Can you be too heavy to Jog?

Engelcrt

My Physiotherapist told me that if you have knee problems, try not to use the incline on either the elliptical or treadmill, it puts a lot of strain on the knee. Use the incline gradually when the knee is getting better.

XXXMinnieXXX

I'm 240lbs and I started running 3 weeks ago and love it loads! I worry if I will do myself harm reading this. I told my physiotherapist and he didn't seem concerned though! X

piratesaregrand

I'm doing my c25k on a cross trainer. Similar movement to running, but you don't get the impact of hitting the ground

Loozin

I'm doing my c25k on a cross trainer. Similar movement to running, but you don't get the impact of hitting the ground

Interesting, how does that work exactly?

YoukilledJosh

I started at 315, once you get going you will know pretty quickly if your able to handle it, just start slow and do what you can!

piratesaregrand

I'm doing my c25k on a cross trainer. Similar movement to running, but you don't get the impact of hitting the ground

Interesting, how does that work exactly?

I think you call them an elliptical? I just put it on light resistance then go at a walking pace for the walk bits, then go as hard as I can for the run.

amsparky

Do it. As you lose weight and get better it gets easier. I started when I had only lost about 15# and don't regret it at all.

Good luck!

emmaleigh47

My Physiotherapist told me that if you have knee problems, try not to use the incline on either the elliptical or treadmill, it puts a lot of strain on the knee. Use the incline gradually when the knee is getting better.

All treadmills should be put at an incline of 1% otherwise you are actually putting more stress on your knees because an incline of 0% is a slight downhill (hard on the knees) and an incline of 1% mimics outside running.

Levedi

I'm around 220lbs and I was running slowly, but regularly until I got a stress fracture in my left foot. My chiropractor said not to jog at all because it's bad for the joints. My regular doctor said to get better shoes and use the ellipticals, stationary bikes, and swimming until I was fully healed. I'm splitting the difference and doing more on the ellipticals than I did, but getting back into running. I'd say go easy, listen to your body, and get a good medical opinion. And wear decent running shoes.

Good luck!

Rocbola

Hi Pals,

I'm 268.5 lbs and have recently started a a C25K programme.

I'm not and haven't really been a runner, but have a desire to become one.
But, at the back of my mind I keep thinking am I putting too much strain on my body in it's current condition.
Having said that Weeks 1 & 2 have gone OK.

Run or not to run?

Loozin

Walk first. Do a lot of walking. Don't try to push it too hard, at first.

When you can, start with some "walk/runs" Walk for a while, then run until you can't run anymore, and go back to walking until you catch your breath. Then start running again. If you feel pain in your knees or shins, stop running, and walk more.

Pretty soon, your body will be able to run, even if only short distances at first.

wftiger

It depends on your joints not your weight. If your knees and hips can take it then why not.

Mine can't. I go to the gym and use the elliptical and I do walk as that doesn't put as much stress on the joints. Crank the resistance up and you will certainly get a workout. The elliptical is much easier on my hips and knees then the walking but I like the walking for getting outside in the fresh air.

I would say whatever you do start slow. Don't run 3 miles one way and then not have the energy to get back home. :-) Trust me that sucks.

lesle1

I was 265 pounds when I walked/ran my first 5K. Mainly walking. Listen to your body. Get the right shoes. I wish I'd started long before I did. I had bad knees, so I don't know exactly what happened. I guess the weight coming off and my legs getting stronger helped my knees. They only bother me occasionally now when I'm going up or down a bunch of stairs...and that's not too often. Hey I go up and down the stairs with a 6 year old on my shoulders. : ) They never bother me when I'm running. I don't get it but it's fine with me. : )

patranus

Define "jog"

Get on a treadmill and see what it takes to get your HR in your target zone.

betsyr13

C25K is good because it's a gradual build up to running and you do walk a good bit of the workout at first. I think if nothing hurts so far, you have good shoes, and you don't have any injury or medical issue to be cautious of other than your weight, you will probably be just fine to continue.

cls_333

Whatever the question, RUN is always my answer! Pretty soon (if you do run) you won't have to ask anymore. If weeks 1 & 2 have gone good, why not? The Biggest Loser almost always has their contestants run. Just ease into it, with no more than 10% increase in mileage each week. Wear good shoes, and keep at it.

HornsUT32

When I started running, I weighed 270 pounds at 5'6". I could hardly run one minute straight, but I started on the treadmill and ran in the cardio cinema because I was so embarassed.

I kept running and it became addictive!!! I will be honest and let you know me knees are beat up because of it. But at the same time, the more fit I became, the less they hurt. I ended up getting a cortizone shot last year, but now taking 2 advil about an hour before I run does wonders. I also ice afterwards....

Anyhow, my point is that I now weight 192. Running seems like the best exercise without a doubt, at least for me. Do a little at a time and work up to your goal. The weight will come off so quickly!!!

EternalJourney

I am 266 lbs and run every day on the treadmill. So far no problems.

