A new trend on TikTok, “cozy cardio,” challenges the old workout mantra of “no pain, no gain.” It combines low-impact exercise with self-care elements. This includes comfortable clothing, dim lighting, favorite shows, and even aromatherapy. It’s about making exercise enjoyable and relaxing.
Viral How?
The concept of “cozy cardio” was introduced by Hope Zuckerbrow, a social media personality from Paradise, Texas, and has become quite popular. Her TikTok videos, which have attracted 34 million likes, typically show her using a walking pad in her living room, which is warmly lit with colored lights and candles. Zuckerbrow, often dressed in pajamas and a cozy robe, enjoys her walks while watching television and drinking her preferred protein coffee. These sessions last around 30 minutes.
Previously, Zuckerbrow had lost 100 pounds following a high-energy workout routine with loud music. However, after gaining back half the weight, she decided against returning to such a rigorous exercise plan for health improvement.
Zuckerbrow expressed her need to change her approach to exercise, saying, “I realized I needed to heal my relationship with exercise. It wasn’t enjoyable anymore, and my only goal was weight loss rather than well-being or health. I wanted to find joy in physical activity.”
She then combined her favorite things—candles, colored lights, and protein coffee—and started a gentle, calming walk on her walking pad early one morning. Her first TikTok video featuring this new routine attracted 400,000 views, leading to the rise of cozy cardio. The effectiveness of this gentle, brief form of exercise remains a topic of discussion.
Why Cozy Cardio Works
Cozy cardio turns exercise into a pleasant activity, not a chore. It’s especially good for those intimidated by traditional gym environments. This approach promotes exercise as enjoyable and relaxing, perfect for self-care. It’s a way to stay active while enjoying home comforts.
Benefits and Effectiveness
Cozy cardio is more than a trend. It encourages a positive attitude towards exercise. It helps in making workouts less intimidating. However, it’s essential to balance comfort with effort to improve fitness. The goal is to enjoy the workout while still challenging the body.
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Expert Views
Experts and health authorities emphasize balance in exercise routines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio weekly. To be moderate-intensity, an activity should raise heart rate and induce light sweating. You should be able to talk, not sing, during such workouts.
A 2022 study supports this, showing that 150 minutes of exercise weekly reduces death risk. More intense and longer workouts further lower this risk.
Cozy cardio aligns with these guidelines. It can be a moderate-intensity workout supporting a healthy lifestyle. However, for more significant health benefits, increasing workout intensity is important.
Finding Balance
Balance is key in cozy cardio. Adding challenges, like an incline on the treadmill, can enhance the workout. It’s about mixing comfort with increased effort. The idea is to keep challenging yourself for better health and fitness.
