As we scroll through our company’s social media, we see posts from our followers. We know that you are talking about pumpkin patches, matching family PJs, colorful gourd season and other joys of fall. The weather may not be chilly, but our thoughts are turning to the cozier points of life as fall sets in!
With that in mind, it’s no surprise that “cozy cardio” has taken off as the popular workout trend of the season. We always like to look at the latest craze.
When we look at the current trend, the first thing we check is if it’s dangerous. Unlike many of the fads that can lead to injuries or burnouts, cozy cardio is designed for comfort and longevity. Instead of high-impact classes and gyms with shouting instructors, think of fuzzy socks, favorite TV shows playing on rerun and going at your speed. The point of cozy cardio is about moving your body and reconnecting with yourself. It’s not about hitting targets or beating goals. There isn’t pressure to perform or “push through the pain.”
People share videos of their mood lighting and favorite homemade workout beverages. So many online trends are aspirational. But, instead of cozy cardio being an aspiration of perfect abs, it’s about having a comfortable and enjoyable hour of self-care.
Mr. Ezekh explained why cozy cardio is helping people enjoy their workout and stick to their plan, “The atmosphere matters. If you dim the lights, light a candle or throw on your favorite show while you move, it creates a calming routine. You’re still getting the endorphins from exercise, but the cozy setting tells your body to relax. It turns a workout into something that helps you decompress instead of adding more stress to your day.”
The elements of cozy cardio are easy to follow and can fit into anyone’s life. You need to be in a space you like, be that your living room or bedroom, without harsh lighting. You put on gentle music or a show you enjoy watching. You pick a low-impact activity that is sustainable, like going on a treadmill, stepping in place, dancing or using a stationary bike. You wear comfy clothes that let you move easily and feel good. You set aside time for your exercise and think of it as “me time” rather than a workout. You don’t track any form of a metric — this isn’t about your heart rate, calories, steps or the length of time you work out. Move as long as you are enjoying yourself. Take the pressure to succeed away from the exercise and let the movement be its own thing.
Hope Zuckerbrow first coined the phrase “cozy cardio” in 2023. It’s coming back into fashion as the fall weather starts. She said that cozy cardio appeals to her because it’s “a workout that rewrites everything you know about exercise. It’s shown me that there are ways for me to fall in love with moving my body that don’t have to focus on my physique, but more so the experience that I’m having while moving.”
