Issue 09: Hot Girl Walk

The cheapest and most effective workout you'll ever find.

Allow me to elucidate on the nascent trend of Hot Girl Walking™ as we move into the pleasant autumn weather. The term “Hot Girl Walk” was coined on TikTok, where Mia (whose handle is the incidentally hilarious @exactlyliketheothergirls) broke down a dead-simple, but highly effective cardio workout: a brisk 4-5 mile walk.

The catch? While walking, one must only listen to music or podcasts that feel empowering, not letting stressful thoughts intrude — in other words, straight vibing and meditating on one’s absolute hotness. A mental health-first approach to physical health, if you will. The arrival point of which is, of course, a solid boost of post-walk serotonin and ultimately, a sustaining buildup of self-confidence.

If you need social proof, I refer you to Serena Kerrigan, who Hot Girl Walks on New York’s Westside Highway so often she’s dubbed it “Club WSH”, ex-Harper’s Bazaar Editor Chrissy Ford, who moved home to her parents’ during COVID and used her walks as daily space for herself, to the Internet’s ubiquitous big sis Tinx, whose Instagram stories are often from the POV of her near-daily strolls.

I love a good Hot Girl Walk too. Given I live on The Beltline, Atlanta’s largest pedestrian path, it is especially conducive to my life — and the people-watching is elite. But what I like most about the idea is that it has almost zero barriers to entry, no matter where you live.

Allow me to present a comparison of the Hot Girl Walk to other popular workouts:

The most important accessory to the Hot Girl Walk is a positive mindset. All I really need are comfy shoes and a set of earbuds. But since I want to make it fashion, knowing I have a *cute outfit* to wear always helps motivate me to get out there.

Look 1: Girlfriend Collective unitard, Sporty and Rich sweatshirt, Weighted Bala Bangles, Salt and Stone sunscreen, Isabel Marant socks, Deborah Pagani hairpin, APL sneakers

Look 2: Girlfriend Collective top and leggings, Sporty and Rich hoodie, Nike Air Zoom sneakers, Bkr water bottle, Black Girl Sunscreen

Look 3: All Access bra and leggings, Aritzia hoodie, Acne socks, Weighted Bala Bangle, New Balance 327 sneakers, Deborah Pagani hairpin

Look 4: Nili Lotan x Champion hoodie, leggings, and shorts, Hoka One One sneakers, Lowercase Parkside sunglasses, ALO oversize scrunchie

So, what to listen to that’s empowering, current, and energetic? On the Podcast front, I suggest Oprah’s Supersoul Conversations, Girl’s Gotta Eat, Not Skinny but Not Fat, Balanced Black Girl, Bad on Paper, and Call Your Girlfriend.

If you’re more of an Audiobook kinda person, try Daring Greatly, Atomic Habits, or Let That Shit Go.

And of course, there is always the original Hot Girl Walk Spotify playlist.

Earbuds are kind of the only *required* equipment. Here are a few suggestions, depending on your budget and particularity about sound quality.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Join me on Instagram and tag me in your own hot girl walks — they’re great to do solo, with a buddy, or with your canine BFF. (My pup Maggie comes with me for most of mine.)

If you liked this issue, also check out:

• Coconut Girl? A nostalgic Y2K starter kit for your end-of-summer mood board

• How to Age Backwards. Unpacking the privilege of growing older.