Q. I am currently taking herbal weight loss medicine. When should I start aerobic exercise like using a treadmill, and how much should I do?
It is best to increase your exercise intensity gradually according to your body's adaptation period. The key is to start with light walking and slowly increase your metabolic rate.
📝 Detailed Answer
While you may be eager to start intense treadmill workouts immediately, sudden high-intensity exercise while the herbal medicine is ramping up your metabolism can lead to premature exhaustion.
In Traditional Korean Medicine, this is viewed as overexerting energy during a state of Qi Deficiency (氣虛). Those with Spleen Deficiency (脾虛), characterized by weak digestive functions, may experience even greater fatigue from sudden physical exertion.
💡 Exercise Guidelines
It is important to adjust the intensity based on your physical condition and maintain a level where you do not feel completely exhausted.
- Phase 1 (Initial 1-2 weeks): Focus on light walking on flat ground for 20-30 minutes while monitoring your body's response.
- Phase 2 (Adaptation Period): Increase the duration up to 40 minutes, adjusting the treadmill incline to a pace that makes you slightly breathless.
- Phase 3 (Stabilization Period): Once your stamina improves, combine interval walking with light jogging to maximize metabolic efficiency.
However, if you feel so fatigued the next day that it interferes with your daily routine, you must lower the intensity. Overexertion can actually hinder the discharge of waste products and Blood Stasis (瘀血).
Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director
Last reviewed 2026.04.24