One of the funny things I always look forward to when coming to Korea is … Losing Weight.
Funny right?! I feel that I don’t do anything differently but I some how lose weight.
Well it’s not coincidence at all. When I come to Korea, all *cough* 220 lbs of me, my whole lifestyle changes.
There are many thing that attribute to my overall better way of life when I leave the comfort my Lazy Los Angeles lifestyle.
1st! No Car.
In Korea the primary way to get around is WALKING, you know putting one foot in front of the other in a rhythmic fashion generating momentum in an intended direction?
Well I do a lot of walking compared to at home where I’m spoiled by my gas powered motor vehicle with 4 wheels that I use to get everywhere.
I want breakfast, just drive down the street to McDonald’s and get my favorite McGriddle cake sandwich with eggs, sausage and cheese. Not in Korea, I have to Walk an mile to the closest McDonald’s where they only serve fresh cracked eggs on an English muffin and guess what! No cheese. Such a hard life. But really the action of having to walk everywhere really makes a difference in cutting down weight.
2nd: Cleaner Food
Korean food in general is just cleaner all around. Take Bibimbap for example. It is composed of Rice, fresh vegetables, and a protein. Since rice is one of the largest commodities in Korea it is always fresh, not heavily processed bleached and loaded with preservatives to ship overseas, you can expect the rice you get is no more than a day old. Same with the vegetables. No ether coated vegetables to keep them green till they make it to your grocer, these vegetables are fresh, except for the kimchi, they might have been picked that morning. And the proteins: eggs, pork, beef, fish, or other type of seafood. I have been to restaurants where the fish was still swimming till we picked it out of the tank. If that is not what fresh is then I don’t know what is.
3rd: Outdoor Activities
In the nature of exploring a new area you are always moving. In Korea there are so many things to explore from the crowded streets of the Jalgachi Fish Market to the Peaks of Geumjeon mountain, that is in Busan alone, there is always a reason to go outside. Now for the traditional gyms or fitness centers we are use to, to fight the guilt of eating that extra piece of pie, I’m afraid that is not totally the norm. Gyms are available but not how we are use to in the states.
Gyms are typically small with limited equipment. For me as a “power-lifter” or functional fitness enthusiast, I would have to take a 45 minute train ride to the main hub and pay really high membership fees to find the type of equipment I’m use to. But for just general keeping in shape I have found that the local parks do a decent job. All you need is a pull up bar and some motivation right? Well in Korea there are these stations that have body-weight exercise equipment that are very effective.
As for running, I didn’t find any running partners on the track but there are plenty of walkers and many, many bicyclers. Running may not be popular in Korea but you are sure to be able to find a cycling crew.