From 80 kg to balance: ‘You and Everything Else’ star Park Ji-hyun credits ballet for 20 kg weight loss

Actress Park Ji-hyun practices ballet, which she credits as a key part of maintaining her balanced physique. Captured from Park’s social media

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Actress Park Ji-hyun has revealed how she maintains her famously balanced physique — through consistent ballet training.

Park recently shared photos of herself practicing ballet on social media, showing elegant posture and perfect stretching form despite her busy schedule. She previously disclosed on a TV show that her weight once reached 80 kilograms (about 176 pounds) but that she lost 20 to 30 kilograms through strict diet control and exercise. Ballet, she said, has been one of the keys to keeping her slim and toned.

Ballet offers both aerobic and strength benefits

Ballet is considered a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise that also strengthens muscles. Many of its moves involve lifting the heels or holding positions that require core engagement. According to a study by the University of West Attica in Greece, long-term ballet dancers tend to have lower body mass index and body fat percentages than non-dancers, though the study noted that their reduced food intake could also contribute.

Actress Park Ji-hyun practices ballet, which she credits as a key part of maintaining her balanced physique. Captured from Park’s social media

Improved posture and flexibility

Ballet focuses more on posture correction than simple weight loss. Movements that vertically align the head, shoulders, pelvis and feet help practitioners develop habits of maintaining proper alignment even outside of class. One-legged balances and rotations improve stability while strengthening the abdominal and spinal muscles, supporting an upright body posture.

Stretching is also essential in ballet. Loosening tight muscles and hip joints increases flexibility and improves blood circulation, allowing the body to perform smoother movements.

Combine with aerobic workouts and prevent injuries

Because much of ballet training involves stretching and pose practice rather than continuous movement, it does not always provide sufficient aerobic intensity on its own. Experts recommend supplementing ballet with walking or swimming to maximize exercise effects.

Beginners should also be cautious about injuries. Ballet demands precise muscle control and repetitive movement; pushing beyond one’s physical limits or maintaining incorrect posture can strain the joints. It’s important to train under professional supervision, especially for those starting ballet for weight loss.

Excessive dieting can lead to nutritional imbalances, which in turn may cause irregular menstruation, reduced bone density, and weakened immunity. A balanced diet should accompany any fitness regimen for safe and sustainable results.

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.