Listen to your body, though. If in pain, stop.

brun73

I was 310lbs when I started C25K the end of April, I hadn't ran in almost 13 years, and thought this could be the death of me before I started the first run. I just finished the 1st run of week 6 tonight, and I feel great, you just have to find a good pace that works for you(which took me a couple weeks to do bc I had a bad habbit of trying to run to the music I was listening to!!) and you'll be fine. I'm actually going to run my 1st 5K 2 weeks from today. So I say RUN!!!

beebee0925

Hi Pals,

I'm 268.5 lbs and have recently started a a C25K programme.

I'm not and haven't really been a runner, but have a desire to become one.
But, at the back of my mind I keep thinking am I putting too much strain on my body in it's current condition.
Having said that Weeks 1 & 2 have gone OK.

Run or not to run?

Loozin

I completed a half marathon ten years ago weighing about as much as you weigh now. I averaged about a 13 minute mile so I wasn't going too fast. Right now I weigh well over 300 pounds and I want get back to how I was. I just completed week 5 on the c25k program. I'm going pretty slow. My jog portion is a 4.0 on the treadmill which is a 15 minute mile and I've never had any problems with my knees.

likeschocolate

if you want a accurate answer -- you will have to consult your physician.

some people can handle it and do well (as some of the posters have said). some people have joint problems or other health issues (also as some have said).

it is hard for us to give you a good answer that takes into account all your circumstances.

spigenerb

If your knees and hips can take it I say go for it. I run with my brother occasionally and he is 235 and runs all the time. He has no problems and has been running at that weight for years.

And as you lose weight the stress on your body will be reduced not to mention the cardiovascular benefits.

mikewpg1ca

I started at 307 - 6'1". I couldn't steady jog at that time, so I walked two min, ran two min. Did that for 20 min, then 30 a few times, then 40 a few times, 50, up to an hour. Then I gave running a shot for 30 min straight and was successful, now I can run up to an hour straight. But, I still do my 2 min walk, 2 min run (faster pace than my steady runs), for intervals when I'm not doing a steady constant pace run. I run on a treadmill mainly because it offers more cushion than the road, if I do run outside, I make sure it's at the park on the grass, again more cushion, since I'm still heavy at 277. I ran a full marathon in 06 at 230 and I ran a half about a year before that at 265. So yes running certainly is an option, but it depends on the person. It's best to start slow and easy.

drgmac

I will first start by saying I am biased. I have been running since 1984 when I started my freshman year at Penn Stare and could not get into the "non athletic" ball room dancing class. Long story short, running was the only PE class That had any openings, however,much to my surprise, I got addicted and loved what it did for my strength, confidence, and overall tone. At any rate, the best thing to do is first get cleared by your doctor and take it show. Then, invest in good shoes. You don't need a $120.00 pair to get the job done, but do go to a place that can take a look at your feet and see how you run outside of the store for a few steps. The staff will be able to tell you about your arches and how you "pronate" or rotate your feet in the shoes.

Once you get your shoes, just alternate between jogging and walking. Take it easy so you don't get sore and frustrated. In my mind, attitude is everything. You are never to old or predisposed to a particular body type to start a running program. I ran up through the 7th month with both of my pregnancies. you can do it and chances are you might just love it.

DarkFlutter

I am pretty much in the same boat you are.
And I am now at W5D3.
Yesterday I did 10 minutes running without any problems.
Aside from a knee problem (because of a recent fall) I haven't had any problems.
If you're really worried, consult your doctor.
Otherwise I say GO FOR IT!

PS-Rocky theme song music really helps :0)

Hi Pals,

I'm 268.5 lbs and have recently started a a C25K programme.

I'm not and haven't really been a runner, but have a desire to become one.
But, at the back of my mind I keep thinking am I putting too much strain on my body in it's current condition.
Having said that Weeks 1 & 2 have gone OK.

Run or not to run?

Loozin

jcmartin0313

All of this has probably been said, but here is my 2 cents.

Any cardiovascular, respiratory or orthopedic problems dictate a trip to the doctor before you begin because in those cases, yes certain level of exertion can do more harm than good.

If you are healthy and have no reason to suspect you have any pre-disease problems that JUST BEGIN!

I weighed almost 400lbs and am down to 283. I am competing in a super sprint triathlon in 2 weeks. I have a good heart and lungs but multiple ortho issues and I just listen to my body which is what all endurance coaches will tell you. Be sure to take several days off every few weeks or once per month.

Nutrition is paramount!! Keep your glycogen level high on training days and supplement with protein. After some time training, your body will tell you when you are eating the wrong foods because your training sessions will suck. Conversely, you must give yourself "refeed days" every so often where you eat some of those things you crave. Not only will it satisfy you emotionally, but it actually kicks your weight loss into gear. Remember, you loose weight not when training, but when resting.

Hope you read this 86th post lol, and I hope it helps.

Loozin

Hope you read this 86th post lol, and I hope it helps.

Thank you, reading them all.

andymf85

Everybody is different... I for one have difficulty with certain joints even when I'm at my ideal weight. Granted I could have been more fit, but at the end of the day all people are built differently and the best thing you can do is listen to your body.

You could also look at other variables, like where you jog (use tracks rather than your neighborhood sidewalks or streets) or what footwear you use (get a good pair of sneakers, replace every few months, maybe get cushioned insoles).