The TikTok wellness trend created by Mia Lind (@exactlyliketheothergirls) that turned walking into a mindset — combining exercise, manifestation, and body positivity into a viral movement.
The Origin
June 2021: Mia Lind posted about her daily 4-mile walks where she would:
- Think about things you’re grateful for
- Visualize goals and dream life
- Listen to music that makes you feel confident
She called it the Hot Girl Walk — and it exploded. Within weeks, millions of people were posting their own HGW videos.
Why It Worked
Low barrier to entry: Anyone can walk. No gym membership, no equipment, no skill required.
Mental + physical health: Framed exercise as a mindfulness practice, not punishment.
Body positivity: “Hot Girl” was about confidence and self-love, not appearance. All bodies could participate.
Megan Thee Stallion energy: The hashtag borrowed from “Hot Girl Summer” vibes — confident, unbothered, thriving.
The Formula
Distance: Typically 2-4 miles (30-60 minutes)
No distractions: No scrolling, no podcasts about the news — only music or silence
Mindset work: Gratitude, manifestation, affirmations, confidence-building
Solo time: Meant to be alone with your thoughts (though group HGWs became popular too)
The Discourse
Supporters: Celebrated accessible, joyful movement that prioritized mental health
Critics:
- Manifestation culture = toxic positivity
- “Thinking yourself into success” ignores systemic barriers
- Rebranding walking as a trend felt silly
Impact
By fall 2021, Hot Girl Walks were everywhere. Parks filled with Gen Z walking confidently to Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat.
The trend normalized:
- Walking as legitimate exercise (not just “for old people”)
- Combining movement with mental health practices
- Solo time as self-care
Legacy
While the hashtag peaked in late 2021, the practice stuck. Walking became trendy again — and that’s not a bad thing.
Sources
- Mia Lind original TikTok (June 2021)
- TikTok hashtag analytics June-December 2021
- NPR “The Hot Girl Walk Is More Than a TikTok Trend” (September 2021)
- Instagram wellness content tracking 2021-2022