Do I have to run?

bluepenguin1

So I recently got a fitbit and it has really motivated me to walk everywhere I can. (I'm averaging about 20k steps a day or more). I was pretty proud of this effort and really enjoy it because I can fit it into my day.

I also train with a PT twice a week - I told him about the walking but he was pretty dismissive - he said it was good and to keep doing it but really I should be running because I am not elderly.

I hate running, like really hate it. I tried c25k but gave up in week three because I dreaded the days.

Now, my PT is a bit of a fitness snob (also a part time model) - is he just being tough on me or do I really have to add running?

Thanks!

MikaMojito

No, you don't. If you seriously hate doing something, then you won't keep it up anyway. Yes, you'd burn more calories if you ran but once you stop running because you hate it, you'll stop burning. If you keep walking, you'll keep burning, even though it won't be as much.

Azexas

What are your goals?

If you hate running, you don't have to run. There are other cardio type activities you can do

annekka

Nobody says you have to run. If you don't like it, don't run. End of story. I used to hate running, but now look forward to it. If you want to run, then run. But do it for nobody but yourself.

RoxieDawn

WTF? For real?????

I will add in jerk! It's his job to work with you on your goals (short term and long term) and getting you on a sustainable program or give you ideas based on your level of fitness..

You do not have to be a runner. Running is NOT for every one. You either love it or hate it.

4legsRbetterthan2

My opinion: that is just silly. If you want to run then by all means do, since it sounds like you dont like to run then there is no reason to force yourself to. You are getting plenty of activity, so stick to what you enjoy. If you feel like you need to do more there are plenty of other options that don't include running : swimming, cycling, dancing or a million other things you could think of. Don't forget resistance training too!

katebutler58367

What a load of rubbish! Sounds like your P.T is a bit of a running snob.
I went for years trying to find an exercise that I liked and eventually realized that you have to find what suits you, not someone else.
I can't stand running, both mentally and physically (shin splints!). But I love to walk. I discovered Nordic walking in January, and it's the best thing i've ever done.
(Forgive me, I sound like an advert, i'm so evangelical about it.)
It burns 45% more calories than regular speed walking, you use 96% of your skeletal muscles. It's very low impact, incredibly sociable and bizarrely purposeful. We stomp along for an hour at a time. On average I burn between 450 and 600 calories an hour. Dependent on how hard i concentrate on my technique.
I'm even walking a 10K at the end of the month.
My heart health has improved dramatically, my shape is changing and my fitness has gone through the roof.
Best of luck on your road to fitness
If you wanted to find out more there's lots of stuff on the internet.

jrline

I only run if I am in a race. Other than that I am walk/jogging.

Do what is comfortable to you

bluepenguin1

Thanks so much guys! I was feeling like a failure and really demotivated because (for me) thought I was doing well.

harlanJEN

NO. sounds like you need to find a new trainer. Really poor advice and attitude. Strength training & resisted cardio intervals can and will get you great cardio fitness, functional strength, body composition. Walking is a great overall exercise. I've not run a single mile, nor have I jumped, lunged or explosively hurled myself up/off the floor. I've lost a chunk of fat, inches & have a resting heart rate of 50 so NO - one does not need to run for any reason ( unless you love it or something is chasing you).
BTW: I'm an NSAM certified personal trainer & I can also say from a professional standpoint: find yourself a new trainer. Good luck!

jennyblacker

Your PT is an *kitten*. I personally would be looking for a new one

I did long-distance walking for a good year (and still sometimes do) because it fit what I wanted (better lung function, stronger legs, generally a bit fitter). Sure I've started running now, but only because I want to, else there's no way I'd do it regularly enough to class it as my regular exercise

A PT should be pushing you, but not into doing something that makes you miserable

MeanderingMammal

bluepenguin1 wrote: »

Now, my PT is a bit of a fitness snob (also a part time model) - is he just being tough on me or do I really have to add running?

If you don't want to run, you don't need to run. Key point is around supporting your goals. Walking will burn calories but it won't lead to significant increases in aerobic capacity, lactate threshold or VO2Max. As with any progressive overload you fairly quickly reach a stage where walking isn't going to overload you any more, so you need to go beyond that.

Running will lead to that overload, in time and once you've built the aerobic base. So can cycling, or droning away on machines in the gym.

If you want the wider fitness improvements, then you need to find something that'll give you those. Running is reliatively simple and requires minimal equipment, but there are lots of alternatives.

FH36251

Agree with all of the above. I flat refuse to run. I'm tall; it doesn't look good, and my knees hate me for it. Good luck, and I hope you find a less douchebaggy PT!

Athos282

I also hate running. I'll walk, bike, hike, swim, or just about anything else. Running is not the only form of cardio in the world. Walking up a mountain will get your heart rate up, the sweat glands going, and all that just as well as running will.

turkeytrotter

Working with a trainer is a 2-way street. I wouldn't be so dismissive with a trainer as some have suggested. My suggestion is that when someone suggests something you think won't work for you, just tell them and ask them to help you find something that will accomplish the same goals. Try to understand what the end goal is and the reason the trainer suggested it in the first place. Good for you on the over 20K steps!!

