Running For Overweight

Beksnevin
Beksnevin Posts: 22
in Fitness and Exercise
The instructor at the gym told me I am too big to run on a soccer field. Currently we dont even use a treadmill, we use a trampoline instead as it has resistance that acts as shock absorbers. Last week I ran for a bit on the soccer field and the next day I had a bruise just above my knee cap, this is how the topic came up. She told me not to do any running if its not on a trampoline, even treadmill inst the best option. I agree I am overweight but I am very fit and could probably do the same as someone skinny. I didnt know whether I should be embarrassed because I am too fat to run or upset because I am being underestimated.

What do you think?

Replies

  • mirandamayhem
    mirandamayhem Posts: 772
    Slim runners can develop problems with their knees from the sheer impact of hitting the ground. So when you're substantially bigger, think of the weight and pressure you're putting on your knees each time you land when running.
    You may well be super fit, but that won't help the knees themselves. Cartilage can be damaged fairly easily.
  • pikselinka
    pikselinka Posts: 154 Member
    I couldn't manage lot of exercise when I was obese, that's for sure, although I could do all sorts of stuff but running was off limits for me. If I were you I'd concentrate on circuit training. Try Nike Training Club app on iPhone if you own one, awesome workouts there, no need for a gym equipment.
  • Ke22yB
    Ke22yB Posts: 969 Member
    When I started I was 367 pounds and could barely walk a block and back but within a month a block and a half a few steps jogging shuffling and so it went did I get sore yes did my knees and hips hurt yes but I felt great doing it.I have gotten to 4 or 5 miles somedays to recover I walk the whole thing other days I run the whole thing still not fast but doing it
    Be mindful of your size but I think you can slowly work into a jogging walking jogging program
  • smittygirl
    smittygirl Posts: 36 Member
    I highly disagree. If u love to run, run! Like you im overweight and i am faster than all my skinny friends, beat them in every race. Though if your having more than the usual workout pain, address the problem and get back to it.
  • LarsyRagnhild
    LarsyRagnhild Posts: 29 Member
    Look after your knees! You may be very fit, but you need to take special precautions to ensure that you don't stress your knees.
    Brisk walking can be just as good for your weight loss and swimming is a great low impact option.
    Good luck!
  • start121
    start121 Posts: 38 Member
    I've a LOT of weight to lose and I have been running on a treadmill as part of my training (put in by my trainer). Also, in the past (when I was much heavier than I am now) I had another trainer in a different gym and before I'd started with her I'd a knee injury and had to see a specialist. I asked the specialist when I saw him about my concerns that my trainer was trying to get me to run during my sessions and I was very concerned about the stress it could put on my joints etc considering my size. He told me that it wouldn't be a problem as long as it was part of a bigger programme that included strengthening all the leg muscles (which it was). He didn't think I should go running any marathons within a month or anything, but he had no problem with me running.

    In saying that, your trainer is an expert and you are paying for that expertise. Trust them (it's hard to not want to jump straight in there) because they usually have a plan and running is so much more than just your leg muscles. And there would be nothing worse than injuring yourself and setting yourself back. If you are concerned and eager though check it out with your doctor - they will definitely keep you right :-)

    Good luck with it.
  • mirandamayhem
    mirandamayhem Posts: 772
    I'm only saying what I did because of the bruise you developed on your knee, and the fact my husband has damaged his knee, and he's only early 40's.
    If you're dead set on running, I'd say go for it, but have you looked into barefoot running? The way you run is different because you wear either no shoes, or much thinner soled shoes, and as a result you are more aware of your landing and you don't suffer the same impact.
  • beansprouts
    beansprouts Posts: 410 Member
    Exercise in the pool!I Do you have water aerobics available to you?
  • blackcoffeeandcherrypie
    blackcoffeeandcherrypie Posts: 486 Member
    I'm 275 pounds and I run on a treadmill. I have no problems with my knees or ankles at all. I think your trainer has some strange ideas, they get them running on the Biggest Loser at very high weights, much bigger than you are. I'd say, if you want to run, go for it.
  • shannond1980
    shannond1980 Posts: 60 Member
    maybe try some short interval running/jogging instead of a full on steady state run. mix up a few minutes of walking at a decent pace with a 1-2 min of jogging. You get the benefits of the run and avoid some of the strain while you build up endurance. just a thought.
  • retrobaby
    retrobaby Posts: 613 Member
    I am no expert, but I do know that running puts a lot of pressure on your joints...obese or not. It is also important to run with the appropriate shoe. I know, for me, I cannot run in a certain brand of shoe because it will hurt my knees. If running is your ultimate goal then you must find a retailer who can fit you in the appropriate shoe. You also have to find a training program that can guide you and help minimize injury. I am sure tons of seasoned runners will tell you that there are aches and pains associated with running that they live with because they love the sport. Running is a tough sport on the body, but the benefits from emotional to physical are rewarding.

    Look at the BIG picture. If, your ultimate goal is to lose weight then you can engage in many different cardio exercises that will give you results. If, you are serious about starting a running program then do your research, and good luck.
  • Beksnevin
    Beksnevin Posts: 22
    Thanks guys.. I am no where near marathon running but I will def keep this all in mind!
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    I started running at 263 pounds. I am trying to figure out how one would "run" on a trampoline. I would be falling all over myself I think. :tongue:
  • madmickie
    madmickie Posts: 221 Member
    Why not stick with walking hard?
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    See a doctor and find out what that injury was, and if it really was caused by running
  • Lozze
    Lozze Posts: 1,917 Member
    How much do you weigh? I'm 99kg and have been running since I was 112kg. But I started slow and built up.
  • Beksnevin
    Beksnevin Posts: 22
    I'm just under 90kg and about 25kg over weight for my height. I couldnt run for a long time but now I feel like my feet are going to slow if I walk briskly - almost like my body pushing me to run. I dont run fast, very slow jog..
  • Beksnevin
    Beksnevin Posts: 22
    I started running at 263 pounds. I am trying to figure out how one would "run" on a trampoline. I would be falling all over myself I think. :tongue:

    Trust me I also was gobsmacked when I saw it but it really is amazing. You get on and just run on the spot. I was told 2min there is equivalent to a 6min run! According to Shapes gym that is
  • Beksnevin
    Beksnevin Posts: 22
    :tongue:
    Why not stick with walking hard?

    It feels like my feet are moving too slow when I walk fast - my body wants to go faster but my little feet cant move fast enough:tongue:
  • ashlielinn
    ashlielinn Posts: 920
    Completely insane! Everything's going to be difficult when you first start, but you can do it if you keep working at it!

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