Did jogging/running really make a difference (toning your bo

kimkimchi
kimkimchi Posts: 58
edited September 26 in Health and Weight Loss
Hey guys, I just started the couch to 5k program. I was wondering for those of you who went from not running to runners did you notice a change in your body? More definition, tone, less cellulite, what have you?

I'm excited to see the difference in my body and will take pics to document my progress, but I was wondering what you guys experienced.
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Replies

  • adjones5
    adjones5 Posts: 938 Member
    I saw a HUGE difference. I have always been a work out fanatic but I didn't see the changes that I wanted in my lower body until I started to run over 5 miles everyday. I'm not cellulite free and happy :)
  • emmap123b
    emmap123b Posts: 17
    i would like to know the answer to this to i hate running but everyone has said to me its the best way to tone your stomach is this true
  • cassieday
    cassieday Posts: 55 Member
    It made a HUGE difference!!! Not only has it slimmed my butt and hips but it has actually been adding tone to my abs!!!! It works everything and is the best workout if you want to get all your muscles working!!! I found that doing intervals is the best because it is less damaging to your joints and still gives you a killer work out!!! I started at a 1-1 (1 min run, 1 min walk) and am not at a 3-1 and am shooting for a 5-1. It has been awesome!
  • missy1970eb
    missy1970eb Posts: 1,209 Member
    yes def, do walking as well and have nearly rid all my cellulite, and drink about 14 glasses of water a day:smile:
  • teachparents
    teachparents Posts: 225 Member
    it took a few months of running 15k a week, but my handlebars are gone from the sides of my stomach.... !!! and the run is sooo freeing... i love it!
  • RMinVA
    RMinVA Posts: 1,085 Member
    I have always been a hips/butt girl. NO longer!! Running has taken care of that. I wish I could say I was cellulite free, but I'm just not there yet. It has also taken care of the "bags" on my upper thighs.

    I completely agree about drinking water too!! It's one of the best things that you can do for cellulite.
  • kimmerroze
    kimmerroze Posts: 1,330 Member
    I love running, however, if it isn't matched with weight training, it can cause you to lose muscle as well, (which is some of what the "slimming" is)

    So make sure to lift weights too!

    But running is great for the legs!
  • SarahLovesCheesecake
    SarahLovesCheesecake Posts: 520
    I started running in Jan '11, I did enjoy it, but I hate it now....just requires too much energy lol I got a bike and prefer that, I also got kit at home and prefer weights, however this said and in ans to q, yes I think running kick started me after a plateau.
  • aub7
    aub7 Posts: 37 Member
    I noticed a big difference when I started running. I didn't do measurements or weigh myself then, but it totally toned my stomach, arms, and legs. And doing intervals is a great work out!
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    C25K took 10 inches off each thigh for me. I feel like it's given me more definition than any other toning exercise I've tried
  • aneumany
    aneumany Posts: 165 Member
    i saw a huge difference in my legs and my butt...and as far as ur stomach, i have always DESPISED running, its sooooooooooooo boring! however, ive managed to make myself do it, and i was running 3-5 times a week and doing intervals as well.. and when i first starting running, it would feel like id done an INTENSE ab workout, i was askin ppl if it was normal bc they were so sore, and i didnt think it was doing much for my stomach anymore until i stopped running for the past week and already see it startin to expand again.. going back tonight!! lol hope this helps! runnin is GREAT for blastin fat and calories! i think intervals are the way to go! theyre awesome! hope this helps! good luck!

    oh and DEFINATELY still lift weights.. i try to do legs twice a week if i can, i lift heavy, i think toned legs are sexy, plus theyre like the biggest muscle group in ur body, so they keep ya burning!
  • Theweebarrell
    Theweebarrell Posts: 100 Member
    do you thinks it matters if you run on a treadmill instead of outside, will you get the same results?
  • LiL_MisS_C
    LiL_MisS_C Posts: 332 Member
    Definately! I just started running 6 days a week about 3 weeks ago, and I can't believe the change I have seen in my body. My friends have even said that running has only seemed to enhance my curves! :) Exactly what I was afraid of losing!
  • mtizy
    mtizy Posts: 38
    This was all motivating, want to go for a run now. :)
  • ilovebiccies
    ilovebiccies Posts: 19
    glad to hear all this girls...just wish it didnt take months..i like immediate results!!! i have just completed week four of couch 2 5 k and although it is slow i think i have def seen a change in shape. slowly but surely i guess!!

    just wondering...are you all just running or do you have to do toning classes or anything along with it?
  • mursey
    mursey Posts: 191 Member
    Weight training will have a much more dramatic effect on the look of your body. I used to do long distance running but not anymore. Weights and intervals.
  • caharms
    caharms Posts: 2 Member
    Wait til you hit weeks 5 and 6 on C25K you'll hate it and love it at the same time. The running is definitely tightening things up for me because my pants fit differently a bit looser but I haven't seen big changes yet. Unless you count how you feel after you've completed the run. Great.
  • starboardzor
    starboardzor Posts: 312
    Yes! It makes a huge difference! But I realized since finding this site, that it doesn't make hardly any if you aren't watching your diet. I ran and ran and ran for years, but I ate horribly thinking I could do so because I was a runner. And I couldn't lose a single pound from running. Since finding this site, it's been phenomenal.

    good diet + running = big changes. So you're in the right place.
  • LatriceCarroll
    LatriceCarroll Posts: 1
    It made a HUGE difference!!! Not only has it slimmed my butt and hips but it has actually been adding tone to my abs!!!! It works everything and is the best workout if you want to get all your muscles working!!! I found that doing intervals is the best because it is less damaging to your joints and still gives you a killer work out!!! I started at a 1-1 (1 min run, 1 min walk) and am not at a 3-1 and am shooting for a 5-1. It has been awesome!


