‘Cozy cardio’ is the fitness trend we’ve been waiting for

Dread doing cardio? You’re far from alone. But it’s worth noting that cardio is integral to any overall health and wellness fitness routine. It can be challenging to find a way to get that cardio in—especially if you’re a mom—and without being bored out of your mind (or battling sweaty strangers for machines in a crowded gym). 

Enter the latest craze: cozy cardio. Texas-based fitness influencer Hope Zuckerbrow posted about her unique exercise method on her TikTok account, which has since garnered over 30 million likes. 

What makes it “cozy” cardio? Zuckerbrow utilizes a walking pad in her living room for a half-hour daily, donning pajamas and fuzzy robes and even watching TV by candlelight. She also sips a protein coffee while she’s strolling along. Sounds cozy, for sure! And maybe even doable after the kids are in bed—or before they get up in the a.m. 

@hope_zuckerbrow cozy cardio🫶🏻 #fyp #cardio #cozy #weightloss #walkingpad ♬ Blue Moon – Muspace Lofi

The influencer has previously shared in her videos she lost 100 pounds through a rigorous fitness regimen, only to gain half of it back. Now, she has vowed to stick to her cozy cardio method, which feels more sustainable. 

“I realized I needed to heal my relationship with exercise,” Zuckerbrow says. “Exercise wasn’t fun anymore, and I was only moving to lose weight, not to feel good or be healthy. I wanted to spark joy when it came to movement.”

Walking has long been a favored exercise for overall health and wellness, especially among moms. The benefits of walking are big: Taking a stroll regularly can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes. According to the National Institutes of Health, just 11 minutes of walking daily can add years to your life. 

A study published in JAMA of more than 2,000 adults over the span of 11 years showed that walking about 7,000 steps a day lowered the risk of death by 50% to 70%, as Motherly previously shared. 

With winter on the horizon, it’s time to jump on the cozy cardio bandwagon. Whether you bundle up and do it outside—or in your living room and slippers—is up to you!