In the world of health and fitness, trends come and go — but one recent phenomenon has taken social media by storm and looks set to stick around.
Cosy cardio has rapidly gained popularity on platforms like TikTok, and it’s not hard to see why. This unique approach to exercise combines comfort and cardiovascular health, making it accessible and appealing to people of all fitness levels.
But how exactly do you do it? To tell you more, the experts at Fitness Superstore are here with their insight into the cosy cardio trend.
Why cosy cardio is trending
Cosy cardio has captured the imagination of both fitness enthusiasts and novices alike. Unlike traditional high-intensity workouts that often involve rigorous activities, cosy cardio puts physical and emotional comfort first.
It encourages people to exercise in a way that feels good, creating a more enjoyable fitness experience. From lighting candles and decorating your workout space to putting on your favourite movie while you exercise, cosy cardio encourages you to focus on what feels good so that you’re motivated to exercise more often.
You don’t need expensive gym equipment or a lot of space to participate in cosy cardio. Many of the exercises can be done at home, such as in a living room or bedroom, making it accessible to a wide audience.
This is one of the reasons why so many TikTok users have embraced cosy cardio — it provides shareable and relatable content that can be easily replicated.
Does cosy cardio work?
Cosy cardio may seem unconventional, but it can be an effective way to improve cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular exercises, even in a cosy setting, can help strengthen your heart, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression. On top of this, a cosy and relaxed environment can help reduce stress and anxiety, which is beneficial for both mental and physical well-being.
What’s more, these videos of people working out in cosy settings have gone viral, which in turn is inspiring others to join in. Any trend that encourages more people to get active has to be celebrated, even if it is low intensity.
This kind of approach to fitness can also encourage those that are put off by or even scared of gym culture to work out more often, providing vital benefits.
How to use cosy cardio
Cosy cardio is built on the principles that exercise should be easy and enjoyable, so should be simple to incorporate it into your normal routine.
Designate a cosy and inviting workout space in your home and add soft blankets, pillows, and soothing lighting to make the atmosphere more inviting.
Opt for activities that you enjoy and find comfortable, such as walking or cycling. This could also include yoga, gentle stretching, or even dance.
Start with achievable goals and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your cosy workouts as your fitness level improves. You can increase the intensity by adding speed, elevation, resistance, or weights depending on the activity.
Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of cosy cardio, so try to incorporate cosy workouts into your daily or weekly routine.
Finally, remember to join the cosy cardio community on TikTok and other social media platforms to share your progress, find inspiration, and connect with like-minded individuals. You may even inspire more people to get active!
“As cosy cardio continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that fitness trends are evolving to prioritize comfort and inclusivity. So, why not give it a try and cosy up to better cardiovascular health? Start with comfortable workout clothes, find an exercise you like, and create the perfect environment to work out in. By doing so, you can start looking forward to your cardio and be more likely to do it more often.
“Many of these activities can be done from home, using fitness equipment such as treadmills, walking pads, and exercise bikes. Lifting weights during your cardio exercises can help you build muscle and tone, too, if you’re looking to increase the intensity of your workout. Most importantly, though, try to do cardio often, as maintaining regular workouts is key to your health and wellbeing.”
Keoghan Bellew, Personal Trainer at Fitness Superstore