Jihyo, the leader and main vocalist of the globally renowned K-Pop group TWICE, has captivated audiences not only with her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence but also with her inspiring journey towards body positivity. Her experiences with strict diets during her trainee years, coupled with the intense scrutiny faced by idols in the K-Pop industry, have shaped her approach to health and well-being. This article delves into Jihyo's weight loss journey, exploring her past struggles, current workout routines, and her evolved perspective on food and body image.
The Pressures of the K-Pop Industry
The K-Pop industry is notorious for its demanding standards of physical appearance. Trainees and idols often face immense pressure to maintain a slim physique, leading to restrictive diets and rigorous exercise regimes. JYP Entertainment, the agency behind TWICE, is no exception, with its trainees often placed under strict dietary control.
Jihyo's experience as a trainee for 10 years exposed her to these pressures from a young age. She openly shared her experiences with restrictive diets on MBC's "I Live Alone," highlighting the impact it had on her relationship with food.
Jihyo's Trainee Days: A Struggle with Restrictive Diets
During her years as a trainee, Jihyo was subjected to numerous diets, a consequence of the industry's emphasis on maintaining a specific body image. She revealed that these diets were often unhealthy and led to an unhappy lifestyle.
In the K-pop industry, most companies place their trainees under strict diets, and JYP Entertainment girl group TWICE is no exception. Jihyo, who was a trainee for 10 long years, shared her experience in a recent episode of MBC‘s I Live Alone. According to the leader, she was “put on so many diets,” likely aggravated by the fact that she was a trainee for so many years.
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Embracing Freedom: Jihyo's Evolving Relationship with Food
As an adult, Jihyo made a conscious decision to break free from the cycle of restrictive dieting. She realized the importance of enjoying food and nourishing her body without unnecessary limitations. This shift in perspective led her to adopt a more balanced and intuitive approach to eating. With her past experience in mind, she actively doesn’t restrict herself. She completely changed her relationship with food and is all the better for it!
On "I Live Alone," Jihyo explained that she now orders whatever she wants to eat and taste, actively choosing not to restrict herself. She embraces the freedom to enjoy a variety of foods, a stark contrast to her experiences as a trainee.
The hosts of the show quickly noticed her big order, saying, “It’s a lot for one person” and “You eat more than I thought.” Jihyo then explained why she ordered so many different dishes, and it has to do with the strict diets she was forced to undergo as a child. Jihyo then explained why she ordered so many different dishes, and it has to do with the strict diets she was forced to undergo as a child. So when I was younger, I was a trainee for so long. I was put on so many diets, so I don’t want to force myself to eat less anymore. I just want to eat what I want to eat and taste a bit of everything.
Jihyo's Workout Routine: A Focus on Strength and Energy
While Jihyo has embraced a more relaxed approach to dieting, she remains committed to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Her workout routine incorporates a mix of dance practice, weight training, and other exercises, tailored to her preferences and needs.
Dance Practice: A Core Component
As a member of TWICE, dance practice is an integral part of Jihyo's workout routine. The intense choreography and demanding rehearsals contribute significantly to her overall fitness.The workout of Jihyo was divided into two parts she used to train for a total of 4 hours every day. That much workout was there to make sure that she got super slim. In that workout, there are mainly two things. One is your dance practice that goes on for two hours alone, and then it’s the free body workouts and some other exercises.
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Weight Training: Building Strength and Boosting Metabolism
Jihyo has expressed a preference for weight training over Pilates, finding it more energizing and effective. Weight training not only builds strength and muscle but also helps boost metabolism and tone the body.
The idol revealed she has tried doing pilates before, which is a popular workout among female idols. However, she prefers weight training as pilates makes her sleepy and because weight training is more fun. Not only does weight training make you stronger and build muscles, but it also helps boost metabolism and make your body more toned.
Ab Workout: Achieving Definition
In an interview with Cosmopolitan Korea, Jihyo revealed her go-to ab workout using an ab workout chair at the gym. She adjusts the chair to her body, adds weights, and performs the exercise as intended. She noted that this workout was particularly effective for her in forming abs within a short period.
During an interview with Cosmpolitan Korea, which was shared on YouTube on July 26, 2021, TWICE member Jihyo was asked about her most effective workout routine. Jihyo then reveals her ab workout. Though she shyly admitted that she has no abs at the moment, the exercise was the most effective for her to lose weight. She even states that because of this workout, she was able to form abs at the time! At the gym, Jihyo would use the ab workout chair. First, she adjusts the chair to her body and adds weights. Once she is happy with how heavy the weights are, she proceeds to use the workout chair as it is meant to be used. The "TT" singer revealed that when she did this exercise, she was able to form abs in 3 to 4 days!
Sample Weekly Workout Plan
Here's a sample workout plan inspired by Jihyo's routine:
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- Monday to Friday:
- Morning: 2 hours of dance workouts (various styles).
- Evening: 30 minutes of circuit training, followed by Pilates or Yoga for flexibility and muscle toning.
- Weekends: Stay active with recreational activities.
Jihyo's Diet: Moderation and Enjoyment
In contrast to her trainee days, Jihyo now prioritizes a balanced approach to eating, focusing on moderation and enjoyment rather than strict restrictions.
Cutting Out Late-Night Snacks
While she doesn't adhere to a rigid diet plan, Jihyo makes conscious choices to support her health goals. One such choice is to cut out late-night snacks, especially when preparing for promotional activities.
Because she hates the difficulty that comes with dieting, she chooses not to have diet meals. Instead, Jihyo cuts out late-night snacks from her menu if she has a promotional activity coming soon.
Eating What She Wants
Jihyo emphasizes the importance of eating what she wants, allowing herself to satisfy her cravings without guilt. This approach promotes a healthier relationship with food and prevents feelings of deprivation. When asked what she chooses to eat once it is time for her meal, Jihyo reveals she eats whatever she wants to eat.
A Possible Meal Plan
Now I don’t know what she eats, but I can give you a plan that you can follow to lose weight and get a body like Jihyo. While specific details of Jihyo's current diet plan are not publicly available, some reports suggest that she focuses on eating one main meal a day, often between 5 pm and 6 pm, and avoids breakfast and lunch. While this approach may work for some, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine the best dietary plan for individual needs and preferences.
From Criticism to Confidence: Jihyo's Transformation
Jihyo has faced criticism for her weight in the past, particularly during her pre-debut and early debut days. However, she has since undergone a remarkable transformation, not only physically but also in terms of her self-confidence and body image.
Jihyo used to be criticized for her weight during her pre-debut and early debut days but is now considered one of the most beautiful members due to her glow-up.
She now stands as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that true beauty comes from within and that health and well-being should be prioritized over unrealistic beauty standards.