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Q. I'm using the treadmill to lose weight; is there a more efficient way to walk or run?

A.

Rather than simply walking for long periods, interval training that raises your heart rate is more efficient. However, it is crucial to adjust the intensity based on your current energy levels.

📝 Detailed Answer

Have you ever stepped onto a treadmill with great ambition, only to find that you barely broke a sweat while your knees started to ache? I recall a time when I blindly ran for hours, only to end up spraining my ankle and wasting my effort.

From a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) perspective, weight loss does not occur simply by moving as hard as possible. If you exercise excessively while in a state of Qi deficiency (氣虛)—meaning your vital energy is low—you may actually accumulate fatigue and experience a drop in metabolic rate.

💡 Points for Exercise Efficiency

The key is to set an intensity that promotes blood circulation so that Dam-eum (痰陰), or unnecessary metabolic waste/phlegm, can be effectively discharged from the body.

  • Low-Intensity Walking: Warm up by walking slowly for 5 to 10 minutes to prepare your body.
  • Moderate-Intensity Intervals: Alternate between walking briskly for 2 minutes and jogging lightly for 1 minute to fluctuate your heart rate.
  • Utilizing Incline: Instead of pushing the speed to an unreasonable level, slightly increase the incline to engage your lower body muscles more effectively.
  • Cool-down Stretching: Stretch thoroughly after exercising to resolve Eo-hyeol (瘀血), or blood stasis, and ensure smooth blood flow.

However, sudden high-intensity exercise can place undue strain on the body. Since it is important to find the appropriate intensity tailored to your current physical condition, I recommend visiting our clinic for a consultation to receive a personalized guide.

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Expert Verified

Dr. Yeonseung Choe

Chief Director

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