The world of fitness loves a trend: this we know already. For a while there, barre classes reigned supreme, everyone relishing the opportunity to don leggings and a leotard that took us back to our youth and that one ballet class we did before deciding flexibility wasn’t exactly something we could celebrate. Then came the blackened boxing studio with its neon lights that pulsed like a DJ booth in a night club – not everyone’s cup of tea, that’s for sure, but still entertaining nonetheless. But when it comes to fitness, the latest trend that’s piquing the curiosity of enthusiasts around the world is that of the 12-3-30 treadmill workout. And like all good trends, naturally it originated on TikTok.
Simply search the hashtag #12330challenge and you’ll find an impressive 45.4 million views on TikTok, with what seems like every fitness influencer, gym-goer and running fiend looking to get in on the challenge. But where in the past we’ve been quick to question a TikTok trend – namely, those of dry scooping and pre-workout guzzling – this might actually be one worth testing out.
Hailing from Lauren Giraldo back in November of 2020, the video sees the influencer describe the treadmill workout as she explains she no longer diets or restricts calories. Instead, she uses a simple but effective workout on the treadmill that has been a game-changer for her fitness. “Literally all you need is a treadmill. You put it on an incline of 12, a speed of three, and walk for 30 minutes as many times as you can a week,” says Lauren.
Lauren does the workout five times a week, and says it makes her feel happy and positive in her body. She also credits the workout for helping her to maintain a healthy weight.
@laurengiraldo Game changer honestly
♬ original sound - Lauren Giraldo
While it might be a treadmill workout, as Lauren explains you don’t actually need to be a runner to do it because it involves walking for those 30 minutes. That’s not to say you couldn’t run it if you wanted to, but simply walking on the incline is a great form of cardio at a lower intensity while still feeling the burn in the legs. For those here in Australia wanting to give it a go, the 3 in Lauren’s case applies to a speed of 3 miles per hour, which would mean you’d have to set it to 4.8 kilometres per hour.
The low impact of this workout makes it a great one to add to your fitness routine as you won’t be putting loads of force and strain through your joints that you might otherwise when doing a HIIT workout or running. If you’re already suffering from lower body joint issues in knees or ankles, it might become your go-to. But perhaps what’s most inspiring about Lauren’s video isn’t the exercise or workout itself, but the message. It’s time to stop restricting ourselves and worrying about weight. When it comes to exercise, it shouldn’t be a punishment. Instead, see it as self-care; the thing that allows you to show up for yourself and be the best person you can be.
