Do I have to run?

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Replies

  • Mischievous_Rascal
    Mischievous_Rascal Posts: 1,791 Member
    I don't even run for a bus if I'm late for something... Walking - especially over 20K steps/ day - is just fine.
  • jaqcan
    jaqcan Posts: 498 Member
    If you have to catch a flight across Denver airport and you only have a 20 minute layover, YES. For exercise, no. ac2uzyp7kcud.jpg
  • vadersaysno
    vadersaysno Posts: 1,965 Member
    I agree with the "get a new trainer" suggestion. A PT needs to work with you and listen and base a program around your goals (and injuries if you have any). I gave up on the PT thing due to having several trainers that wouldn't listen to me about the back issues that I have. Yes, I understand that I need to strengthen my back so that I won't have the issue I do, but at the same time, pain in different than discomfort.

    If you don't like to run, don't run. I hate running but have forced myself on the treadmill at different times, then have stopped. I have a lot of friends that run and have coached track and distance running, but they don't force the philosophy of running on me. Yes, running is a good workout and is great for cardio, but there are a lot of other activities you can do for cardio too. Do you like riding a bike or swimming? I do those and enjoy them WAY more than running- and they're good workouts.
  • bluepenguin1
    bluepenguin1 Posts: 9 Member
    Thank you everyone! I am completely overwhelmed at the support on here. This was my first post (as I have been really shy up to this point). I've really appreciated all of your comments.

    I understand what everyone is saying regarding "pushing myself" and agree perhaps I should up my cardio.

    A little further background, my goal is just to become fitter / change body composition a little bit. I'm 176cm and 58kg - so would like to lose some more fat but also gain muscle. I use the PT for strength training / weights as I am not confident enough with my form to do these on my own. Sadly I live in a non-English speaking country and there are a seriously limited number of PTs that don't train in the local language (which I don't speak). I've been looking for a new PT but so far no luck.

    I don't want to give up training and go back to nothing while I find someone else as I am worried about progress but I'm worried the PT is having a negative impact (for example he makes disapparging comments about the fat on my stomach and me eating chocolate dispite knowing I've had an eating disorder in the past).

    Sorry for the ramble, I just really wanted to say I am blown away by the knowledge and your willingness to share it with me. I was feeling so alone in this fitness journey until now. Thank you!
  • amcook4
    amcook4 Posts: 561 Member
    I wanted to become a runner, like really bad. I tried to become one last summer, I never enjoyed it, then I pushed myself too far and became injured. So, I don't run anymore. (I have found other ways of long cardio, mostly cycling) Regardless, I don't run and I've lost 85 pounds (and counting) If you really hate it, don't do it, being miserable isn't worth it, find something you enjoy doing, because you will do it a lot more and have way more fun.
  • PopeyeCT
    PopeyeCT Posts: 249 Member
    No, you don't have to run. In fact, if you're goal is to lose body fat walking is better. The fat burning process requires low intensity longer duration exercise. If you're walking 20k steps a day, you're doing great and you'll see results.
  • mwyvr
    mwyvr Posts: 1,883 Member
    PopeyeCT wrote: »
    No, you don't have to run. In fact, if you're goal is to lose body fat walking is better. The fat burning process requires low intensity longer duration exercise.

    Not quite accurate. If your running remains within aerobic limits you've got a very wide range of intensities where glycogen from adipose tissues (fat stores) will fuel the body.

    The ratio of energy (calories) delivered by the fat to carb mechanisms might be higher at lower intensities, but fewer calories are burned per unit of time.

    What is the number one rule around here? Exercise doesn't cause you to lose weight, calorie deficits do.

    If you want, or need, a larger calorie deficit, running or other higher intensity activities will give you a larger deficit per unit of time. No magic there.



  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    edited May 2015
    Ew. No, don't run if you don't want. Stupid running.

    When I had a trainer she told me maybe I should STOP running (I don't think my slow slow 3 miles were doing much for me as far as weight loss goes). I was happy.
  • joshuapowell1989
    joshuapowell1989 Posts: 163 Member
    I've lost 15.6lb so far from just walking as I used to get sore knees when I attempted to run. I will attempt again but for now I'm walking and its working
  • _m0lly
    _m0lly Posts: 900 Member
    Is there a particular reason why you hate running so much?

    All of the comments are right, you don't HAVE to run. You don't have to do anything. It seems you have found your enjoyable balance with walking, and it's working for you, so great!

    Why don't you perhaps add in running once per week, say on a treadmill, and edge yourself into it ever so slightly? You don't have to sprint, just a small jog every now and again. I'm pretty sure you'll find yourself getting much better at it, and it'll also help mix up your routine a little :)
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    @bluepenguin1 if you are limited in your choices of PT, you can do what I do and ignore any advice from the PT that does not fit your goals. Your body, your life.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    edited May 2015
    JarethG wrote: »
    What he said is correct.

    Maybe, maybe not. We don't know what his clients objectives are. If it was just about calorie consumption then yes running is quicker, if it's about improving fitness, then there are a number of different activities that might do the trick. It needn't be running.

    All it means is more miles available for the rest of us :)


  • Mummyadams
    Mummyadams Posts: 1,125 Member
    edited May 2015

    I don't want to give up training and go back to nothing while I find someone else as I am worried about progress but I'm worried the PT is having a negative impact (for example he makes disapparging comments about the fat on my stomach and me eating chocolate dispite knowing I've had an eating disorder in the past).

    [/quote]

    Your PT sounds like a douche. I would be looking for another one or .... join a club (Tennis, Zumba, crossfit which I love) - anything that makes you happy.

  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    bluepenguin1 wrote: »
    but I'm worried the PT is having a negative impact (for example he makes disapparging comments about the fat on my stomach and me eating chocolate dispite knowing I've had an eating disorder in the past).

    That is really disgusting! Imagine if your daughter was seeing someone like this. I'd be in there and giving him a slap on the back of the head! :rage:

    Having said that, I am wondering where you're storing fat at 176 and 58kgs....

  • writeliving
    writeliving Posts: 2 Member
    You don't have to do any particular exercise. All that is important is for you to get cardio and strength training. I agree that your PT sounds like a jerk. He may think he's motivating you, but positive reinforcement works better for most people than negative. Personally, I prefer to be encouraged rather than discouraged!

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