New feel-good workout trend: Cozy Cardio

The Texan TikToker Hope Zuckerbrow is considered the inventor of the trend: Cozy Cardio is a gentle form of cardio training that raises the heart rate in a relaxed environment. Zuckerbrow focuses on the fun of movement — not on exhausting oneself completely.

What is Cozy Cardio?

Unlike traditional cardio workouts, which often require fast, intense movements and high energy expenditure, Cozy Cardio focuses on gently getting the heart moving. The movements should be easy and feel good. The moderate pace of the exercises emphasizes well-being and stress reduction.

The Cozy Cardio program can be tailored to individual preferences: from workouts in pajamas on a home trainer to yoga flows. Typical Cozy Cardio activities include walking on a treadmill at low speed, a leisurely jog, slow cycling, or light dancing to relaxing music.

What you should not do with Cozy Cardio: push beyond your limits, quickly raise your pulse, or torture yourself with intense exercises.

How effective is Cozy Cardio?

Cozy cardio stimulates the cardiovascular system and activates muscle building, albeit very slowly. It also improves flexibility and endurance, and integrates regular, light workouts into daily life.

"Cozy Cardio was originally developed to heal my own relationship with exercise," explains the inventor of the trend, Hope Zuckerbrow, in a post. "But it quickly evolved into a form of self-love... it is meant to help everyone have fun moving again."

Are these gentle workouts enough to get or stay fit? That depends on what you have set out to achieve. Those looking to build muscle or lose weight will see faster results with more intense workouts and targeted training.

The cozy cardio trend can definitely help develop sustainable fitness routines and integrate regular exercise into everyday life. Especially beginners can thus pave the way to a healthier life.