Last Updated: June 3rd, 2022. For an app that was only launched in 2016, TikTok has quickly picked up speed as one of the most popular social networking platforms in the game. It’s been downloaded over two billion times, and it was the most downloaded app of 2020 (read: it’s the reason some of us made it out of quarantine in one piece). That’s why we’ll be sharing the best TikTok wellness trends for 2021.
More than a Billion Views of #tiktokwellness
For all of you under-a-rock dwellers, TikTok is a video-based social networking service where creators can share clips ranging in length from 15 seconds to three minutes. Content spans any and all genres including comedy, news, fashion and everyone’s favorite subjects: cute dogs and babies. Given its relative novelty and clever algorithm, TikTok has become fertile ground for viral trends including songs, dances and challenges. The platform has become a home for conversations on everything from body positivity to book recommendations and anything else you can think of (WitchTok, anyone?).
As a result of the pandemic forcing people to slow down and restructure their priorities, the $4.5 trillion wellness industry has gained even more traction, and health-related content has skyrocketed on the app — there’s currently over a billion views of #wellness, and over five billion views of #tiktokwellness.
All this content has given rise to several TikTok wellness trends spanning a range of topics like workouts, recipes and even success coaching tips. We’ve rounded up some of the best TikTok wellness trends that have surfaced over the past couple of years, and provided our take on whether or not they’re worth the hype in 2021.
The Best TikTok Wellness Trends for 2021
1. The 12-3-30 Workout
The 12-3-30 workout lives up to its name as a 30-minute treadmill workout done on a 12% incline and at level three speed. Many TikTok creators swear by this workout as an effective way to strengthen leg muscles and build cardiovascular endurance without spending hours in the gym.
Verdict: it’s worth a try — walking on an incline can raise your heart rate, and since it only takes 30 minutes, this trend should be easy enough to incorporate into your health and fitness routine.
2. Salad Jars
With 1.4 million views of #saladjar (not to be mistaken for #saladfingers), this creative healthy eating hack is one of the most popular TikTok wellness trends for 2021. Salad jars are the same as any other salad but instead of a bowl, the ingredients are packed into a mason jar with a lid so you can throw it in your bag if you’re on the go. Feel free to get creative with your salad jar and toss in any ingredients you love like chickpeas, quinoa, arugula, berries and more.
Verdict: salad jars are an affordable, healthy and time-saving idea that could make healthy eating more convenient, especially if you’re often out and about during lunchtime.
3. Hot Girl Walk
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The Hot Girl Walk has become a verifiable sensation on TikTok with over 100 million views on the hashtag. So, what is a Hot Girl Walk, you ask? Ranging anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour in length, the Hot Girl Walk workout is a daily outdoor stroll dedicated to boosting your confidence, and overall, focusing on the things you love about yourself. While you meander, you’re meant to think about what you’re grateful for, how hot you are (cute athleisure, anyone?) and your goals for the future.
Verdict: with the cardiovascular benefits of a brisk walk and the morale-boosting effects of this TikTok trend, we give the Hot Girl Walk two thumbs up. It’s officially Hot Girl Walk season, so put on a motivating playlist, podcast, audiobook or think on these empowering thought prompts, and get walking.
4. Facial Massage
Although many facial massage techniques like gua sha have been around for centuries, the practice has seen a major resurgence on TikTok with #facemassage garnering 265 million views. In recent months, a plethora of models, dermatologists, aestheticians and influencers have shared tutorial videos demonstrating how to massage your face to depuff, drain lymph nodes and destress.
Verdict: self-massage can be a great way to unwind and engage in a luxurious self-care moment during your day, but make sure to wash your hands before you engage in this TikTok trend to avoid transferring dirt, germs or oil to the sensitive skin on your face.
5. Healthy Baked Oats
Baked oats recipes have been trending on TikTok for some time and it’s not hard to see why — they essentially allow you to eat cake for breakfast, sans guilt. Baked oats are even ranked in our list of 10 trendiest recipes from quarantine. While there are several different variations of baked oats, ranging from healthy and nutritious to a blood sugar crash waiting to happen, most of the recipes combine ingredients like peanut butter, bananas and of course, oats, all baked in the oven or microwave for a warm, hearty start to your day.
Verdict: use your discretion with this one — baked oats can definitely hold up as a healthy diet option but be mindful of the ingredients you’re using to make sure they won’t cause a blood sugar spike or otherwise interfere with your personal nutritional goals.
6. Becoming “That Girl”
“That Girl” videos on TikTok are essentially montages of self-care activities or morning routines dedicated to becoming “That Girl.” You know the one — she has glowing skin, journals about her goals every morning, sips on green juice, does Pilates and is overall organized, motivated and healthy. Creators on the platform have shared millions of videos about their journey to becoming That Girl, and advice for how others can do the same.
Verdict: take this trend with a grain of Himalayan pink salt — while sharing motivation and ideas for self-care activities can be a positive way to uplift each other and stay accountable, the “That Girl” trend may cause people to feel inadequate if they don’t have time to engage in the perfect morning routine every day or aren’t always wearing picture-perfect workout clothes. At the end of the day, TikTok isn’t real life, and it’s important to remember that things aren’t always as they seem.
