Ever since I first arrived in Korea (almost a year and a half ago) I began to eat healthier.This can mostly been contributed to eating smaller portions and just plain better quality foods. I regularly eat spicy dishes, less carbs other than rice, a ton more fruit and vegetables, more soups, and smaller quantities but better quality meats.
After my first year I had easily dropped 30lbs without really exercising. My lifestyle has changed dramatically due to the fact that I walk everywhere the subways don't go (unless it's really far that I need a bus or taxi), and that I get out more often and do more things. - I used to be pretty lazy and a homebody.
I started to plateau towards the beginning of summer, and actually gained around 5-10 lbs simply by being on vacation for a month in the States! I blame the plethora of parties and the frequent visits to restaurants with family and friends.
My new plan has been to start exercising. This is one thing I HATE doing. I am NOT a runner, I have had bad knees for years. I was never really into team sports besides baseball when I was younger. I do enjoy playing badminton with my girlfriend, and enjoy walking. I never liked gyms, but I do like the accessibility and ease of being able to get a workout while watching TV instead of running around in the snow and rain.
Walking around Gunpo is pretty relaxing actually. I like exploring side streets and noticing new small restaurants that don't get the attention of the downtown Sanbon crowd. I've even made it a plan to walk in different directions on different days so I don't get bored.
A pavilion over looking some apartments on top of a quiet hill.
The one thing that I really like is that there are outdoor "gyms" almost everywhere -- and they are FREE.
Although these "gyms" aren't really well maintained a lot of the time, or protected from mother nature, they do have their appeal of being readily available to almost anyone at any time (granted when they aren't being used by the elderly -- which is ALL THE TIME except around dinner time). I have found a couple secluded spots where I can lift weights, stretch, and do other sorts of exercises in peace. You'll even find these "gyms" half-way up mountain tops (and usually occupied by 80 year old men and women vigorously working out!).
Some of the equipment I do not use as I don't see the point.
Does twisting your body slightly from side to side like this REALLY give you a work out?
Apparently all this walking and light lifting has been helping out. I'm getting closer and closer to my goal. Hopefully by next year I will have a slimmer and trimmer look!
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