Q. I want to lose weight using a treadmill; what kind of exercise routine does a Korean medicine clinic recommend?
Rather than blindly walking or running, it is crucial to set an intensity level that matches your constitution and current energy levels, as the optimal exercise method varies depending on your body's energetic state.
📝 Detailed Answer
Before stepping onto a treadmill, you must first assess your body's 'remaining energy.' When driven by ambition alone, blindly running often leads to rapid exhaustion or joint injuries. Many people experience knee strain when pushing too hard without considering their physical readiness.
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), we view an individual's condition through two primary lenses:
- Spleen Deficiency (脾虛, Bi-heo): A state where digestive functions are weak and vital energy is low. In this case, high-intensity exercise can be counterproductive, leading to chronic fatigue.
- Phlegm-Fluid Retention (痰飮, Dam-eum): A state where metabolic waste accumulates, making the body feel heavy. This requires a process of discharging waste through appropriate diaphoresis (inducing sweat).
Therefore, we tailor the exercise direction based on your specific condition.
💡 Customized Exercise Guide
Those with deficient energy should start with walking on a gentle incline, while those with excessive dampness and phlegm (습담) are encouraged to do intervals that leave them slightly breathless.
Ultimately, fat-burning efficiency increases only when the circulation of Qi and Blood (氣血 循環) is smooth. We recommend receiving a diagnosis first to determine if your body is currently prepared to handle the stress of exercise.
Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director