Podcast cover for “Crime Junkie.”

Some people love putting on a new pair of gym shoes, blasting some music, going outside, and going for a walk, but for those who don’t typically enjoy walks, a sense of dread may be associated with it. However, going on a walk is a very underrated activity. 

What if I told you you could gain confidence, get a mood boost, see pretty sights, and exercise in just one walk? One “hot girl walk.” If you’re not familiar, the “hot girl walk” was created by TikToker Mia Lind in 2020. The idea of the “hot girl walk” was to get people to reflect on what they’re grateful for, in addition to setting goals and a plan to achieve them. 

Going into the year 2024, many set the New Year’s resolution of exercising more to get into better shape. Lots of people prefer going to the gym, but a membership costs money, and while that might be a good option for some, going for a walk is a completely free and low-stake form of exercise. 

Going on a walk is a seemingly easy goal to accomplish, but many people find it to be a boring, mundane way to exercise; however, there are ways to change that. One way is to go to a location with interesting sights to see. Also, walking with a friend is a great way to pass the time. It can make a long walk feel short. Another way to improve the quality of a walk is by listening to music or a podcast. If you need recommendations on what podcast to listen to, I’ve got you covered. 

For those who are looking for a more conversational podcast, I would listen to “Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain.” This podcast is hosted by a YouTuber and social media personality, and her podcast is perfect for when you want something light and fun to listen to. The episodes vary in length from 30 minutes to a little over an hour, with most episodes focusing on pop culture. She also occasionally collaborates with others to have a conversation about their area of expertise. I think this podcast is a good choice for a short walk and perfect for the days when you don’t want to do much thinking.

If you’re the type of person that prefers mystery and true crime podcasts, then “Crime Junkie” is the podcast for you. This podcast is perfect for a long walk. Many of the episodes are around an hour long, although some are shorter. Some stories also have multiple episodes. In contrast to Chamberlain’s podcast, “Crime Junkie” tells a story and walks you through all of the details. Also, by incorporating music in the background, the story becomes more engaging and builds suspense. The production level is much higher than many of the conversational podcasts. 

Getting out of the house and having fun doesn’t cost money; although intimidating, a “hot girl walk” is simple to achieve. Just turn on some music or a podcast, get walking, and you will see how enjoyable walking can be.