Jogging vs walking

Ck103084 · April 2018

I've been walking, fast walking, but walking all the same (I'm currently at 2.1 miles a day, increasing it every few days). Should I maybe kick it up a notch and do some jogging. I've heard jogging is terrible for your knees and I really don't want knee issues when I'm finally in a good groove losing weight and feeling better. My Uncle used to jog a few miles a day and his knees are horrific. I know that doesn't mean it'll happen to me but yeah.

So, jogging or walking. Opinions?

TavistockToad · April 2018

i'm a runner, there's nowt wrong with my knees.

if you're interested in running, look into C25k once you can walk for 30 minutes at a good pace.

jjpptt2 · April 2018

I'd bet that running doesn't cause knee problems. Running might exacerbate existing knee problems, but I highly doubt it causes knee problems.

sarahthes · April 2018

Running is protective of the knees in most cases because it strengthens the surrounding and supporting muscles and tissues. Except when going downhill

MeanderingMammal · April 2018

Running consumes twice the energy of walking, but it takes effort to train enough that you can sustain that for long periods.

The nature of running means that it can help to develop the musculature, and connective tissues around the knee.

Personally I enjoy running, but it's not for everyone. If you fancy it, then try it.

MeanderingMammal · April 2018

sarahthes wrote: »

Running is protective of the knees in most cases because it strengthens the surrounding and supporting muscles and tissues. Except when going downhill

Especially downhill

becky10rp · April 2018

You are not your uncle. Start slow - try running intervals. Fast walk for 10 minutes - jog for 5 minutes. Lather, rinse, repeat. See how it feels.

mutantspicy · April 2018

I suspect most people who hurt their knees while running are either not prepared to run, meaning over weight and/or not conditioned for it, or like me who have old basketball and football injuries. Like they say you gotta learn to walk before you run. Since you've been walking already, your body is probably more ready to start jogging than some others who want to just jump right in. I say go for it. I won't hurt to try it out. And if it works out it can save some time on your cardio.

hroderick · April 2018

I'm walking 3-4 miles per day at 3mph. At my weight I get a good calorie burn from that. My knees are old and abused from a log of years carrying my weight. I need to take care of them so they will last me. So I don't even try to run. A fall or injury would really set me back. I'm not fearful, just conservatively cautious.

What I'll do more of in the hot summer is walk on a treadmill. On good treadmills you can adjust the incline and achieve the same calorie and cardio goals as running. It isn't as cool or clubby, but it works for me.

Good job on changes for the better and seeking information.

JMcGee2018 · April 2018

Running isn't necessarily bad for your knees, and in many cases can strengthen and protect them, but definitely listen to your body and any pain cues it gives you, no matter what activity you are doing. Once you can walk for 30 minutes without stopping or getting tired, if you are interested in trying running out, I highly suggest C25K as a program that will get you from only walking to running for 30 minutes at a time.

lorrpb · April 2018

Nearly every runner I know has knee problems. Just cuz someone doesn’t have a problem now doesn’t mean they never will. But the main things are to get fitted for good shoes, follow a well paced running program, and don’t overdo it.

cleesus · April 2018

Running can be terrible for your knees/legs if you do it wrong. You should look up running/knee problems.

That being said I love running but just make sure you arent doing too much too soon and get the proper gear if you are going to be serious about it

mikeandcris · April 2018

I ran 100+ miles per month from age 18 to 54 and then one day got some swelling in my knee that stayed for 6 months...it ended when a torn meniscus was taken out. Never had an acute injury, just the result of a bazillion miles. I recommend running in addition with weight training, swimming, cycling etc. Don't be a "run every day" person. Also, if you're carrying more than 15-ish pounds over your ideal weight, think twice. Extra weight will decrease your running longevity. Based on years of friendships with runners, I think the average runner's shelf life is about 30 years IF you keep your weight reasonable. (Yes, there are examples of folks who run longer...I'm just basing my opinion on a small sample size.) I now walk most mornings, do weighted barbell squats and my knees feel great

mbaker566 · April 2018

running and your knees

TeaBea · April 2018

I've never been a runner....have one bad knee.

I use a rebounder....makes everything lower impact. Step aerobics is another low(er) impact way to bump up the intensity.

mburgess458 · April 2018

https://www.runnersworld.com/sweat-science/heres-more-evidence-that-running-doesnt-ruin-your-knees

..."Former runners were 18 percent less likely to report knee pain, while current runners were 24 percent less likely; these data were adjusted to account for differences in age, body mass index (BMI), and other factors. Without those adjustments, current runners were actually 29 percent less likely to report pain. That’s because runners tend to be lighter than non-runners, so “equalizing” BMI underestimates the benefits of running...."

The results were similar for X-ray evidence of knee degeneration, and for the presence of symptomatic osteoarthritis: Having run at some point was better than nothing; current running was best of all.

1BlueAurora · April 2018

Best decision I made: going to a running store and having an employee bring me four pairs of shoes to try on. Then he watched me jog outside on the sidewalk. We narrowed it down to two pairs that would be best for me, and I purchased one. I'm so happy I did. I was prone to shin splints, and once tore my meniscus. I've been running for a year and no ankle, shin, knee or hip issues at all. Best $110 I ever invested in my exercise regimen. It's time for me to replace those shoes, and I'm glad to do so. And, the muscles around my knee appear to be better developed!

Ck103084 · April 2018

Thank you so much for the information everyone!!

spiriteagle99 · April 2018

I developed knee pain as a long time hiker/backpacker. Not enough to stop me, but it was frequently painful, especially on the downhills. As a runner, I have no pain when running as long as I'm wearing good shoes. (Old shoes will sometimes cause twinges.) Part of that is because I don't run anything as steep as I used to hike, partly it's because my leg muscles are more balanced now. I still get occasional pain when hiking, but not like I used to.

bikecheryl · April 2018

I've been overweight my whole adult life..... 15 years ago I started logging my foods and took up running.
Lost 105 lbs.

For over 5 years it wasn't just my passion.... it was my salvation.

17 halfs, 4 fulls and 1 ultra....... I simply loved loved loved it.

Then I had one torn meniscus and surgery, then the same thing on the other knee.

Then I couldn't run.... kind of took it hard - lost myself for awhile ...... and well gained 130 lbs back.

I've managed to lose 107 of that since last April. And have two very arthritic knees that will be replaced later this year.

Did running cause my osteoarthritis or years and years and years of being overweight? Or was it just genetics?

Not sure...... but I don't regret my years of running and miss it something awful!

I echo the advice on shoes.......... do not scrimp on them!

h1udd · April 2018

I have recently taken up running ... everything hurts, except my knees. ...... but everything hurting is my own fault as my cardio vascular ability FAR FAR outweighs my running ability so I have started doing too much too soon and havent learnt when to and how much to back off .... my tips ..... do it, it eats calories and works your body hard .. but take it easy and start slowly increasing distance gradually .... dont do as I did and start running 10k straight out the block

Jogging vs walking

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