The 'slow jogging' exercise trend originating from South Korea is currently in the global spotlight. Posts on social media show the enthusiasm of the public, including seniors, practicing this relaxed-pace running technique in open spaces. Unlike conventional running, slow jogging only requires a speed of 3 to 5 kilometers per hour, allowing practitioners to carry on a conversation without feeling out of breath.
Health practitioner and Certified Health Coach, Dr. Dion Haryadi, emphasized that this method is very gentle on the bodies of beginners and the elderly. With shorter strides, the body's center of gravity becomes more stable, significantly minimizing the impact load on knee joints. This 'low-impact' characteristic makes slow jogging a safe alternative to cardio exercise while maintaining effective fat burning and metabolic health.
Despite offering great benefits for heart health and blood pressure control, Dr. Dion reminds the public to complement their fitness routine with resistance training to maintain muscle mass, especially as they age. For those serious about entering the running world, slow jogging can serve as an ideal stepping stone before later learning more complex running techniques for long distances.
Historically, the slow jogging method is the result of four decades of in-depth research by the late Prof. Hiroaki Tanaka from Fukuoka University, Japan. Its popularity in South Korea skyrocketed following bilateral cooperation through the establishment of the Korea Slow Jogging Association in 2016. Today, this method is recognized as one of the most inclusive first steps for anyone looking to stay consistently active.