    Does running and walking in intervals tone your leggs?
  • kimmerroze
    kimmerroze Posts: 1,330 Member
    glad to hear all this girls...just wish it didnt take months..i like immediate results!!! i have just completed week four of couch 2 5 k and although it is slow i think i have def seen a change in shape. slowly but surely i guess!!

    just wondering...are you all just running or do you have to do toning classes or anything along with it?

    i am currently training for the RAGNAR RELAY which is a 12 person relay of 187 miles. and they have a great little training schedule that I am currently doing and I think that I will continue to progress on even after the relay... I did the relay last year and got through week 10... this year I was able to print it and start at week 9... so Its a good reference to go off of.. its MWFS(mon, wed,fri,sat) runs Tue,thur, crosstraining (I weight lift) and then SUNDAY you rest.... if you want to push yourself its a good beginners race plan!

    http://www.ragnarrelay.com/race/northwestpassage/begin
  • whipdancer
    whipdancer Posts: 21 Member
    I don't care for running, but it is a good exercise. I have injured my knee and ankles in the past and can't take the pounding any more. I cycle, P90X and dance.

    Regardless, a program like C25k will get you results if you stick with it.
  • lestahling
    lestahling Posts: 36
    Running definately has made a lot of difference, especially for my legs/butt. I haven't lost much weight but it's interesting how it's all shifted and turned to muscle... definately took a while though... I started running last June but I would just kinda jog along... I've definately kicked it up a notch since this February.

    I also lift weights and do lots of pushups and situps for strength and defintion... I definately think running is better for your abs.

    My one advice would be that when you start doing it, it will SUCK and you will hate it. But just power through that first phase, and then you'll be able to tolerate it, then you'll like it, then you'll LOVE it. :)
  • remembertheharddrive
    remembertheharddrive Posts: 133 Member
    Weight training will have a much more dramatic effect on the look of your body. I used to do long distance running but not anymore. Weights and intervals.

    Same here. I'm contemplating if I'm going to ever return to marathon running at this stage. I've achieved far more with my figure through HIIT and heavy weightlifting. But mentally/emotionally I love to run - it's very peaceful and calms me right down.
  • TiDinzeo
    TiDinzeo Posts: 309
    This was all motivating, want to go for a run now. :)

    Me too. Of course I've just finished my usual workout and already have 600+ calories to use up before I go to bed in 3 hours or so. I just can't eat any more than that in the time. Maybe tomorrow then. Actually, I think I have the c25K app somewhere..........
  • kimmerroze
    kimmerroze Posts: 1,330 Member
    Oh another thing..... if you do long distance running, that will slim your legs

    intervals will bulk your legs...

    Long distance creats long fibers within the muscles, intervals create closer tighter shorter fibers causing you to not have that long lean look, but more built and toned...


    This only really matters once you are at or near your goal weight, until then you will definately continue to lose inches.
  • motoxmom1
    motoxmom1 Posts: 85
    It made a HUGE difference for me! I went through C25K and just kept it up after. I make a point to participate in at least one organized 5k each month to keep me running! My legs are ripped! I also added road cycling in March as I'm training for a Sprint Triathlon. That has really helped to chissel my lower body even further. I hope in time I will lose what's left of my Kangaroo Pouch!
  • RMinVA
    RMinVA Posts: 1,085 Member
    glad to hear all this girls...just wish it didnt take months..i like immediate results!!! i have just completed week four of couch 2 5 k and although it is slow i think i have def seen a change in shape. slowly but surely i guess!!

    just wondering...are you all just running or do you have to do toning classes or anything along with it?

    I do the bulk of my running from about Sept - April or so, but I still cross train and do weights. I like to do a lot more bike riding in the summer. In fact, I'm ready to start training for my first sprint triathlon. I am trying to figure out how to work yoga into my routine too.
  • mishelnkiki
    mishelnkiki Posts: 775 Member
    recently started running and i must say... it WORKS! i agree with the intervals tho. def an awesome workout. and the water is really important too. make sure u are drinking plenty of water!
  • Bviera
    Bviera Posts: 106 Member
    I started C25K in March (I'm on the final week already... time flies!) and yes, I have definately noticed a change in definition. My thighs are much less flabby than when I started, and although they still need work, I feel much more comfortable wearing shorts now. I've even gotten some tone in my arm, the last place I would've thought would tone, mostly from holding them up and swinging as I propel myself forward.
  • nkenga
    nkenga Posts: 46
    do you thinks it matters if you run on a treadmill instead of outside, will you get the same results?

    I think they can give you somewhat different results - the treadmill makes it harder to cheat if you want to go a certain MPH; however it sort of "helps" you a bit because the belt is moving your feet bit. Running outside makes it REALLY hard to cheat on your distance - you have to get home! However, if your goal is a certain MPH, it's more difficult to tell when you're outside.

    As far as toning is concerned, I think the results would be exactly the same - it's the same motion/action.

    It's a LOT more important to just move! Try both, and if one makes it more likely that you will stick with it, do that.

    FWIW, I trainined for a half-marathon mostly on the treadmill, and did fine. I do treadmill right now because the weather sucks (I'm in the Southern US - tornadoes galore the past few weeks), and it's easier for me to get to right after work, but I will start running outside when I add Saturdays to my running schedule.
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