Scrolling through my TikTok For You page recently, I’ve seen video after video of people doing a viral workout trend: the 12-3-30 workout. It sounds pretty simple: hop on the treadmill a few times per week at an incline of 12, speed of 3 miles per hour, for 30 minutes.
Naturally, I was hooked but also had a few questions. Where did this come from in the first place? And, of course, does it actually work?
YouTuber Lauren Giraldo first popularized the workout in her 2019 video “My Treadmill Routine + Meal Prep”, which has amassed nearly 1 million views. She shared the workout again in 2020 on TikTok, in a video that has nearly 12 million views. She takes time in the video to explain how easy-to-start and simple the workout routine was. In the TikTok video, she reveals that the workout has helped her to drop 30 pounds and keep it off.
Others have shared their results on Youtube, citing the workout as a simple way to incorporate fairly light exercise into your routine. Many share that they have found it effective for weight loss as well as for general health. Remember to be kind to yourself throughout the process, no matter what your goals for exercising are, since all bodies and all fitness journeys are different.
Walking can be a good option for exercise because it is low-impact and not as daunting as running or weight training. This workout can also be adjusted to your skill level; for example, you can start at a lower incline, take breaks within the half-hour, or do it less frequently. If you aren’t used to working out, make sure to ease yourself into it to avoid injuries.
Of course, there is no “miracle workout,” and even ones like this that boast viral success stories won’t necessarily work for everyone. That said, it’s still worth a try! If you have a treadmill at home or are able to get to a gym, take 30 minutes out of your day this week to test out this new workout and let us know how it works for you!