Running or Gym classes

hopeforsuccess
hopeforsuccess Posts: 62
edited October 2 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all

I really need to lose weight as I've never weighed so much in my life! Obviosuly, I am going to start watching my calories & eat low fat but I am wondering whether to do gym classes or running - which would make me lose more weight more quickly - gym classes, eg aerobics, total body attack etc or running?
Thanks

Replies

  • moushtie
    moushtie Posts: 371 Member
    I think, the one that will make you lose weight long term will be the one you enjoy the most, and will keep doing :)
  • hopeforsuccess
    hopeforsuccess Posts: 62
    Thank you for that - just that someone told me running was far bettter for weight loss and I would be prepared to do just to lose the weight (even though I prefer classes!).:-)
  • Aria_Fat_Pants
    Aria_Fat_Pants Posts: 19
    Running is definitely more intensive, but aerobics is more relaxed. Running helps you lose weight faster, and it is a hella lot of fun. But if you prefer low intensity exercise that don't tire you out as much, choose aerobics! :)
  • chatterbox3110
    chatterbox3110 Posts: 630 Member
    I'm unable to run, and I've only recently started back at the gym, but I find I burn off more calories doing aqua aerobics, I enjoy it so much more than sitting on a cycle and it's much kinder to my fibromyalgic joints LOL

    It really does depend what you feel most comfortable doing - what's the point of running 5 miles if you really aren't enjoying it.

    Once you find something you enjoy doing, whether it burns off a lot of calories or a little, if you enjoy it, you'll keep it up for longer!

    Good luck!
  • Izzy62
    Izzy62 Posts: 62 Member
    I think variety is the spice of life!

    I do boxercise, spinning, swimming, pilates, yoga, total body workout, gym, walking, whatever I can fit in each week whilst working shifts. The one thing I don't do is run due to dodgy knees.

    I have to say that I got more comments about looking better when I started doing yoga and pilates regularly, I think my posture and core strength obviously improved markedly.

    Do what you enjoy, but I would say don't just stick with one thing if you have time to mix it up a bit :)

    Have fun with whatever you choose xx
  • MaudeBeige
    MaudeBeige Posts: 282
    I HATE running (may have something to do with me being SOOO unfit!!!). I know that if I had running to face every other day I'd soon find something else more important to do!!!

    I prefer aerobics, gives me something else to think about while I fling myself around!!!

    I also use the running / cycle machines at the gym. (Listen to me... I'm sounding like a veteran - only been doing it for a week!!!) I am target driven and like the idea of doing more time today than I did last time, going slightly faster etc... ... ...

    My sister is trying to get me to do a 'fun run' with her... Not in the next few weeks but I'm thinking about it perhaps being a possibility, a few weeks ago it would have been a certain NO!

    I think you need to look at what you enjoy (or hate the least) and start from there!!!!
  • trud72
    trud72 Posts: 1,912 Member
    a mix of both would be more benificial! xx
  • SallieBeige
    SallieBeige Posts: 341 Member
    I HATE running

    I like your running shoe profile pic :bigsmile:
    hopeforsuccess, I don't know what your physical condition is like - but I am at a similar age and my joints are giving me trouble :(
    I can sustain running for far longer than I can an aerobics class. And if I do aerobics I have to nurse myself for a few days and wait for my joints to recover.
    Just my perspective, you are probably in far better condition than me
  • hopeforsuccess
    hopeforsuccess Posts: 62
    I HATE running (may have something to do with me being SOOO unfit!!!). I know that if I had running to face every other day I'd soon find something else more important to do!!!

    I prefer aerobics, gives me something else to think about while I fling myself around!!!

    I also use the running / cycle machines at the gym. (Listen to me... I'm sounding like a veteran - only been doing it for a week!!!) I am target driven and like the idea of doing more time today than I did last time, going slightly faster etc... ... ...

    My sister is trying to get me to do a 'fun run' with her... Not in the next few weeks but I'm thinking about it perhaps being a possibility, a few weeks ago it would have been a certain NO!

