The swoon-worthy obsession with K-pop stars isn’t going away anytime soon. If you’ve been immersed in Korean dramas for a while now, Lee Dong-wook is a name you must’ve stumbled upon many a time. The actor has been making all the buzz recently with his shirtless avatar and well-sculpted physique in A Shop for Killers – and the internet couldn’t keep calm. Tall and athletic with great physical features – he looks more youthful than ever at almost 40. Keen to know more about his fitness regime? Let’s dive into Lee Dong-wook’s workout routine and diet plan.
While a lot goes into building a pleasing screen presence – makeup, hair, clothes, and lighting, our Hallyu stars put a lot of effort into building charismatic looks. Talk about defying age, and K-pop stars will pop up in your head.
Lee Dong-wook’s drastic weight transformation journey
Lee Dong-wook strived hard to transform his body after gaining around 16 kg during his military days. In a chat session with Monsta X’s Hyungwon, the actor was asked the reason behind his stunning physique and alluring appearance.
Wook mentioned, “I also gained 16kg in the military. I didn’t gain weight healthily. I only gained fat because I went to the cafeteria to buy things to eat and didn’t exercise. They gave me military uniforms once, but I gained 16kg, so I didn’t fit. So I had to wear loose pants.”
After his discharge from the military in 2011, the actor was scheduled to make his drama return with SBS’ Scent of a Woman. This is when he started going through a strict diet and engaging in rigorous eight-week training to get the perfect look. The actor mentioned that he put in the hard work to pay off the support of his fans.
Lee Dong-wook’s workout routine and diet plan
Since Lee Dong-wook is very private in nature, therefore the exact details of his workout are not known. However, Health Yogi has listed a handful of exercises and diet tips the actor could’ve added to his routine to build a physique like that. Keep reading.
Weight training
Weight training is one of the most effective ways to make your whole body active in the long run. Regular strength training not only boosts your flexibility but lowers the risk of injury, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. According to a study published by the Harvard School of Public Health, just 30 to 60 minutes a week of strength training can lead to a 10% to 20% lower risk of dying from all causes.
Strength training is basically any movement in which you use your body weight/ equipment to build muscle mass, endurance and strength. It also helps you develop strong bones, manage or lose weight, enhance your quality of life, manage chronic conditions like arthritis, back pain, obesity and depression as well as sharpen cognitive skills. From pushups, pullups, planks, and lunges, to kickbacks, bench presses and kettlebell swings – there are so many strength training exercises to choose from.
Hardstyle plank
We all know how attractively toned Lee Dong-wook’s abs are. While there are many exercises to help you build that frame, hardstyle planks are one of the most efficient movements, which when done consistently, give you toned abs. Hardstyle plank also known as RKC plank (Russian Kettlebell Challenge), is one of the most challenging plank variations that target your upper body and deep core muscles.
As opposed to a traditional plank that can be stretched for a couple of minutes, hardstyle plank only lasts for 10 to 30 seconds. The purpose of this exercise is to effectively and intensely activate your core (especially before a workout) to maintain proper form and avoid injury. By charging the crucial core muscles, hardstyle plank keeps your abs strong and engaged throughout the workout.
How to properly do a hardstyle plank?
- Get into an elbow plank position, ensuring that your elbows are directly under your shoulders.
- Face the palm of your hand inwards, fists clenched and keep your feet together.
- Squeeze your glutes, tighten your quads, tuck your chin and look straight down on the ground.
- Hold this position for as long as you can, while trying to breathe naturally and keeping your muscles engaged at all times.
- Stay in the position for 10 to 30 seconds, slowly release your body and repeat this exercise for a few more reps,
Leg press
A minute to two-minute exercise that can drastically reshape your body, the leg press is a strength training exercise that works major muscle groups in the lower body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. It is an excellent way to build lower body strength, is beneficial for individuals with joint issues, prevents injury, improves balance and stability, boosts athletic performance and improves bone density.
Lastly, patience is key! The star stresses that one must be extremely patient in achieving their dream body. In an old interview, he mentioned that it was only through being patient and working hard that he could build the body he has today.
Lee Dong-wook’s diet
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Just like many of you gluttonous souls, Lee Dong-wook loves to eat. Multiple outlets reported that he’s a disciplined dieter who opts to consume fewer calories, complimenting his diet with a diligent workout to maintain his figure. While his exact diet plan isn’t known, Health Yogi has listed some dietary tips to stay healthy like Lee Dong-wook.
- Flush yourself with liquids at the start of the day: Hydrating yourself first thing in the morning boosts your metabolism and cleans your system. Drinking lots of water in the morning gives you radiant skin, relieves heartburn and ingestion, prevents kidney stones and bladder infections as well as strengthens the immune system.
- Low-carb breakfast: If you want to grow your muscles, keep your breakfast low in carbs and high in protein. This ensures that you don’t lose muscle but fat.
To incorporate a diet like the actor, follow this meal plan:
Breakfast: Oatmeal, eggs, whey protein
Snacks (choose any one): Chickpeas, rice cakes, peanuts roasted
Lunch: Fish, chicken breast, salad, yoghurt
Dinner: Cottage cheese, lentils, salmon
Will you follow Lee Dong-wook’s workout plan?
Hero and feature image: Courtesy leedongwook_official/Instagram
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Did Lee Dong-wook gain weight?
Yes, Lee Dong-wook gained 16 kg during his military training back in 2009.
– How to lose weight like Lee Dong-wook?
Be consistent with your workout and stick to a healthy diet plan with fewer calories. The actor’s workout routine includes strength training exercises, hardstyle plank and leg press.
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Written by
Kriti Nayyar
Senior Digital Writer, Wellness, Culture, Astrology, Tech
Kriti is a stay-at-home dog mama, whose knack for telling interesting stories keeps her erstwhile monotonous life sane. A literature & journalism degree holder, you'll find her binging on Agatha Christie novels while critiquing the everyday state of affairs. On Kriti's seldom social outings, she's seen devouring coffee sangria with appetizing bread on the side.
