Do you have a love-hate relationship with gyming? Does going to the gym give you anxiety? Do you feel the need to bring some physical activity into your life that is also not particularly exerting? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should definitely try out this new tick-tock trend- Cozy Cardio.

Coined in 2022 by a TikToker, Hope Zuckerbrow, this trend has quickly gained popularity.

The cozy cardio content she posted online involves her doing light forms of cardio exercises like walking on a walking pad in fuzzy slippers, robes, and socks. She creates a relaxing aura before starting her routine, like lighting candles or putting on a movie. For her, this is a more relaxed approach to exercise, making it feel less like a chore and more fun.

What is cozy cardio?

Cozy cardio is characterized as a low-impact form of cardiovascular exercise that doesn’t involve activities like jumping or running at a fast pace. The key benefit of cozy cardio is that it places less stress on vigorous physical activity, making it a gentle and accessible option for individuals looking to engage in cardiovascular exercise. It is a form of self-care and an excellent way to reconnect with your body.

Cozy cardio can help people exercise more regularly because it eliminates the need to go to a gym or dress in exercise attire. Since the workouts can be done at home, it becomes a convenient and comfortable way to engage in physical activity, making it less intimidating and lowering the pressure associated with traditional gym workouts. It has the potential to make the exercise experience more appealing and encourage more people to participate, promoting the idea that cozy cardio could be a welcoming and accessible entry point for individuals looking to start or maintain a fitness routine.

How impactful is cozy cardio?

Is it some trivial trend over the internet, or does it have some health benefits.

WHO says that regular physical activity can help prevent non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and cancer. It also has significant benefits on your mental well-being, improving your quality of life. It recommends a moderate-intensity exercise of 150-300 minutes for adults aged 18-64 years old. They further speak highly of replacing a sedentary lifestyle with physical activity of any intensity.

In an interview with Women’s Health, Penny Watson a fitness expert said, “A workout doesn’t need to be a long, grueling session of running or lifting heavy weights. Instead, the key is to explore different forms of exercise until you find something you genuinely enjoy. It introduces the concept of “cozy cardio” but suggests that any type of physical activity, whether it’s yoga, a full-body workout, dancing, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or Pilates, can be suitable. The core idea is not about the specific exercise you choose but about setting aside time for self-care and fostering a connection with your body. In essence, it encourages individuals to prioritize their well-being through enjoyable physical activities”.