At 48, Hong Jin-kyung swears by swimming to get runway-ready

Fashion model and broadcaster Hong Jin-kyung / Captured from YouTube

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Hong Jin-kyung revealed that she lost weight through swimming, dropping to around 51 kilograms.

On a recent episode of the MBC variety show "Sora and Jingyeong," first-generation supermodels Lee So-ra and Hong Jin-kyung were shown preparing to return to the runway.

To manage her figure, Hong started swimming early in the morning. After exercising, her weight measured 52.3 kg. “Until I hear back from agencies, the only thing I can do is manage my body,” she said, showing her dedication to working out.

Three days later, after also going to the gym, her weight dropped to 51.2 kg, surprising viewers with a loss of about 1 kg in just three days.

Swimming, the exercise Hong chose, is a popular full-body cardio workout. Constantly pushing against water resistance helps the body consume a large amount of energy. Because swimming simultaneously engages the arms, legs and core muscles, it is also effective for maintaining muscle mass.

In particular, the buoyancy of water reduces stress on the joints, making swimming a relatively safe and sustainable exercise even for middle-aged women like Hong.

Hong Jin-kyung takes a dip in a swimming pool. Captured from YouTube

To maximize the benefits of swimming, adjusting workout intensity is important. Alternating between freestyle, breaststroke and butterfly strokes, for example, can increase energy expenditure. Since swimming alone may not provide enough strength-training stimulus, combining it with separate resistance exercises is recommended.

Basic strength exercises such as squats, lunges and planks performed two to three times a week can help maintain basal metabolic rate and improve body shape. Adding low-impact cardio exercises such as brisk walking or stationary cycling may further promote body fat burning.

However, swimming can trigger strong hunger afterward. Eating high-calorie foods in response may make weight loss more difficult.

Swimmers should also be mindful of chlorine exposure in pool water, which can irritate the skin. Showering thoroughly and moisturizing well after exercise is recommended.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.