Cave_Goose

Running is one of the most efficient ways to burn calories, and there are added health benefits to running over walking.

Having said all that, if you hate it, then don't worry about it. Cycling, swimming, walking, Zumba--find what works for you.

FWIW, I started with the C25K program 11 months ago, and I hated it at first. Now, I run a 5k two times per week, with a longer run once per week. I have lost 30lbs, and plan to run a half marathon this fall.

rybo

You do not need to run. No one needs to do anything they greatly dislike.

AllanMisner

bluepenguin1 wrote: »

So I recently got a fitbit and it has really motivated me to walk everywhere I can. (I'm averaging about 20k steps a day or more). I was pretty proud of this effort and really enjoy it because I can fit it into my day.

I also train with a PT twice a week - I told him about the walking but he was pretty dismissive - he said it was good and to keep doing it but really I should be running because I am not elderly.

I hate running, like really hate it. I tried c25k but gave up in week three because I dreaded the days.

Now, my PT is a bit of a fitness snob (also a part time model) - is he just being tough on me or do I really have to add running?

Thanks!

The only time you have to run is when you're being chased by something that could kill you. Otherwise, walking is perfect.

ninerbuff

No. And if a PT is a snob about walking, then he'll scoff at any other exercises he see's you doing that he didn't "design" for you.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

mwyvr

Do you "hate" running because you currently aren't good at it?

No. You don't need to run.

But if you want the same calorie burn as many hours of walking, in far less time, and want the cardiopulmonary system improvements that higher output cardio can deliver, running is certainly one way to go.

Joining a running group, available for free or very low cost in most cities, can be a fun and informative way to give running a fair trial. You've nothing to lose.

My resting heart rate dropped from 88 to 50 since September. BP now like I was twenty again. Lung function way up and I have it in me to do more, I can tell. I walked extensively before and got none of those specific, important, benefits, from walking. Running gives you a change of scenery, faster, too!

I've run 802km since September, and am adding 160 to 200km a month now. Clearly I like running but it didn't come overnight and was tough at first.

No you don't have to run but there are reasons why some might want to.

Ps, I'd just turned 53 when I started and I remain injury free.

cwolfman13

why would you have to run? I cycle a lot, and run almost never. My only comment would be that at some point you may want to challenge yourself a bit more. I love walking, but at this point in my fitness it's really not much of a workout.

MK24551

Definitely time to find a new trainer, he should not be telling you you HAVE to run! That would make me not want to continue with him. Do what you want! Your doing awesome!

Damiski

i think he is been tough and there are other things you can do in place of running. like walking even longer with a group if possible so you can push each other to walk faster which gives your walking exercise a bit more heat, jumping rope.

mwyvr

Despite my comment above, I agree the trainer should not be saying you have to run. Perhaps what the trainer really means is you have to jack your cardio activity up in order to reap the benefits, but wasn't very artful about it.

Use it or lose it.

rileyes

Passing the threshold of dread over to victory is why I made a commitment to run. I challenge myself to run 2 miles. I dread the first mile. I feel like a hero after the second. (I listen to music so I can't hear myself suffering)

Would you be willing to try the c25k again? I think you may like the challenge eventually. Stick with it and you may feel heroic when you finish. (Don't forget your earbuds)

You can choose other cardio activities if running is truly not for you. It's just that running is something you can do almost anywhere and anytime.

Terpnista84

I've never had a problem losing weight despite not running. I just started running a couple months ago (treadmill only, I don't like running outside) and I'm doing it just to challenge myself and because I enjoy it.

stealthq

You don't need to run. No one should think less of you if you don't run. Walking will do you just fine if you put in the effort and time.

That said, part of the reason I started running even though I had hated it before is because when I thought about it, I figured it was ridiculous to be in reasonable physical shape and not be confident in my ability to at least run a mile. Plus, running is a useful survival skill. So I did the C25K thing, ended up enjoying it after all and stuck with it.

jennifer_417

Nope you don't have to run....as far as fitness is concerned, you don't have to do anything you don't wanna do.

jgnatca

I also vote for fitness snob. I love to run so I do. It is prone to injury though (repetitive strain) so I have to be very careful to approach it in a very programmed manner, with lots of stretching before and after.

If walking is your thing I am sure there are many ways you can do it so it is exciting and motivating. I am told that the local walking club can outpace many of our runners.

FitForL1fe

*kitten* running

unless you like it, then go for it

CSARdiver

A good PT should be focusing on your goals and outlining a plan in order to achieve those goals. Now he may be pushing you out of your comfort zone (hard to get the whole story from a paragraph) in order to do this, but there are several options to wellness.