Fitness trainer Yang Chi-seung has revealed that his rigorous exercise regimen is primarily driven by his passion for eating, rather than a pursuit of physical fitness itself. This surprising admission came during a recent YouTube video uploaded to his channel, ‘Yang Chi-seung’s MakTube,’ titled ‘How Do Yeouido Office Workers Even Know About Places Like This?’
A Culinary Tour and Fitness Philosophy
In the video, Yang Chi-seung embarked on a culinary tour of Yeouido’s renowned eateries alongside Gu Bon-cheol, a figure known from the show ‘Sool-ro.’ Gu Bon-cheol praised Yang Chi-seung’s training methods, stating, “What I learned from Director Yang is that after 7 years of doing fitness, I realize I was doing it all wrong. You really need to learn from a proper professional.” He added, “When the Director eventually opens a fitness academy, please sign up. The level will be completely different.”
Yang Chi-seung explained his current approach to training, noting, “I’m not doing personal training right now. Bon-cheol is introducing me to places, but lunchtime is quite short, isn’t it? I felt he couldn’t introduce them thoroughly, so I took a day off. For us.” He further elaborated on his pre-filming routine, “Before this shoot, I exercised for about an hour and a half out of gratitude.”
He continued, reflecting on his years of dedication to weight training: “I’ve been doing weights for about 7 years, receiving personal training and doing a lot. Because I’ve experienced this exercise, I tried to help correct any areas that might need it, and I put a lot of effort into it.”
The Dichotomy of a Mukbang and Fitness YouTuber
Gu Bon-cheol posed a direct question to Yang Chi-seung, asking, “Director, is your concept a mukbang YouTuber or a fitness YouTuber?” Yang Chi-seung responded candidly, “I’ve never really done fitness YouTube content. It’s almost all mukbang. I don’t particularly like exercising.”
Gu Bon-cheol countered, incredulous, “What are you talking about? You exercise for three hours every day!” Yang Chi-seung reiterated his stance, emphasizing that his workouts are solely motivated by the desire to eat. “If I don’t eat, I don’t exercise,” he declared, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between his physical activity and his culinary adventures.
A Voracious Appetite and Digestive Delicacies
The video showcased Yang Chi-seung visiting multiple restaurants in succession, indulging in a Korean buffet, followed by bibimbap and kalguksu, presenting a classic mukbang format. When complimented on his eating prowess, Yang Chi-seung modestly stated, “I eat a bit more than the average person. I can eat about 6 bowls of ramen.” He then added a touch of self-deprecation, “My digestive function isn’t great these days, so even 3 bowls of ramen are a struggle.”
He further explained his eating philosophy: “Lately, I really dislike feeling overly full. I just eat until I feel that sense of satisfaction, that ‘ah, this is just right.’ That’s when I stop.” This approach suggests a mindful, albeit substantial, consumption pattern.
Past Business Struggles and a New Beginning
The narrative also touched upon Yang Chi-seung’s past business endeavors. He had previously established a health club in a building in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, based on a friend’s recommendation. However, it was later discovered that the building was not privately owned but was under a 20-year lease agreement with the Gangnam District Office. The building owner had apparently entered into sub-lease agreements with tenants while concealing this crucial detail.
Unaware of this situation, Yang Chi-seung received an eviction notice from the Gangnam District Office. This led to significant financial losses, estimated to be at least 1 billion won (approximately $750,000 USD), including the 500 million won (approximately $375,000 USD) in key money for the deposit and facility costs, which he had secured through a mortgage.
Following the closure of his fitness center, Yang Chi-seung found employment at a male spa, taking on the role of a facility manager in a high-end apartment complex. This new chapter in his life garnered considerable support and encouragement from many.
Yang Chi-seung’s journey highlights a unique perspective on fitness, where the joy of food dictates the necessity of exercise. Despite past business setbacks, his resilience and adaptability have allowed him to navigate new professional paths, continuing to engage his audience with his authentic personality and culinary explorations.