    I think you need to look at what you enjoy (or hate the most) and start from there!!!!

    Lol - thanks for that. It made me laugh because I don't really enjoy running either but I would do it if necessary! I went on the treadmill, ran for 5 minutes and then got off because I was tired! :-)
  • hopeforsuccess
    hopeforsuccess Posts: 62
    I think variety is the spice of life!

    I do boxercise, spinning, swimming, pilates, yoga, total body workout, gym, walking, whatever I can fit in each week whilst working shifts. The one thing I don't do is run due to dodgy knees.

    I have to say that I got more comments about looking better when I started doing yoga and pilates regularly, I think my posture and core strength obviously improved markedly.

    Do what you enjoy, but I would say don't just stick with one thing if you have time to mix it up a bit :)

    Have fun with whatever you choose xx

    Thank you - right that is it. I am going to do it all - I've gotta do something as I feel really unattractive right now. My husband has lost a stone in 2 months just by eating less but he didn't tell me he was on a diet. So right now, I am going to do the same:-)
  • Maputi
    Maputi Posts: 49 Member
    I agree. Just start doing something that you like. When you see results, you will try new things. Even if you start by walking around the block or up a flight of stairs, just do it!
  • hopeforsuccess
    hopeforsuccess Posts: 62
    I HATE running

    I like your running shoe profile pic :bigsmile:
    hopeforsuccess, I don't know what your physical condition is like - but I am at a similar age and my joints are giving me trouble :(
    I can sustain running for far longer than I can an aerobics class. And if I do aerobics I have to nurse myself for a few days and wait for my joints to recover.
    Just my perspective, you are probably in far better condition than me

    Well, I am fit (not fit as in attractive lol) - I can keep up with an aerobics class but not with the running. I am off to a class at lunchtime as have decided to start from today rather than me keep on talking about it but not doing it. Sorry about your joints - do you go swimming, that's good for the joints:-)
  • Angel1066
    Angel1066 Posts: 816 Member
    If you can do both the mix would be great. I workout at home and have just started running and it seems to be working.
  • 10fairywings
    10fairywings Posts: 136 Member
    As above find something you really enjoy. But as a side note running is not the best aid to weight loss, you're better off going for a brisk walk. :)
  • HMonsterX
    HMonsterX Posts: 3,000 Member
    The key here is finding someone you enjoy. Something you WANT to do because you enjoy it, rather than purely doing it for the calorie burn. Something where the calories burned is purely a by-product of doing something you want to do as it's fun! You're far more likely to stick with it that way!
  • 10fairywings
    10fairywings Posts: 136 Member
    The key here is finding someone you enjoy. Something you WANT to do because you enjoy it, rather than purely doing it for the calorie burn. Something where the calories burned is purely a by-product of doing something you want to do as it's fun! You're far more likely to stick with it that way!

    The first sentence here made me laugh out loud!! Although that does burn a lot of calories too lol :)

    Totally agree btw!! Sorry couldn't resist!! :D x
  • rbryntes
    rbryntes Posts: 710 Member
    I HATE running (may have something to do with me being SOOO unfit!!!). I know that if I had running to face every other day I'd soon find something else more important to do!!!

    I prefer aerobics, gives me something else to think about while I fling myself around!!!

    I also use the running / cycle machines at the gym. (Listen to me... I'm sounding like a veteran - only been doing it for a week!!!) I am target driven and like the idea of doing more time today than I did last time, going slightly faster etc... ... ...

    My sister is trying to get me to do a 'fun run' with her... Not in the next few weeks but I'm thinking about it perhaps being a possibility, a few weeks ago it would have been a certain NO!

    I think you need to look at what you enjoy (or hate the most) and start from there!!!!

    Lol - thanks for that. It made me laugh because I don't really enjoy running either but I would do it if necessary! I went on the treadmill, ran for 5 minutes and then got off because I was tired! :-)

    If you aren't used to running it's not easy. Try doing a Couch to 5K program and work your way up to five minutes. It takes a few weeks to do so.
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