24 October 2023 , 15:05
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Fitness trends are ever changing, but when you find the best practice to suit your abilities and preferences you will not look back. Some may thrive from endorphins released in long distance running, others seek an adrenalin kick from cold water therapy, while others may prefer the slow pace of pilates that tones the entire body.
However, there’s a new fitness craze taking the TikTok world by storm, introducing the #cozycardio or #cosycardio trend. Cosy Cardio is a big hit on the social media platform, and has racked up 7.5 million views so far – and growing. So what is cosy cardio?
Cosy cardio has been described by the experts at Lift Vault, as a “relaxed yet efficient method of exercising”, and a form centred around “comfort, and peace”, which we can absolutely get on board with.
Cosy cardio is more than just walking on a treadmill indoors, low intensity exercise classes, or just working out from home. Experts claim cosy cardio is “exercising from the comfort of your own home in a relaxing environment”, which involves setting the mood with dimmed lighting, candles, even working out in your pyjamas, in front of the TV, while watching a film, or any setting you feel most relaxed.
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On some TikTok accounts, fitness fans have still completed a weights session, or cardio, following this ethos, as it doesn’t have to be solely cardiovascular exercises, despite the trending hashtag. Speaking about the fitness trend, founder of Lift Vault, Kyle Risley, said: “There are several benefits to this workout approach, particularly for those who don’t feel extremely confident going to the gym or lack the motivation to physically go to the gym during the colder months.
"This is particularly a great solution for those who work in an office and are wanting get home and get cosy and wind down, whilst still burning calories. The results of cosy cardio are no different to practicing the sport in the gym, or fitness studio, and in fact, it may help improve stamina and endurance as if you are working out while watching a film you are getting more hours of exercise in one session.
Kyle added: “A 20–30-minute walk at four miles per hour will burn around 100-150 calories, depending on the person's weight. Whilst a 60-minute walk will burn over 300 calories. 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 whilst improving quality of sleep and fighting illnesses.
“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.”
Some TikTokkers even noted they had a more positive outlook on exercise than ever before. One influencer, who goes under the handle Hope_Zuckerbrow, shared a clip in which she wrote: “Reminder: Exercise doesn’t have to be done in a cold and sterile environment. It can be sensory-friendly and fun. Cosy cardio has healed my relationship with exercise and brought joy back to movement again.”
While a separate TikTok user, inspired by Hope, took their plush blanket and weights, tuned into their favourite podcast at home to workout, and said “I’m happy I did something, it’s better than doing nothing.”