I consume a lot of fitness content online. It’s the nature of my work. I’m often recommended on my feed by clips of influencers running at night, working out in the early hours of the morning, and people who are obviously taking steroids or using filters to change the shape of their faces and bodies.
They are the hardest workers in the room, going up and working, working hard instead of going home. It’s exhausting to watch and I can see why it’s off-putting for fitness beginners. Influencers who push the limits, use performance enhancers, and edit their photos to perfection make the exercise—and, by extension, themselves—unattainable.
So it was quite refreshing to try out ‘cozy cardio’, the latest trend that makes low-impact exercise accessible and acceptable using the best under-desk treadmills at home. First popularized by TikToker Hope Zuckerbrow, she uses her walking mat for 30 minutes while watching TV, reading, or listening to lofi music, occasionally wearing a fluffy robe and sipping a protein coffee.
The trend has exploded, being reported on in several major media outlets (including, apparently, this one), and similar to its predecessor, the “hot girl walk,” the concept aims to make exercise a comforting and healing activity for people who may feel Be intimidated by the gym or running outdoors. Walking to lose weight, of course, but also walking for pleasure and, ultimately, comfort.
@hope_zuckerbrow ♬ Musical Instrument – Gerhard Siagian
I’m not intimidated by the gym or running, and I usually hate wellness trends on social media. They are rarely backed by science and occasionally promote people who do potentially dangerous things for influence rather than health. However, this trend is anything but that. Bringing exercise into your comfort zone with a low-intensity workout, in your own space and on your own terms, is great. I love the idea of using exercise as a comforting and healing activity, and I’m a big fan of lofi music.
For those who criticize trend followers as “not exercising properly” or “hard enough”, I would say that it is far preferable to not exercising at all, as it is beneficial for both the body and mind. The Journal of the American Medical Association found that “associations between physical activity and depression suggest significant mental health benefits from physical activity, even at levels below public health recommendations.”
Another report from the University of Cambridge found that 11 minutes of brisk walking every day is enough to reduce the risk of premature death. Clearly, any amount of extra walking you can fit into your day is a good thing.
A sedentary lifestyle can be toxic to both the body and mind, and activity – even pleasant, low-intensity activity – is the panacea. If you don’t feel like walking in the dark winter months, under-desk treadmills (or walking mats) are a way to get started while you watch one of the best streaming services.
Below are three of the best treadmills or under-desk mats we’ve tested and the ones I recommend buying for all your cozy cardio needs. There are likely to be big discounts on many under desk treadmills during the Black Friday sales period, and these are some models worth keeping an eye on. I also recommend getting one of the best fitness trackers to keep an eye on your step count.
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