Running at the Gym? Running period?

Running, anywhere, is a great workout and will help you lose weight (treadmill or not).

I started running in May and it was the hardest thing ever. Now I am up to two miles at a time and am much stronger. As easy as running seems, it isnt. Take it easy and slow.

Try the Couch to 5k program as that eases you into running for longer periods of time. If you are feeling pain in your feet, definitely get new shoes (if not fitted for a pair at a running store). Remember to hydrate before, during, and after.

Even after months, there are hard days for me to run, but keep at it.

You can definately lose weight running on a treadmill. It really works for me. I usual run/jog for 15/20mins.

You probably just need to improve your stamina before trying to run for longer periods. Maybe you should try interval training i.e. run for one minute and then walk for two minutes etc.

When i first started running i used to get tired and aching legs but you just have to push thru the aches and keep going, as for the losing weight running on a tread mill, im not sure, i do know it is a lot harder to run outside so probably is more beneficial, ive always ran outside and have lost nearly 3 stone in 5 months and it is my main form of exercise. Try C25K to get you started, i used that and can now run 10k easily, 3 / 4 times a week, sorry im not much help xxx

I have days where I can run for 10 min no problem, and others I feel like you. It helps me to have music, and not be intimidated by others around me. While home for breaks, I feel less intimidated at the gym since it's mainly adults. At school, however, I always feel so weird being completely around students. Just focus on you and your goal!

You an lose weight WALKING if you are eating right too. Don't know where you heard the "treadmill is a must to lose weight", but, disregard it.

Now...running. If you're winded so quickly, slow down. Try a training program that you can do ANYWHERE like Couch To 5K or C25K as you'll see several refer to it.

It is a 9 week program that conditions you to be able to run. Very easy to follow. Have a smart phone or ipod? There are aps that will use your music and cue you when it's time to walk or run.

I have a dumb phone....here is a link to the mp3 files I used to start running. Pretty decent music. The trainer cues you when to walk or run. You do each "week" 3 times, then move on to the next week. You're training 3 times a week for 30 minutes each day. http://www.mediafire.com/?539e7bpymd4kt

Here is a link to C25K itself. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/index.shtml

No, I was told that you have to RUN on a treadmill, that walking on a treadmill would not lead to you losing weight.

Aha. Doesn't matter. What matters is the amount of calories you burn. If you walk on the TM for an hour and burn 250 calories, you'll be in the same weight-loss boat as if you ran on the TM for 20 min and burned 250 calories.

I always used to hate running (like, a lot) and I now realize why. I've trained for a couple of long-distance races and no matter how good of shape I'm in through the whole training, the first 20 minutes of every run always kind of sucks for me (legs burning, breathing kind of hard, etc.). However, after that, my body warms up and I relax and it becomes enjoyable and fun. I actually really like running now, whereas before I just assumed I wasn't built for it and wouldn't do it. Different people have different amounts of time that it takes for them to warm up. I always start with 5 minutes of walking before I start running to try and help the warming up along.

Some hints-
1) Try to stay relaxed. If you are hunched over and can barely breath, it's never going to be fun.
2) Slow down a little. You should be able to talk, but not sing. If you can sing, you're not pushing hard enough. If you can't even talk, you're pushing too hard.
3) I do a combination of running and walking (Run 4 minutes, walk 2 minutes), and I also do my races that way. Some people seem to think that's not "real" running, but I like it and I still get a great workout. There's a book by Jeff Galloway regarding that method if you're interested.

Just try and keep it up! Good luck!!

Running is one of the best ways to lose weight when done as part of a healthy lifestyle. It provides an enormous calorie burn unmatched by most other forms of exercise. That being said, you need to approach it in moderation and balance it with other forms of exercise like strength training.

I would recommend C25K or a coached Learn To Run Clinic to get you started. The object with running is to build up to it and run like you will need to do it again. One concept is called the Conversation test... run for 10 minutes at a pace where you can still maintain a conversation. If you can't, you are running too quickly.

Good Luck!

No, I was told that you have to RUN on a treadmill, that walking on a treadmill would not lead to you losing weight.

That's not true. It just takes longer. You still burn calories walking, just not as much as running. Refer to the article below for more info.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-304-311-8402-0,00.html

Of course you can lose weight on a treadmill! Running anywhere on anything will help you to burn calories.
I used to do HIIT on the treadmill. Now I go outside and run. Right now I can manage approx. 5 miles.
The difference between the treadmill and the outdoors is that the treadmill provides momentum for you with the conveyor belt. Outdoors you have bumps, cracks, uneven surface, hills, greater friction but more importantly you don't have that conveyor belt helping your legs to move. Hence running outside destabilises you and makes your muscles work a little harder. But by no means does that mean you can't lose weight on a treadmill.

If you are new to running/gym then your first time will most likely be unpleasant because your body is unconditioned. You will be introduced to the feelings of breathlessness and aching in your legs, hence you will be out of your comfort zone. But you need to be out of your comfort zone whilst exercising to have an effective workout.

First of all, get a good pair of running shoes. Ask a sports shop assistant for advice and he/she will guide you. Then I would suggest finding a trainer, family relative or friend that is generally fit and willing to motivate you either by providing personal training at the gym or becoming your running partner. My father was the one to convert me from treadmill to street pavement by running with me in the mornings and pushing me to tread more difficult paths and hills. His presence definitely pushed me to go further as he in no way tolerated walking or breaks!

Remember, your body is able to tolerate worlds more than you think is possible. The urge to give up is 99.9% psychological and absolutely nothing to do with your body's capabilities.

No, I was told that you have to RUN on a treadmill, that walking on a treadmill would not lead to you losing weight.

That's not true. It just takes longer. You still burn calories walking, just not as much as running. Refer to the article below for more info.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-304-311-8402-0,00.html

Great read, thanks!