Here’s How K-Pop Idol Workouts Are Different To Regular People’s—As Told By Idol Fitness Trainers

Want to work out like your favorite idols do? In a new “Comment Defenders” video with AYO on YouTube, two veteran K-Pop idol fitness trainers revealed how stars’ workout routines differ to the everyday standard.

K-Pop fitness trainers Jeong Yong and Yang Jae Woo have worked with members of SEVENTEEN, BTOB, Weki Meki, and more. With over a decade of experience between them, they know the average idol workout regime better than anyone.

Given that male and female idols alike often boast incredible thighs, you may think every day with their personal trainers is “Leg Day”.

However, Yang Jae Woo explained that idol trainers actually only spend a brief amount of time on lower body exercises. That’s because idols have to use their legs and hips a lot when they perform choreography. Yang says that if they spend too much time exercising their legs at the gym, it could be uncomfortable or painful when they have to dance.

As for upper body exercises, Yang says idols follow a typical regime to regular guys. Many idols have impressive abs, but it’s somewhat uncommon to see stars with huge built biceps and pecs.

According to Jeong Yong, this is intentional. He explained that idols don’t work too hard on their chest and arm muscles because if they get too big, their bodies won’t look as good while dancing in typical stage outfits.

Jeong also says that working on “left-right balance” is an important part of keeping idols fit enough to execute their choreography perfectly. Idols’ whole bodies can be seen when they perform—particularly in fancams—so everything needs to be in alignment.

Finally, he also noted that stamina is crucial. When recording for music shows, idols need to perform several takes of each song. Likewise, they may need to perform dozens of dances at their own concerts. If they don’t work on building their stamina through exercise, getting through these routines can be very difficult.

Of course, every idol is different, which is why Jeong often specializes their training to suit each individual’s goal.