Actress Shin Se-kyung has revealed the discipline behind her enviable physique, proving that enjoying a love for food requires a dedicated commitment to fitness. Recently appearing on the YouTube channel Yeojeongjaehyung, the actress opened up about her lifestyle, her recent travels, and the specific exercises that keep her in shape.
Having recently returned from a 40-day stay in Paris, Shin expressed a deep affection for the city and its culinary offerings. "I feel a sense of intimacy in Paris, and I really love eating—especially Parisian food," she shared. When host Jeong Jae-hyung asked if constant exercise was the key to balancing her appetite, she emphasized, "That’s right. I really, really work hard on my exercise."
From Latvia to Paris: A Commitment to Consistency
Shin Se-kyung’s passion for running began while filming a movie in Latvia. Staying there for three months, she found the flat terrain ideal for the sport. "Both the actors and the crew were running hard," she recalled, noting that the environment encouraged her to pick up the habit.
Her dedication followed her back to France. In a travel vlog posted late last year, Shin showed herself heading to the gym immediately after a grocery shopping trip. Even when exhausted, she refuses to skip her core routine. "It’s really annoying, but I try not to skip my workout, especially planking," she admitted while demonstrating her form.
For those who find it difficult to reduce their food intake, Shin’s approach of increasing exercise frequency and intensity is a highly effective alternative. To lose or maintain weight, caloric expenditure must exceed consumption. Exercise-driven weight management is particularly beneficial because it increases the rate of fat loss while minimizing muscle depletion, resulting in a more toned and defined silhouette.
The Science of Running and Planking
Shin Se-kyung’s preferred methods—running and planking—offer distinct physiological benefits for body management.
Running: The Aerobic Powerhouse Running is a premier aerobic exercise for weight loss. A 30-minute session can burn between 300 and 500 kcal, significantly more than walking or cycling for the same duration. High-intensity running also increases muscle mitochondrial activity, which enhances the body’s ability to use fat as an energy source even while at rest.
Experts recommend maintaining an intensity where you are "out of breath but still able to talk," typically 60–75% of your maximum heart rate. While 40–60 minutes is ideal, even 30 minutes performed three to five times a week can yield significant results. Beginners should prioritize a steady pace and proper breathing over speed to avoid injury, ensuring they wear supportive footwear and stretch thoroughly.
The Plank: Building a Strong Foundation While the plank itself is not a high-calorie burner, it is essential for core stabilization and muscular endurance. By supporting the body on the forearms and toes with the elbows at a 90-degree angle, practitioners align the spine, shoulders, and pelvis.
A strong core improves the efficiency of other exercises, such as running, by maintaining proper posture and reducing the risk of back pain. In planking, quality surpasses quantity; it is more important to maintain a straight line from head to heel than to hold a sagging or arched position for a long duration.
By combining the fat-burning power of running with the structural benefits of the plank, Shin Se-kyung manages to balance her love for gastronomy with a healthy, athletic lifestyle.
