HOT GIRL WALKS (AND WHY I LOVE THEM)

For years, running was my thing.

I started running when I was around 16 years old, and over the years I completed two half marathons.

I genuinely loved the feeling of pushing myself, chasing new distances and crossing the finish line.

There really is nothing quite like a runner's high.

But then, something changed.

I realised that running wasn't making me feel my best anymore.

Every run seemed to leave me feeling more inflamed, exhausted and needing days to recover.

Instead of forcing myself to keep doing something that no longer served me, I swapped my runs for something much simpler...

Walking.

And honestly? I think it might be one of the best habits I've ever built...

-

Mental clarity

There's something incredibly therapeutic about putting your headphones on, getting outside and just walking.

Some of my best ideas come to me on walks, and there's something about putting one foot in front of the other that helps me find a calm rhythm.

It gives my mind the space to slow down, think clearly and let go of any built-up stress.

Unlike scrolling on your phone or sitting indoors, walking gives all that stagnant energy somewhere to go.

I almost always come home feeling calmer, clearer and more motivated than when I left.

It's become my favourite form of moving meditation.

You can make it as challenging as you want

One of the things I love most about walking is how adaptable it is.

If I fancy more of a workout, I'll head to the gym and jump on the treadmill to do a 12-3-30 (12% incline, 3mph, 30 minutes).

It's a brilliant way to increase the intensity, burn more calories and get your heart rate up slightly without the impact of running.

It also means the weather is never an excuse.

If it's pouring with rain or freezing outside, I can simply head to the gym instead.

Having that option helps me stay consistent, and consistency is what gets results.

It's amazing steady-state cardio

Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your cardiovascular health without putting your body under unnecessary stress.

Unlike high-intensity workouts that can leave you completely wiped out, walking keeps your heart working at a comfortable pace while still improving your fitness.

For me, this has been a much better fit than running (right now anyway).

I still get all the benefits of moving my body, but without feeling like I need two days to recover afterwards.

Especially if you're trying to support your hormones, reduce stress or recover from burnout - lower-intensity movement can be incredibly underrated.

It burns more calories than you think

Walking often gets dismissed because it doesn't feel "hard enough."

But when you're consistently hitting 8,000–12,000 steps a day, those calories really do add up.

Walking keeps you moving throughout the day, increasing your overall energy expenditure without feeling like exercise.

One of the reasons I love it is because it's so easy to fit into my routine.

I like to make my walks an adventure and keep it playful in a "romanticising my life" kinda way.

Some days the destination is Sephora, other days it's M&S, or maybe I'll end up at my favourite park.

Having somewhere to wander to makes getting my steps in feel fun rather than forced.

It's sustainable, enjoyable, and something I can realistically stick to every day.

It's gentle on your body

One of the biggest reasons I've fallen in love with walking is simply how kind it is to my body.

There's far less impact on your knees, hips and ankles compared with running, making it something you can recover from much more easily.

I'd much rather enjoy a daily walk than force myself through a strenuous workout that leaves my body feeling depleted.

I finish a walk feeling energised rather than completely drained.

It helps regulate blood sugar

One of my favourite habits recently is going for a short walk after eating.

Even a 10-15 minute walk after a meal can help your muscles use glucose more efficiently, reducing blood sugar spikes and helping you feel more stable throughout the day.

As someone who's focusing on balancing hormones and improving insulin sensitivity, this has become a non-negotiable habit.

It's surprisingly good for fat loss

It burns calories without placing huge stress on your body, making it easier to create the optimal environment for fat loss.

Because walking is a lower-intensity form of exercise, your body can recover from it quickly, meaning you can do it consistently without feeling exhausted or needing days off.

Those daily walks soon add up.

So whether it's a 20-minute stroll after meals or hitting 10,000 steps throughout the day, you're increasing your overall calorie expenditure in a way that feels sustainable.

And in my opinion, the best fat-loss plan is always the one you can actually stick to.

It gets you outside

It sounds so simple, but getting outside every day genuinely changes how I feel.

Fresh air, sunlight and nature all have a positive impact on my mood.

Morning walks are even better because natural light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which can improve your sleep later that evening.

It's free and anyone can do it

You don't need a gym membership.

You don't need expensive equipment.

You don't need to be "fit enough."

Just put on a comfortable pair of shoes and go.

It's one of the most accessible forms of exercise there is.

My hot girl walk essentials

A hot girl walk isn't just about getting your steps in - it's become one of my favourite forms of self-care.

You'll usually find me in a cute gym set, matcha latte in hand, my Apple Watch tracking my steps, and my headphones firmly in.

Sometimes I'll listen to a podcast if I'm in a learning mood, but most of the time I'm blasting my favourite Hot Girl Walk Spotify playlist (listen here).

Think confidence-boosting, main-character energy that makes you want to strut instead of stroll.

It's actually a game changer (if I do say so myself!)

Some days I walk with Honey, my mum's Cockapoo, and other days I go solo.

Either way, I always come home feeling lighter, clearer, happier and more like a baddie than when I left.

-

Are you a girlie who likes to walk or have I convinced you to start?