Elliptical as a substitute for C25k

I don't really know if it will help you with jogging or running, but it will help you burn calories/lose weight/stay in shape. I can go all day on an elliptical, but I can't jog on a treadmill/outside for more than about ten minutes straight without slowing down.

The answer is not really.

Using the elliptical is considered a form of cross-training which you should be doing on some of your days off from the C25k app. It won't take the place of running.

But if you can't run outside in the winter, then you can't run. Nothing you can do about that! Can you find a treadmill to use? Ideally you'd use the treadmill for the 3 days a week C25k training, and the elliptical for the cross-training on some of your days off from the app.

What steve2kay said. Some people equate using the elliptical to running because the movement is somewhat similar but you're missing the impact completely. And depending on the brand/model of elliptical you use, your body could be in a completely different position. I get not wanting to get outside to run in the winter - not only is it scary if the sidewalks aren't properly maintained but the colder air is tough on the lungs.

While the elliptical isn't going to be specifically prep you for running, it is a great cardio workout and you can get a great calorie burn on it. I say keep doing your modified C25k program because it's still going to challenge you and improve your fitness level. You could also try doing some strength training and stretching as that will help you prep your body for running.

I'm an elliptical gal (I do 10 miles almost every day) ... yet I don't feel like I could jog a 5k. I do jog a bit, and while my elliptical says I have more mileage (2 miles in 20 minutes) and calories (about 200 for that 20 minutes) it definitely seems "easier" to me. I can do a 12 minute mile, just one then I need to walk, so according to the numbers, the elliptical is more of a workout, yet I don't think it really is (especially for me, as my body is quite adjusted to it). It certainly takes more motivation on my part to jump on the treadmill than it does on the elliptical.

So my opinion is that you will get in a workout, but I don't know that it would work as a C25k progression (take it for what it's worth, as I haven't tried the C25k program to know exactly what it entails).

Yes, kinda like biking you can bike 2 miles much easier than running them too.

OP, If you are using the elliptical in place I would use a fairly high resistance, or increase the "jogging" intervals by 25-50%, which will increase the length of the full workout. So instead of 30 mins, it will be more like 35-45 mins. This still wont translate to running but will increase overall endurance, making the transition back to running a little easier.

I'm an elliptical gal (I do 10 miles almost every day) ... yet I don't feel like I could jog a 5k. I do jog a bit, and while my elliptical says I have more mileage (2 miles in 20 minutes) and calories (about 200 for that 20 minutes) it definitely seems "easier" to me. I can do a 12 minute mile, just one then I need to walk, so according to the numbers, the elliptical is more of a workout, yet I don't think it really is (especially for me, as my body is quite adjusted to it). It certainly takes more motivation on my part to jump on the treadmill than it does on the elliptical.

So my opinion is that you will get in a workout, but I don't know that it would work as a C25k progression (take it for what it's worth, as I haven't tried the C25k program to know exactly what it entails).

I know someone who logs a lot of "miles" on the elliptical and thus swore she could run a 5K with no problem, but she was sorely mistaken. She could not hold up a jog for very long. Running is the best training for running.

I did C25K after my first was born (I'm going to do it again as soon as my second is big enough to sit in the jogging stroller or not need to eat so often that I can get out by myself), and I continued running for another year afterwards until pregnancy issues forced me to stop. I did a lot of work on my form, pace, turnover, etc, that there is no way I could have worked on doing the elliptical. Only running could I have worked on that stuff.

IMO running outside is so different from running on a treadmill that I would do my best to run outside if I were you. However that's easy for me to say when I have mild winters! I've lived where it's incredibly cold, so I get it. If you must, run on the treadmill.

You're doing great on C25K so far! That pace is actually quite good for a beginner. Pace will come in time and sort of naturally (up to a point), so don't sweat it.

Edited for typos

When I was over 320lbs I could at one point elliptical for over an hour with ease. I gave running a shot and couldn't go more than a minute. As a few people have said, while both are good for your overall fitness and can be helpful with weight loss, the two are really far removed from each other. I'd go with the treadmill, preferably at a slight incline.

Most ppl have already said that elliptical and running are not the same. I do both, and I agree. But my suggestion is to get some better clothes and get outside! There's nothing like running outside. I live in the desert, so my climate is nothing like yours in KS. But my favorite time to run outside is when the weather is in the 20s. I LOVE running in the cold. I bundle up and hit the streets! Give it a shot...

If you want to get better at running, you really do need to actually run. An off day work out on the elliptical is fine, but I'd layer up and get outside and work your c25k plan or at least attempt it on the treadmill. I've made a comittment this year to run outside as much as I can possibly stand it so I don't lose my level of training by staying on the treadmill or other cardio equipment.

If you just want to stay in better shape, the cardio machines are reasonable cold weather alternatives.

At the moment I am still on week 1

Notwithstanding all of the views already expressed, can you clarify why you're still on week one after four weeks?

To me that suggests something more fundamental as the transition to week two is pretty straightforward. These are confidence builder weeks and if you're already feeling uncomfortable with stepping up then you may need to consider whether you're doing the right sort of exercise at all