Weight lost on C25K?

Has anyone completed the c25k and lost weight or does this maintly cater to the getting fitter aspect of your weight loss journey, Please do tell

Replies

  • Samstan101
    Samstan101 Posts: 699 Member
    Exercise for health, diet for weight loss. That said, any exercise helps you create a calorie deficit along with weighting/ measuring/ logging your food.

    C25K has played a huge part in my weight loss as I fell in love with running, I started weighing 300lbs last April and now run 30-35miles a week. It made me feel fitter and healthier so running is now another reason for me to lose weight - I love getting quicker and finishing further up the field in every race I do.

    As the saying goes you can't outrun a bad diet but as part of a healthy lifestyle C25K is a great into to running IMO :)
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    Has anyone completed the c25k and lost weight or does this maintly cater to the getting fitter aspect of your weight loss journey, Please do tell

    I used it to complement my calorie control, but in C25K I was only 300-400 cals per session. What it's given me is the capability to run, and now I'm on half marathon distances so I'm now burning up a lot, but it's also done a lot for my general health. Resting Heart Rate is down, blood pressure is down and I reduced my bodyfat percentage by a third.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    Unless you are eating the same as pre-C25k and maintaining all other activity aspects as well, you can't really say that just C25k caused weight loss. Am I misunderstanding the question? I mean, I lost weight during it but I was also eating fewer calories than before and doing other exercise too.
  • deanna418
    deanna418 Posts: 103 Member
    I have done C25k on and off for awhile now. I didn't start it to go run a 5k though. I started because I have never been into running. I started over again this summer and ran outside instead of on a treadmill. I can't vouch for losing weight just by using the app but I did notice a difference in my legs. Back in 2007-08 I was exercising by using an elliptical and I notice by running I have changed areas in my legs. My calves are more muscular and my upper thighs are smaller.
  • sloseph
    sloseph Posts: 157 Member
    C25K has definitely aided my weight loss

    it provides an excellent motivator to keep me from getting fed up of dieting, instead of the usual once a week weigh in where i see how well i'm doing i see it every time i go for a run and get that bit better

    i'm the lightest i've ever been and i thank C25K for that 100%

    not only am i the lightest but i've dropped inches like never before, most of my clothes are falling off me
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    it provides an excellent motivator to keep me from getting fed up of dieting, instead of the usual once a week weigh in where i see how well i'm doing i see it every time i go for a run and get that bit better

    That was the biggest benefit for me, weight wasn't important per se, running performance is and as a result the weight comes off.
  • lgriffithschall
    lgriffithschall Posts: 28 Member
    I started C25K as part of my weight-loss plan becuase I needed an exercise that I would be able to do at home both indoors and outdoors. I've lost almost 40 pounds, but it's because of lifestyle changes that include eating less and moving more. That said, I've found that running (I do 3 miles every evening) curbs my desire to over-indulge in sweets and soda, so it's incredibily beneficial to my weight loss. Good luck with C25K...you will be incredibly proud of yourself as you move through the different goals for the week!
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    The program mainly caters to building functional endurance. Weight loss you see is more a result of the nutritional habits you observe while following the program, and in that regard the results wouldn't be much different regardless of what cardio based exercise program you followed.
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    I only burn 100-300 or so calories at each workout, I figure, depending on which estimator I use. But if it starts you running, that's going to be huge. And it does all add up.
  • pmalcolm
    pmalcolm Posts: 23 Member
    Wow, I'm trying to do this, I have only just started (on week 1) and just wondered but you have done briliantly you've lost 124lbs which is almost 9 stones. you must be sooooo proud of yourself. I say, Well done to you
  • pmalcolm
    pmalcolm Posts: 23 Member
    That really good. i'm hoping that i can learn to like running. nervous coz I don't normally enjoy that sort of thing.
  • pmalcolm
    pmalcolm Posts: 23 Member
    Oooh I hope so.

    I am excited and nervous at the same time.

    Well done on your weight loss. you've done really well, bet you notice a difference in your clothing
  • Samstan101
    Samstan101 Posts: 699 Member
    Wow, I'm trying to do this, I have only just started (on week 1) and just wondered but you have done briliantly you've lost 124lbs which is almost 9 stones. you must be sooooo proud of yourself. I say, Well done to you

    Thank you, its taken a while to feel proud of my achievements and I still struggle with the weight loss as I feel like I'm correcting past mistakes but the running is something I am proud of. Every time I run a bit further or faster its an incentive to stick to the calorie deficit! C25K is at times hard but do stick with it if you want to run. Don't be aiming to run 5k at the end, more to be able to run non-stop for 30mins. Your speed will improve as you do more distance (and of course as you lose weight). Best of luck with it :flowerforyou:
  • Julieboolieaz
    Julieboolieaz Posts: 658 Member
    I gained about 5 lbs during c25K. I've done the program twice, a few years apart, and both times I gained weight from it, even while in a calorie deficit (low carb during one section). :sad:

    I read online that others had the same experience, but ymmv.

    It's a great program but I would not expect it to cause weight loss. It will teach you to run, that you CAN run (which was big for me!) and get you going!! Good for you doing it!! Keep with it, it really works!
  • emeretta
    emeretta Posts: 13 Member
    I found the C25K helped me lose weight. It gets you moving. Moving is good.
    But it was also a gateway to general good health. As I ran, I was eating a bit better (night before to start, then most of the day before, etc). As I felt more fit and my endurance increased, I didn't want to derail my progress by eating unhealthy.
    And as I felt fitter and ate better, I wanted to try more weights and started going to TRX classes. So I continued to feel better and generally be healthier.
    On the downside, when I felt life was too hectic and I couldn't be modivated to run, everything else fell apart too. And back came the weight.
    I'm slowly getting back at it. With walking. An ankle injury has restricted my running.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    ....even while in a calorie deficit

    Mitigating medical condition presumably?

    Otherwise, you probably weren't in deficit. That said the calorie expenditure isn't high, so easy to lose the deficit.
  • momofboysva
    momofboysva Posts: 3 Member
    I just completed c25k. I will say that I can not run 3 miles without stopping but I can run/jog 30 min without stopping and since I used the program I never over did it and stayed injury free. I look forward to my "run" 3x a week.
    I lost 15 pounds doing that but I was also doing some lifting and kept my calories in check.
  • brower47
    brower47 Posts: 16,356 Member
    Has anyone completed the c25k and lost weight or does this maintly cater to the getting fitter aspect of your weight loss journey, Please do tell

    You'll lose weight during the program if you're in a calorie deficit.
  • Adc7225
    Adc7225 Posts: 1,318 Member
    For me I did not notice any particular changes in my weight loss while doing the C25K but I did notice some changes in my body - in fact changes that I didn't care for and now I run intervals or walk on the treadmill.