Do you find it hard to stick to an exercise routine – or perhaps too intimidated to start one? Imagine blending low-impact workouts with the calming ambiance of candles, cozy socks, and your favourite TV show. If this vision appeals to you, then get yourself acquainted with cosy cardio, an exercise trend with a refreshing twist.
By setting low-impact exercises against the backdrop of a mellow and pleasing environment, cosy cardio offers a fun and relaxed way to keep you moving. This unique approach can not only improve physical health, it has a positive influence on mental wellness too.
The Rise of Cosy Cardio
Cosy cardio was popularised by TikTok creator Hope Zuckerbrow, in videos she posts on her morning exercise routine.
@hope_zuckerbrow cozy cardio🫶🏻 #fyp #cardio #cozy #weightloss #walkingpad ♬ Blue Moon – Muspace Lofi
Her workouts are the epitome of cosy: involving an iced protein coffee, lit candles and fuzzy socks. A film plays while she strolls leisurely on a walking pad. Despite her workout being nowhere near strenuous, she still clocked a 170 calorie burn by the end of it.
This fitness method was not only extremely soothing, but proved itself to be effective. It served as a breath of fresh air amongst the plethora of high-intensity workouts and demanding fitness routines, with plenty more social media users jumping aboard the trend to post about their own cosy exercise regimes.
Why Is Cosy Cardio Trending?
Social media users have embraced cosy cardio as a refreshing alternative to high-intensity workouts. Instead of focusing on “no pain, no gain” it encourages you to move in a way that feels good for your body and mind.
@open_everyday Try this for a week and notice the difference in your energy levels + mental clarity. #cozycardio #cozycardioclub #morningwalksbelike #fyp ♬ Pumpkin – Fred Paci & Nobel
According to Zuckerbrow, cosy cardio is a way for people to “reclaim their relationships with exercise”, instead of viewing it as “punishment” they commit themselves to in order to lose weight or maintain an ideal body image perpetuated by society.
Reframing how exercise is perceived can motivate people to stay active without facing the pressure of intense workouts or strictly enforced fitness targets.
“This encourages those who typically might dislike doing cardio…to try an approach that is comfortable and relaxing for them, rather than being deterred by possible dread, struggle or frustration if the cardio is too intense,” explains Dr Annabelle Chow, Principal Clinical Psychologist at Annabelle Psychology, to CNA.
Furthermore, how cosy cardio works is by incorporating homey features that you feel engage you the most during a workout session. It positions this exercise format as a personalised concept in relation to efforts towards improving physical health. This means you can do whatever, wherever and whenever, as long as it’s good for your body and mind.
“Cosy looks different for everyone,” says Zuckerbrow, “but my version looks like ambiance lighting, the flicker of a candle, the taste of my favourite protein coffee, or the comfort of the show I’m binging. I just applied that to my exercise.”
How Cosy Cardio Affects Your Health
The gentle and customisable nature of cosy cardio can help you develop of sustainable health habits. After all, if you are doing something positive that you also happen to enjoy, you are more likely to continue doing it.
The benefits of regular exercise are numerous, even if it doesn’t utilise more vigorous movements. For instance, the low-intensity exercises that largely form the base of cosy cardio still play a role in supporting cardiovascular health and weight management.
At the same time, it can also raise energy levels, lessen stress and boost your mood.
However, one disclaimer about cosy cardio is that its lack of intensity might mean you don’t get enough exercise during your cosy sessions.
Adults generally require at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activities a week, meaning that the exercise needs to be challenging enough for you to really get your sweat on. You also experience the benefits of exercise more as you increase the intensity of your workouts over time. Low-intensity workouts may not produce the results you are looking for in the long-term.
Additionally, if you’re aiming for fitness goals such as building muscle mass, cosy cardio may not be the way to go.
Nevertheless, cosy cardio still has its place, for instance as a comforting add-on to your already present fitness routine. It also gives beginner-friendly vibes that make it a suitable form of exercise for people just starting out on their fitness journey.
The strength of cosy cardio lies in its adaptability to your needs and wants. Incorporating it into your life can be as easy as you make it out to be!
How to Create Your Own Cosy Cardio Routine
@hiivicc Cozy Christmas Cardio! 🥰✨ #redlirotreadmill #walkingpad #walkingpadathome #cozycardio #christmasvibes #cardioathome #walkingpadgirl #walkingpadvlog #christmascardio #thegrinch #howthegrinchstolechristmas #christmasmoviestowatch ♬ Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
Step 1: Set the Mood
Use candles, fairy lights, or your favorite playlist for ambiance.
Step 2: Choose a Gentle Activity
Walking on a treadmill, stretching, or cycling are great options.
Step 3: Enjoy Comforts
Sip on a protein shake or watch your favorite series.
Step 4: Listen to Your Body
Make adjustments to suit your mood and energy levels.
Final Thoughts
Cosy cardio isn’t just a trend; it’s a mindset shift. It allows you to reclaim exercise as an act of self-care, free from societal pressures of weight loss or ideal body images.
As Zuckerbrow defines it, “It’s meant to take the pressure off. It’s meant to help you enjoy movement again. It’s meant to teach you that you’re worth setting time aside for.”
“Your body deserves it, but your mind does more.”
Whether you’re new to working out or looking for a relaxing addition to your routine, cozy cardio offers a gentle, comforting way to move your body and nurture your mind.
