feel good movement EP 1: cozy cardio & gilmore girls rewatch

Nicole Cappetta
Oct 13, 2024
4 min read

after spending most of my life using exercise to punish myself for existing in a larger body, I spent the last few years trying to really unpack all of those icky feelings. I look back and really see that I was not only overexercising to justify eating, but I used my movement "successes" as some sort of justification for being fat. i remember growing up, telling myself things like "i may have a softer tummy but I can run 3 miles..."

during the pandemic I think we all spent time re-evaluating how I wanted to live my life. I decided to take a break from working out and think about what I wanted my relationship to be with movement. I realized I do like working out: it's make me feel strong, like a badass and it really helps with decompressing.

so I am currently working on rebuilding my relationship with movement. I'm spending the time exploring exercise for the first time, not for any aesthetic or weightloss reasons, but for the sole purpose of feeling good. This will be a multi-series blog that will continue to evolve as I continue my practice of finding movement practices that I enjoy.

reasons to exercise that have nothing to do with your weight

there are so many reasons to move your body that are not hyperfocused on losing weight or being thin, not that there is anything inherently bad about that. body autonomy is important, but diet culture has co-opted exercise as some sort of S

boost energy
improve your mental health
reduce stress & anxiety
run away from creepy men faster
better sleep
improve your strength
increased self confidence
better sex
do the splits
dance your ass off all night long
better connection and understand of your body

episode 1: cozy cardio & a gilmore girls rewatch

cozy cardio is all about moving your body in a way that feels gentle, joyful, and relaxing—like an extended stroll through Stars Hollow with Lorelai and Rory. You won’t catch anyone yelling at you to push harder or “burn those calories” here. Instead, think soft lighting, moody lighting, and just the coziest of vibes.

all though Rory and Loralei's home of Stars Hollow exists in all seasons - the show is so quintessionally fall (this is not a hot take). maybe it's the show's insane obsession with coffee, an excruiating will they/won't they, or the emotionally withholding parents that keep millenials like me in love with this show so much. But hanging out with Sookie, Michel, and Miss Patty feels like a warm hug through these unprecented times.

here’s how to set the scene and get your cozy cardio on while fully immersing yourself in the Gilmore Girls fall aesthetic:

step 1: set the cozy cardio vibes

for the vibes: maximum effort

for the workout: minimal effort

Start by turning down the lights and cueing up those fairy lights or candles. This is not your typical cardio session, and you’re not about to treat it like one. Extra points if you’ve got a pumpkin-shaped mug of tea nearby for hydration breaks.

step 2: pick your movement

cozy cardio is low-key movement. Instead of focusing on reps, heart rates, or feeling like you need to “earn” that pumpkin spice treat, the ultimate goal is to just show up and keep moving. I chose the treadmill, but you can't certaintly choose whatever feels best for you. stationary bikes, stair stepper, or even some low-impact movements like squats, lunges, or yoga poses—but only if they fit the cozy vibe. The whole point is to feel good in your body, not punish it.

step 3: gilmore girls marathon

If you've seen this show more than handful of times, like me, then you have your favorites already. I rewatch Gilmore Girls every fall, so I started at the beginning. You can certaintly watch it from wherever you would like. The only wrong answer is anything in the season where Rori just quites Yale, like what was that?

step 4: show up and just move

cozy cardio is the epitome of feel good movement. It keeps exercise attainable and focuses on the enjoyment of moving your body, while making it easy to show up consistently. and for me gilmore girls just adds to it. I walk for one episode at a time, but you can certaintly split them up or watch two, whatever works for you.

feel good movement reminders

find movement that feels good to YOU

But here’s the truth: movement is personal. What makes me feel good might not be what makes you feel good, and that’s okay. That’s the beauty of it—fitness isn’t about following someone else’s formula. It’s about finding what makes your body come alive and rolling with it. So, if you love swimming, do that. If dancing makes you happy, throw on some music and get moving. If lifting heavy things gives you life, go crush it. The point is, your body’s happy place is uniquely yours.