A Quick Guide to Cozy Cardio: Can It Really Help You Lose Weight?

The latest fitness trend on social media is cozy cardio, and so many people are jumping on board—for a good reason!

The best form of cardio is the one you enjoy because you’ll be consistent. The “cozy cardio” trend on TikTok, created by Hope Zuckerbrow, is a more laid-back approach to movement, prioritizing exercise that doesn’t leave you feeling beat up.  

Here, we’ll examine the cozy cardio fitness trend and why losing weight doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.

What Is Cozy Cardio?

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The cozy cardio concept is an easy new fitness trend. It’s as much about the “vibe” as it is about the cardio. 

In short, cozy cardio is choosing a form of movement that you actually enjoy and look forward to. It’s about changing your vocabulary from “exercise” to “movement.”

You don’t have to push yourself so hard—just get in that comfortable euphoric cardio heart rate zone and have fun!

Here’s what cozy cardio is all about:

  • Developing a more low-key attitude about exercise.
  • Creating the right vibe (i.e., a stress-free atmosphere): Turning on soft lighting, putting out some candles, wearing comfy clothes like a t-shirt, pajamas, or cozy socks, or just going barefoot.
  • Picking a form of movement that feels good, and doing it in the comfort of your living room.

Zuckerbrow says she started the trend because she needed a more relaxed approach to exercise to get motivated.  She describes her morning routine as getting some water, iced coffee, and putting on comfy socks. Then she warms up by walking at a comfortable pace on her walking pad while watching her favorite shows.  

She said she walked at different speeds while keeping it comfortable. She does this low-intensity workout as a 40-minute session and then cools down. 

Cozy Cardio: All About Consistency

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Zuckerbrow lost 100 lbs, which proves it works! The secret to her weight loss success was being consistent and doing something enjoyable.  

Yep, the keyword is consistency!  Being consistently good is better than being occasionally great on a daily basis. She didn’t struggle through grueling workout sessions but rather took a more stress-free and consistent approach.

The point of cozy cardio is for people to get their heart pumping in the comfort of their home with elements that give you warm, fuzzy feels. It’s about improving your cardiovascular health over time and burning calories while still feeling good.

How to Get Started with Cozy Cardio 

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To follow in Zuckerbrow’s footsteps (literally), try walking! You can do it indoors on a walking pad or treadmill or take a stroll around the block. It may not feel “hard” (which is the point), but the benefits are incredible. Cardiovascular exercise like walking leads to better heart health, increased daily calorie burn, better mental health, and improved energy levels.

If walking isn’t your thing, here are a few more cozy cardio ideas you can do at home:

  • Yoga
  • Dancing
  • Body-weight exercises, such as squats
  • Jump-roping
  • Chair exercises
  • Low-impact ab workouts

It’s really up to you! As long as you’re moving your body, getting your heart rate up, and having fun, there’s no wrong way to do some cozy cardio.

What Gear Do You Need For Cozy Cardio? 

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You don’t need much! Most of the “gear” you need can be found at home. You can fully embrace cozy cardio with the following:

  • Comfortable fuzzy socks: One of the cozy cardio trademarks is a good pair of comfy socks. 
  • Walking pad: This is a great low-impact exercise method that is easy to move around your home. It’s a space saver and gives you easier access anywhere in the home. 
  • Candles: A lavender candle can set the mood and relax you. 
  • Yoga mat: It’s a good idea to have a mat on your floor to protect your body and your floor. 
  • Comfortable sweat pants: Feeling comfortable is the hallmark of cozy cardio.

Workouts to Get You Started

Senior woman doing mobility exercises outdoors.

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Get Healthy U TV offers some great ideas for starting your cozy cardio journey. 

Here are a few to choose from: 

  • Indoor walking workouts: These walking workouts are easy on the joints and use only a little space. They have become favorites for many GHU TV members and are a part of their daily routines. 
  • Gentle yoga flow workouts: Yoga is a great option for getting your heart pumping early in the morning since it combines exercise and mental clarity, which is great to start the day. 
  • Low-impact strength workouts: Fun and doable no-jumping workout routines that involve both strength training and cardio. 
  • Fun and doable dance workouts: This type of exercise will make you smile while shaking your booty.  

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