If your New Year's resolution was to get more exercise, are you sticking to it now that we're more than a month into 2024? If the answer is "no" (or that you're struggling to keep up your gym routine), cozy cardio might be for you. It's a new trend in exercise that embraces the idea that we don't have to do everything at 110% — sometimes, just getting your steps in (and being comfy at home while you do it) is the best you can do.
Cozy cardio started taking off in 2022, thanks to Hope Zuckerbrow, who posted videos on social media of her own routine — which typically involved lighting scented candles, drinking tea and binge-watching a great show while she walked on a mini treadmill, or "walking pad," at home. Her workout routine didn't require any expensive membership fees or workout clothes, and it took off.
Shop this article: Sperax Walking Pad, Elseluck Walking Pad, JURITS Walking Pad 2 in 1 for Walking and Jogging
If you're already a gym rat who does hard workouts, switching to cozy cardio might have negative health impacts, experts warn. But if you're someone who would otherwise skip the workout and watch TV sitting on the couch, doing it while walking is a health upgrade.
"It very much relies on what psychologists would call positive reinforcement — the idea of, it’s not just that I’m exercising," Catherine Sanderson, a professor of psychology at Amherst College in Massachusetts and author of “The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity,” told The Associated Press. "I’m getting to watch my favorite show. I’m tapping into something I want to be doing already."
And positive reinforcement has brought positive responses.
"I get so many messages from men and women — so many people — saying something along the lines of, ‘Thank you so much for kind of flipping my mindset on what I thought exercise is supposed to be,' " Zuckerbrow told the AP. " 'This feels so doable.' "
More than 10,000 customers have bought this walking pad in the last month. For under $200 (and with a $20 coupon you can clip to save even more at checkout), it has a 320-pound capacity, goes up to 3.8 mph, and has a remote to make instant adjustments while in use. Plus, it weighs just 40 pounds and has wheels for easy movement and storage.
More than 10,000 customers purchased this walking pad in the last month. It's currently on sale for well under $200. With a 220-pound weight capacity and speeds from 0.6 to 3.8 mph, this is a versatile mini treadmill for walking or jogging. It weighs just 54 pounds and fits easily under a sofa or bed for storage.
JURITS Walking Pad 2 in 1 for Walking and Jogging
This walking pad has a capacity up to 265 pounds, speeds up to 3.8 mph and a remote control for easy adjustments while in use. It has a small footprint that can easily be stored under a bed or couch, and it weighs only 37 pounds.
More than 9,000 customers have bought this folding treadmill in the last month. Unlike many walking pads, it has a folding armrest — and can be used with the arm folded up or down. It has a weight capacity of up to 280 pounds and is great for runners with its maximum speed of 6.2 mph.
Yagud Under Desk Treadmill, Walking Pad for Home and Office
More than 8,000 customers have purchased this walking pad in the last month. It's on sale for well under $200. It weighs 44 pounds and goes up to 3.8 mph, with a top weight capacity of 265 pounds.
More than 1,000 people have bought this walking pad in the last month. A sale has it priced at just over $150, making it one of the most affordable options you can buy right now. And at 44 pounds, it's easy to move and store. It has a weight capacity of 242 pounds and can go to a maximum speed of 3.8 mph.
UREVO Foldable Treadmill with Auto Incline
Looking for a walking pad with more treadmill-like features? More than 1,000 people have purchased this option in the last month — and for good reason. It offers auto incline and a folding arm for better stability and a tougher workout. It has a maximum weight capacity of 265 pounds and a top speed of 7.6 mph.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
