Broadcaster Choi Hee reveals her 'running power' that burns body fat after losing 20kg

South Korean broadcaster Choi Hee, 41, has revealed her personal fitness regimen, which centers on running as a tool to combat post-pregnancy challenges. After losing 20 kilograms, Choi shared on her Instagram that running has become her method for navigating moments of depression and lethargy.

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Whenever that happens, I go outside. And I run. The important thing is not the speed or distance, but the act of taking one step forward, leaving behind the desire to stop.

"Depression is a strange emotion," Choi wrote. "There are times when I've accomplished what I needed to do, fulfilled my responsibilities, and had a day that seemed perfectly fine to others, yet my heart feels as silent as an empty room." She explained her coping mechanism: "Whenever that happens, I go outside. And I run." She stressed that "the important thing is not the speed or distance, but the act of taking one step forward, leaving behind the desire to stop."

Choi described the mental shift she experiences while running: "The thoughts filling my head gradually lose their power, and instead, only the sensation of breathing in and out, the feeling of my feet hitting the ground, and the wind brushing against my face remain." This personal experience aligns with scientific findings on the benefits of physical activity for mental well-being.

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The thoughts filling my head gradually lose their power, and instead, only the sensation of breathing in and out, the feeling of my feet hitting the ground, and the wind brushing against my face remain.

A study published in the 'British Journal of Sports Medicine' indicates that physical activity, including aerobic exercises like walking and running, can effectively improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Researchers suggest that such activities can serve as a non-drug treatment for mental health issues, though they clarify that exercise is a supplementary method for symptom relief rather than a direct cure for conditions like depression.

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Walking and running, including aerobic exercise, can be used as a non-pharmacological method to improve mental health.

Experts advise that when starting running, the focus should be on establishing a consistent practice rather than chasing specific records or distances. "Even short, regular bursts of physical activity can contribute to long-term mental health management," they note. Choi herself echoed this sentiment, stating, "I feel like I'm living through the memories of doing things I didn't want to do, moving when I wanted to sit down, and taking one more step when I wanted to give up."

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Exercise is not meant to directly treat mental illnesses such as depression. Researchers explain that exercise can be one method to help alleviate symptoms and manage mental health.