IN A WORLD WHERE FITNESS AND COMFORT might seem like opposites, TikTok’s latest trend, “Cozy Cardio,” is rewriting the rules of exercise while keeping you snug as a bug in a rug. This essay explores a new TikTok-based trend about doing low-impact workouts in your home. Get cozy and fit: Exploring TikTok’s cardio trend.
In recent years, TikTok has taken the world by storm, not only as a platform for entertainment but also as a source of trends and inspiration.
One such trend that’s been gaining momentum is “Cozy Cardio.” This unique fitness concept combines exercise with comfort, allowing people to stay cozy while breaking a sweat.
In this essay, we’ll delve into the Cozy Cardio trend on TikTok, its origins, how it works, and its potential benefits for those looking to incorporate fitness into their daily lives.
Is it worth it?
Origins
Cozy Cardio isn’t your typical fitness trend. It’s all about blending coziness and exercise, which might seem at odds.
The trend began to gain traction on TikTok as users shared creative ways to make workouts more comfortable.
TikToker Hope Zuckerbrow initiated the trend, offering that the relaxed workout experience makes physical activity more enjoyable and less intimidating. Here’s Zuckerbrow:
Users started experimenting with workouts in loungewear, fuzzy socks, and even blankets.
This novel approach to fitness quickly caught the attention of millions, and the #CozyCardio hashtag exploded with videos of people getting their heart rates up while staying snug and cozy.
How Cozy Cardio Works
At its core, Cozy Cardio is about making exercise accessible and enjoyable. It’s about finding a middle ground between being a couch potato and a fitness enthusiast.
Instead of dreading workouts, the aim is to look forward to them. One of the popular Cozy Cardio routines involves low-impact exercises like yoga or Pilates, which you can comfortably perform in loungewear.
For example, imagine rolling out of bed, slipping into your favorite oversized hoodie and yoga pants, and then following a 20-minute yoga routine from a TikTok video.
You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership — just a soft spot to work out and a smartphone to guide you through the routine.
The Science Behind Cozy Cardio
Does this work? Can you get fit while staying cozy?
The answer is yes, with some caveats. Cozy Cardio is not about intense, high-impact workouts but can provide several health benefits.
For starters, any form of movement is good for your body. Even gentle exercises like stretching, yoga, or a brisk walk can improve your flexibility, posture, and cardiovascular health.
These activities also help release endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which can boost your mood and reduce stress, as discussed in a study by Craft and Perna in The Benefits of Exercise for the Clinically Depressed.
Additionally, Cozy Cardio can be an excellent way to introduce exercise into your daily routine, especially if you’ve been sedentary.
Adopting a less strenuous approach to exercise can also encourage long-term adherence, making it more likely that you’ll stick with your fitness goals.
The Benefits of Cozy Cardio
One of the standout advantages of Cozy Cardio is its inclusivity. Traditional gym workouts can be intimidating for beginners or those with mobility issues.
Cozy Cardio, on the other hand, is accessible to almost anyone. You can adapt routines to your fitness level and perform them in the comfort of your home.
This inclusivity aligns with Health at Every Size (HAES) principles, an approach emphasizing well-being over weight and encouraging enjoyable physical activity for all, as detailed in the HAES Manifesto.
Moreover, Cozy Cardio eliminates common exercise barriers like time and location.
With busy schedules, finding time to hit the gym is often challenging. However, squeezing in a cozy workout before or after work is more manageable and less stressful.
Plus, it eliminates the need for commuting or dealing with crowded fitness centers.
Cozy Cardio and Mental Health
Exercise has well-documented benefits for mental health, and Cozy Cardio is no exception. Its emphasis on comfort can make it even more appealing for people dealing with anxiety or depression.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry shows that exercise, even in less vigorous forms, can effectively treat depression and anxiety disorders.
Imagine this: you’ve had a tough day, but instead of dreading an intense workout, you cozy up with a gentle yoga routine.
It can provide a sense of calm and relaxation, helping you unwind and manage stress more effectively.
Building a Cozy Cardio Workout
How can you get started with Cozy Cardio on TikTok?
It’s as simple as scrolling through the #CozyCardio hashtag and finding routines that suit your preferences and fitness level.
There are videos ranging from soothing bedtime stretches to energizing morning routines. Pick one that resonates with you and give it a try.
Remember that consistency is key to seeing results, even with Cozy Cardio. Aim to incorporate these routines into your daily or weekly schedule, just like you would with any other workout regimen.
You can even mix and match different routines to keep things interesting.
My Take
In the age of TikTok and social media trends, Cozy Cardio stands out as a delightful and inclusive approach to fitness.
It challenges the notion that exercise has to be grueling and uncomfortable, making it more accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
With its potential physical and mental health benefits, Cozy Cardio is a trend worth exploring to get fit while staying cozy.
Fitness expert Penny Watson offers:
“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.”
So, grab your favorite comfy outfit, roll out your yoga mat, and let TikTok guide you to a healthier and cozier you.
Is A Cozy Cardio Workout Enough?
While Cozy Cardio may benefit your mind and body, please challenge yourself to improve your fitness and health:
Ashley Castleberry, a NASM-certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, offers her take on MDLinx:
“To see significant cardiovascular and strength improvements, it’s essential to incorporate more challenging workouts. The key is balance. Use cozy cardio during busy weeks or rest days, but also push yourself with high-intensity interval training, weight training, or higher-intensity cardio a few days a week.”
A 2022 study found that adults who exercised at least 150 minutes per week had a substantially lower risk of death from all causes than those who didn’t.
However, the risks were even lower for those who exercised longer and more intensely.
Zuckerbrow seems to understand this issue— in addition to cozy cardio, she also posts videos of more intense gym sessions. Balance is key.
But any time I can get someone moving, I smile.
Thank you for reading “Cozy Cardio Workout.”
