Q. I want to lose weight using the treadmill; what's the most effective way to use it?

Have you ever stepped onto a treadmill full of motivation, only to get off after 10 minutes because you were too out of breath? I understand that feeling well, as I once rushed into running and ended up with only knee pain. However, simply walking for a long duration does not guarantee weight loss.

From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), sudden high-intensity exercise can lead to excessive energy depletion when you are in a state of Qi Deficiency (氣虛), which can leave your body feeling exhausted rather than revitalized. Therefore, setting the 'intensity' based on your current physical condition is crucial.

• Step 1: Warm-up (5-10 min) - Wake up your muscles and joints by walking at a light pace.
• Step 2: High-Intensity Interval (1-2 min) - Walk briskly or jog lightly until you feel slightly out of breath.
• Step 3: Low-Intensity Interval (2-3 min) - Slow down your pace again to recover your breathing.
• Step 4: Cool-down (5 min) - Gradually reduce your speed to stabilize your heart rate.

However, for those with weak knee joints or severely low energy levels, I recommend starting with flat walking rather than aggressive incline adjustments. Adjusting the routine to fit your body's condition is ultimately the fastest way to reach your goal.