C25K.... do I need rest? Can I work out more often?

dsak

I started my weight loss journey in March, and I started out by just walking on my treadmill. My goal is to walk/jog at least 5-6 days a week. I've slowly been increasing my MPH, and adding more jogging into my exercise plan (vs. just walking). Out of curiosity I started to read about C25K. Now my interest is peaked, and I want to do more. However, I notice that the schedules I've read typically have 3 walk/runs a week, with days of rest. Are there any issues with me working out every day on the treadmill to increase my jogging time, distance, etc? I don't belong to a gym, so the treadmill is really the only time I have to exercise/do cardio during the day. I want to ensure I get in enough cardio to continue with my weight loss, so I'm afraid to cut down my workouts. Am I reading too much into the schedule?

MMAsac

rest days are good when ur first strating as not to injure aanything. when you start running, and your legs arent use to it, it can lead to shin splints, and they Are VERY painful and will stop you dead in your tracks

srp2011

You do need to give your body a rest from running, especially when you first start out, but you can (and should) do some sort of cross-training on the other days of the week, so on the days when you don't jog, you could bike, or swim, or do some strength training, or use some cardio/strength training videos (check out some of Jillian's DVDs), or yoga. Basically, you need to give your body a chance to repair the damage to the muscles and joints, or you risk injury. Enthisiasm is great, but take it slow and you're much more likely to reach your goals :-)

dsak

Thanks for the input!!!!! I appreciate the responses.

I am doing the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, so... hopefully that will help. Guess I need to see what other cardio I can do during my lunch break!