#Cozycardio is becoming a new and upcoming trend on TikTok, with a total of 7.5 million views and counting. As many of us are persevering with workouts through the colder months, fitness experts at Lift Vault highlight a new way to lose weight from the comfort of your own home.
What exactly is Cozy Cardio?
Recently, TikTok creators launched a movement to change the way people approach working out. This relaxed yet efficient method of exercising is all about incorporating comfort and peace into a workout. Simply, Cozy Cardio is exercising from the comfort of your own home in a relaxing environment.
Several TikTok users have demonstrated their cozy cardio setup, creating a relaxing environment with mood lighting, candles, a protein shake, and wearing comfy pajamas, while walking on an Under Desk Treadmill in front of the television watching Netflix. This trend isn’t just cardiovascular, as users are also incorporating light weight training and conducting core workouts.
What are the benefits?
“There are several benefits to this workout approach, particularly for those whose don’t feel extremely confident going to the gym or lack the motivation to physically go to the gym during the colder months,” says Kyle Risley, founder of Lift Vault. “Several users are challenging themselves to complete a cozy cardio session every day for 30 days. This workout is generally sustainable, as it’s something you would generally want to do regularly. Therefore, common reasons to skip a workout such as time, weather, or travel won’t impact a cozy cardio workout. This can be a particularly great solution for those who work in an office and are wanting get home and get cozy and wind down, while still burning calories. If you are looking to substitute this kind of workout for a gym membership, this method will also save you money.
What are the results?
Walking on a treadmill for longer periods of time is also a form of cardiovascular endurance. Research supports that significant amounts of cardiovascular endurance can support a longer lifespan while improving quality of sleep and fighting illnesses. Cardiovascular endurance also allows you to sustain a particular pace without overworking your heart.
A 20- to 30-minute walk at four miles per hour will burn around 100 to 150 calories, depending on the person’s weight, while a 60-minute walk will burn more than 300 calories. In theory, you could watch two episodes of your favorite Netflix series and burn nearly a whole meal.
“Consistently keeping your body active is extremely important, along with the obvious things such as weight loss, improved sleep, and heart health. Cardio exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, as it releases endorphins which naturally boost your mood and improve overall mental health,” says Risley.
How can I implement this trend into my everyday life?
For those working a 9 to 5 in an office, cozy cardio may work much better after work, to wind down from your day and de-stress. For those who may work later shifts, starting your day with cozy cardio can also work well and be a great way to wake yourself up while not needing to kickstart your day drastically.
You can choose a new Netflix series to watch from the beginning, and every time you watch an episode, you complete some cozy cardio. This can be a great motivator while taking away the dread of having to exercise.
Creating the perfect cozy set up is entirely down to your personal preferences. Whether you prefer mood lighting, a lava lamp, scented candles, or even indoor plants, you can incorporate elements that comfort you, make you feel happy, and promote dopamine levels.
Depending on your goals, if you are looking to achieve weight loss, continue to increase your time spent conducting cardio. Add an extra five minutes each day until you are at a comfortable duration and feel your fitness levels increase.
If you are looking to strength train, incorporate some simple dumbbell exercises. “#at Home Dumbbell Workout” boasts 30.1 million views on TikTok, and there are several programs you can follow from the app.
Safety precautions
Because cozy cardio is so relaxed, there is the risk that people may forget they are working out and forget about safety. During a standard cozy cardio workout, you will be burning 100 calories or more, therefore it is important to remember to drink water throughout.
“Keep a bottle of water next to your walking pad on a stool, and always remember to take regular pauses to hydrate,” says Risley. “Try not to drink and walk, in case you lose your balance. It is also important to clear all surrounding hazards, such as loose wires or plugs, side tables, and any valuable ornaments. If you are to have an accident, this can minimize further damage.”
