The Cosy Cardio Club is Coming for You
If you enjoy working out at your own pace, in your own space, this chilled-out and gentle approach to exercise could be right up your alley.
Forget the 3-2-8 method, the 75 challenge and the treadmill model walk. There’s a new TikTok fitness trend that trumps them all. Cosy cardio is providing a welcome breath of fresh air to the world of fitness – and it provides benefits across the board.
The concept came to light when US wellness influencer Hope Zuckerbrow posted a TikTok video explaining how she preps for a laid-back and enjoyable cardio session. (That video has now been viewed by millions the world over). By combining low-impact cardio, her favourite show on TV, candle-lit mood lighting, comfy sweats and snuggly socks, Zuckerbrow created a blissful workout experience that is now being replicated in lounges all over the planet.
Key elements of cosy cardio (mix and match any of the following):
Low-impact movement
Chill music
A comforting setting – your lounge or bedroom
Warm and supportive coaching
Mood lighting
Candles
Soft fabrics
Snuggly socks
Comforting food and drink
Moments of reflection and mindfulness
This focus on enjoyable movement reflects a fundamental shift being embraced by movers the world over. No longer are the aesthetic benefits of exercise people’s primary motivator – and the idea that all workouts have to feel like some kind of punishment is long gone. Increasingly fitness is perceived as recreation, something to do because you actually want to. Backing up this idea is a recent report into the motivations of Gen Z, revealing that four of their top five reasons to exercise are linked to health and happiness.
But it's not just the TikTok generation who are seeing the light and appreciating the holistic benefits of activity. Movers of all ages have a greater awareness of the many and varied ways exercise can improve our lives: including how exercise can help battle burnout, ease anxiety and stress, help us sidestep dangerous disease and set us up to live a longer and healthier life.
Jess McDonald, a Les Mills trainer and adidas-sponsored athlete says the concept of cosy cardio helps remind us that workouts should be enjoyable. “Not all workouts have to be ‘go hard or go home’ …Working out gently is hugely important, too." She explains that your body needs time to re-energise and that gentle exercise helps nurture that. “It gives you time to focus on how you feel, tapping into what you need on a particular day. It allows you to focus on what will fill your cup rather than drain it."
Need some cosy cardio workout ideas?
Get comfortable and ease into exercise with simple low-impact workouts. Explore different ways to move your body and enjoy a taste of a variety of training styles.
This article was originally published on the Les Mills website, and written by Emma Hogan.
