A doctor's approval is paramount before embarking on a new workout routine. If you experience any discomfort or pain, cease immediately. For those who find the idea of perspiring in a bustling gym or under the scorching sun uninviting, "cozy cardio" might be the ideal solution to enhance your fitness levels.
Cozy cardio is a term made famous by Hope Zuckerbrow, a social media influencer from Paradise, Texas, through her engaging TikTok videos. Garnering over 34 million likes, Zuckerbrow's videos often feature her leisurely walking on a pad in her softly lit living room, complete with colored lights and candles. Dressed in comfortable pajamas and a plush robe, she enjoys her favorite TV shows and sips on a protein coffee drink while exercising. After approximately thirty minutes, her workout is complete.
Zuckerbrow's journey towards cozy cardio began after she regained almost half of the 100 pounds she had previously lost through an intense workout routine. She desired to redefine her relationship with exercise and find joy in physical activity again. Her initial cozy cardio video on TikTok amassed 400,000 views, marking the inception of this new fitness trend.
But how effective is this relaxed form of exercise? Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist at OhioHealth Physician Group in Columbus, Ohio, states that even a slow start can provide the initial momentum needed to cultivate a more regular and intense workout routine. Zuckerbrow's own journey with cozy cardio reflects this, as she gradually increased her exercise duration and intensity.
Nick Occhipinti, a fitness specialist and assistant professor of anatomy at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, agrees that finding an accessible entry point to physical activity is crucial. He emphasizes the inverse relationship between step count and all-cause mortality - the more steps you take, the less likely you are to die.
Studies have shown that replacing 30 minutes a day of sedentary time with light-intensity physical activity can reduce all-cause mortality by 11% and cardiovascular mortality by 24%. Another study highlighted the beneficial effects of low-intensity walking on blood pressure and heart rate, making it a suitable exercise for managing hypertension, particularly for those who are frail or suffer from chronic illnesses.
However, experts advise that while cozy cardio is a step in the right direction, it should ideally lead to more vigorous activity. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, published by the US Department of Health and Human Services, adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
To transition to moderate-intensity exercise, Occhipinti suggests gradually trying to improve your mile-walking time. This doesn't mean that you need to be drenched in sweat or have your heart pounding, but you should aim to reach a level where you're working hard enough to achieve fitness adaptations.
Dr. Sabgir also recommends incorporating outdoor workouts for their immense health benefits. Studies have shown that spending time in nature three or four times a week can reduce the need for medication for conditions like high blood pressure and asthma. Additionally, exercising with friends can enhance the benefits further by providing social connections, which can be as valuable as the physical exercise itself.
Zuckerbrow's fitness and stamina have improved significantly through cozy cardio, and she has even started incorporating gym visits into her routine. However, she doesn't plan to abandon cozy cardio entirely. "I don’t see myself ever stopping cozy cardio," Zuckerbrow said. "Those workouts feel like meditational moments and truly bring joy to my day."
If you're inspired by Zuckerbrow's journey and are looking to buy workout clothes for your own cozy cardio routine, T-shoppe online fitness store has a wide range of fitness health clothing suitable for this type of exercise. Remember, physical fitness is a lifelong journey, so start slow and be patient. Over time, you will undoubtedly reap the benefits.
