Hot Girl Walk - Bringing the Heat with Every Step
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, one woman's innovative approach to coping with isolation sparked a movement that has since resonated with thousands nationwide. Hot Girl Walk, created by Mia Lind during lockdown, began as a personal strategy to combat loneliness and build confidence. Emphasizing the mental and physical benefits of walking, she redefines what it means to be "hot," placing the focus on inner strength and empowerment. By sharing her journey on social media, she quickly garnered a community of individuals, proving that the act of walking can be transformative. Today, Hot Girl Walk is more than just a fitness trend; it's a global movement promoting inclusivity and mental well-being. Read on to learn more about Mia Lind’s Hot Girl Walk.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Los Angeles, CA.
What inspired you to start Hot Girl Walk?
I started the Hot Girl Walk during COVID-19 as a means to deal with the negative impacts of isolation. I lived in a neighborhood that was a 4-mile loop, and rather than putting pressure on myself to run, I realized walking had just as many benefits. However, before I went on my walk, I was met with a fear of being alone with my thoughts for 1 hour and 20 minutes. I then created a three-step methodology to guide my thinking:
Think about the things I’m grateful for. Gratitude is scientifically correlated to increased happiness, so I always start with gratitude practice.
Think about my goals and what I’ve achieved in the past.
Think about how hot you are! (confidence/affirmations)
I was doing these on my own in 2020 and posted my first video, January 2021, sharing the change in my confidence that I saw and it picked up like wildfire! Hot Girl Walks are for EVERYONE, not just women!
The walk is always four miles. Why did you choose this distance?
4-miles gets me to around 10,000 steps which is a good daily baseline for me. 4-miles also was the length of my neighborhood at the time so it was also convenient! Distance is dependent on your fitness level as well as the time you have in your day, so any and all distances are Hot Girl Walk worthy!
How do you pick your routes?
I use the Strava app to map my routes out! A really easy way to find a good route is to just find a nearby coffee shop and walk there and back.
During the walk, you and the ladies are encouraged to think about three main things. Can you tell us them, and why you chose these three to focus on?
The three things to think about are: gratitude, goals, and confidence! Gratitude practice is a great opportunity to take your mind off of your daily stressors and to recognize the things in life that you have to be grateful for (i.e. a loving family, good friends, etc.).
Next, I think about my achievements and give myself proper credit for these achievements. I used to struggle a lot with confidence and imposter syndrome, and would never feel proud of the things I accomplished. I used to use my Hot Girl Walks to leave “humble” at the door, and actually feel proud of what I’ve achieved! This leads me to feel empowered, capable, and excited for what’s next. So, I’d begin to think about my goals and how I’d achieve them.
Lastly, after thinking about the incredible people and things I have in life to be grateful for, the things I’ve accomplished, and the goals I’m excited to work towards, it’s a feeling of confidence that’s really hard to describe. That’s why I say you think about “how hot you are”, because it’s just your chance to bask in all of the unique things that make you, YOU!
What does it mean to be a Hot Girl to you?
A Hot Girl is a state of mind! Confidence comes from the inside out. I was always told on social media that being “hot” or “beautiful” meant having a six-pack, being skinny, getting lip filler, etc. This was harmful for me as I grew up in the age of social media. It wasn’t until I started my Hot Girl Walks that I began to realize that being “hot” is just confidence. I call these walks my Hot Girl Walks almost ironically — to contradict the meaning of “hot girl” that we’re used to seeing, but when you really hear what a Hot Girl Walk is, you realize that it’s really all about gratitude, goal-setting, confidence, empowerment, and community!
What are some of the benefits you have seen by taking long walks? Have you always been a walker?
Before Hot Girl Walks, I used to hate walking! I even got a bike when I went to college, to avoid walking from class to class! I grew up dancing professionally, and never saw myself as someone who was “fit”. Running the mile in school P.E. used to ruin my day! Becoming a Hot Girl Walk-er, I have seen my cardiovascular fitness improve in all aspects (I even run faster and find joy in it now!). My overall mental health has improved, my digestion, and most importantly, my CONFIDENCE!
What strategies and steps do you take to organize large-scale events for Hot Girl Walk successfully?
I have incredible Hot Girl Walk Ambassadors in Miami and NYC, Ashley and Amanda! They are so incredible to work with and help me be in multiple places at once. The Hot Girl Walk events are all about coming together in community and celebrating our members. Listening to our community is the most important part of creating a successful community event. We work with sponsors to keep our Hot Girl Walks FREE and accessible. We want to keep the barrier of entry to fitness low.
We heard that Hot Girl Walk is also on Strava. How did the partnership with Strava come about, and what unique features does it bring to Hot Girl Walk?
We began our relationship with Strava for International Women’s Day in 2023. We challenged the Hot Girl Walk community to Hot Girl Walk 4 miles and log it on the Strava app. For every 4 miles walked, Strava donated $4 to GRLS, a WomenWin brand about creating gender equity in sports. We had over 200,000 participants!
Strava is a great tool for Hot Girl Walk-ers. I log my Hot Girl Walks on Strava and get so much support from the HGW community, which keeps me motivated. We have over 16,000 Hot Girl Walk-ers in our Hot Girl Walk verified club on Strava from all over the world! It’s really incredible to feel the impact and support of the community.
Community is a big part of Hot Girl Walk. What does community mean to you, and how do you nurture this sense of belonging among your participants?
Since COVID-19, there’s been a huge surge in loneliness around the world. We are more separate than ever, even though, with social media, we are more connected than ever. It’s important to me to use social media to help people form real relationships on social media and in person. So many people come to Hot Girl Walks alone, and I understand how scary that can be. I try to meet and introduce people to one another, coordinate icebreakers, and also break down the “awkward” barrier. If you ever come to a Hot Girl Walk, you’ll see me lead a cheer, which breaks down everyone’s walls and contributes to the overall vibe of the event. I try to keep my language inclusive to promote inclusivity at our events and encourage people to be themselves.
What role do you see social media playing in the growth and impact of Hot Girl Walk?
Social media can spread a lot of negativity, so my mission is to spread positivity. Every time I post on social media, I picture the impressionable, 13-year-old version of myself. I think about what it would mean for her to realize that being a “Hot Girl” is about confidence and not about looking like a model in a magazine.
What are some of the long-term goals you have set for your brand?
I want to continue spreading the message of the Hot Girl Walk and creating a space for people that is inclusive and accessible!
With your busy schedule, how do you balance your personal life with your commitment to having Hot Girl Walks?
The Hot Girl Walk is my life! Hot Girl Walk came from such a genuine and organic place in my life. It really changed my life and kept me motivated. On days that are harder than others, I think about all of the people who have had their lives changed by the Hot Girl Walk. I have received so many messages from people who are fighting cancer, going through breakups, and so much more, who have shared how the Hot Girl Walk has helped them through these challenging times. It’s these stories that keep me moving forward when times get tough!
What tips and essentials would you give a person just starting their Hot Girl Walks? Or prepping for future walks?
Watch this video!
How can our readers sign up for one of your future walks?
Follow us on Instagram @hotgirlwalk
It has been a crazy past few years, how have you been staying positive?
I always think about the people who have shared such meaningful stories of how their lives have changed with the Hot Girl Walk. When times get tough, focusing on these positive stories helps me to keep going. If I could have even just helped one person’s life, that is enough for me!
What is your motto in life?
Think of it as an adventure! That was what my grandpa used to say :)
To learn more about Mia Lind, please follow the links below:
Instagram:
@hotgirlwalk
@mia__lind
