Reviewed by최연승대표원장
I'm curious about how to lose weight using a treadmill. Will I lose weight if I just run hard?
I used to think that too—just run and you'll lose weight. But from a Traditional Korean Medicine perspective, if your energy (qi) is deficient, running can actually consume more qi, causing your body to hold onto fat. Especially for those with a spleen deficiency (bihe) constitution, brisk walking is often more effective than running. The key is adjusting intensity based on your constitution and stamina.
Simply running on a treadmill does not guarantee weight loss. In Traditional Korean Medicine, dieting is viewed as a process of promoting the smooth flow of qi and blood while eliminating unnecessary phlegm-dampness (dam-eum) and blood stasis (eo-hyeol). The key point is that proper internal energy metabolism must function, not just calorie burning. Two main cases exist: First, those with spleen deficiency (bihe) who tire easily and have poor digestion. For them, running may cause excessive sweating and further deplete qi, leading the body to store fat defensively. It is better to start with brisk walking at low speed for about 30 minutes. Second, those with phlegm-dampness (dam-eum) who feel heavy and prone to edema. For them, running can actually improve blood circulation and be effective, but it is advisable to set the incline to 3–5 degrees to reduce knee strain. Additionally, focus on breathing—inhale through the nose and exhale slowly through the mouth to stabilize abdominal pressure and prevent lower back injury. Most importantly, after exercise you should feel refreshed, not depleted. If not, the exercise may be unsuitable for your constitution.