? Walk while you scroll! Just be sure to be aware of your surroundings.
- Park farther away from class
- Take the stairs, not the elevator
Focus on what matters
While the hot girl walk trend emphasizes the mental and physical benefits of daily walking, the pressure to achieve 10,000 steps can be unrealistic for many, especially students on a budget. Instead, embracing simple walking habits throughout the day can enhance overall well-being without the need for expensive gear or strict commitments.