I should not run.... really?

soniyamas
soniyamas Posts: 160 Member
edited October 3 in Fitness and Exercise
I am 170 lbs. and somebody told me I should not run because I am so heavy that I can hurt my joints... really??? I never did any exercise or running ever before. But now I want to loose my weight . I cannot go to gym because of my baby. I only use my treadmill to walk/run. Do you guys really think that at 170 lbs. one should not run? Thanks
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Replies

  • RunHardBeStrong
    RunHardBeStrong Posts: 33,069 Member
    I think you SHOULD run! I started at 220 lbs and it just keeps getting easier! Go for it!
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    I started running at 219. Thanks to running, I'm down to 175. The hell with anyone who says you can't do it due to weight!
  • sleepytexan
    sleepytexan Posts: 3,138 Member
    I think the only reason anyone should run is if there is someone bad chasing them. But that's just me. :laugh:
  • aspencer122
    aspencer122 Posts: 123 Member
    I started running at 315 ibs and "loved" it lol. I think you can run but just listen to your body. and have fun with it. good luck.
  • Unless you've had a history of joint problems then I'm not sure why anyone would tell you that! Running can cause wear and tear on your body, but that happens to anyone. Running at your weight is perfectly fine, but don't push yourself past your limits because that can lead to injury. I'm running multiple miles at 170 and I'm perfectly fine! If you need a little proof then watch The Biggest Loser where they have people at 250+ pounds running on the treadmill daily. Good luck!!

    Jillian
  • maximkat
    maximkat Posts: 22 Member
    i would just monitor your joints, as long as you have no discomfort you should be fine, I started at about 280 and slowly increased the length of my runs until i got down to around 230 and started lifting as well. start small and work your way up, you'll be fine.
  • I think that is a horrible comment for someone to make. If running feels good to you, do it! If it bothers your joints then find some other form of exercise. I just started running and it feels so good. I feel so much lighter!! GO FOR IT!!!!!!!
  • smashleymcgee
    smashleymcgee Posts: 135 Member
    That is nonsense. I started at 175 and have lost 18 pounds because of it. I definitely suggest running...at any size :).
  • deniseg31
    deniseg31 Posts: 667 Member
    I started jogging in July and I was in the mid 180's and I have always had bad joints. I am currently at 169 and I have to say that I can't wait for my jog days. :bigsmile: The advice I was given was if your knees hurt then don't go jogging the following day.

    I think I am able to jog because I am using C25K on my phone. That is a very helpful program and it will help you work up to longer speeds and distances.

    :flowerforyou:
  • Bugsyzgrl
    Bugsyzgrl Posts: 98 Member
    I think the only reason anyone should run is if there is someone bad chasing them. But that's just me. :laugh:

    I'm with you there!! :drinker:

    I heard somewhere that it's not about the speed of your run/walk but more the duration. Anything over 45 minutes is burning fat, while anything over 15 minutes is burning calories. I know a lot of long time runners that are now facing joint issues as they age, but I think all athletes will face this at some time. I say do what ever feels right to you. I started out walking on the treadmill at 2.8 mph and now I am steady between 32. to 3.5mph and that's getting easier every day. Who knows, maybe in 6 months I will be one of those girls on the treadmill at a full on jog...!!
  • KimertRuns13_1
    KimertRuns13_1 Posts: 702 Member
    I started running at 230 lbs. I am now 165 and I only have knee pain when I run 13.1 miles. LOL
    If you enjoy running, RUN!!
  • soniyamas
    soniyamas Posts: 160 Member
    Unless you've had a history of joint problems then I'm not sure why anyone would tell you that! Running can cause wear and tear on your body, but that happens to anyone. Running at your weight is perfectly fine, but don't push yourself past your limits because that can lead to injury. I'm running multiple miles at 170 and I'm perfectly fine! If you need a little proof then watch The Biggest Loser where they have people at 250+ pounds running on the treadmill daily. Good luck!!

    Jillian

    No . I do not have issues with my joints..
  • momof3and3
    momof3and3 Posts: 656 Member
    Ever watch "Biggest Loser"...they all run, A LOT!
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    I am 170 lbs. and somebody told me I should not run because I am so heavy that I can hurt my joints... really??? I never did any exercise or running ever before. But now I want to loose my weight . I cannot go to gym because of my baby. I only use my treadmill to walk/run. Do you guys really think that at 170 lbs. one should not run? Thanks

    they're stupid
  • warriorprincessdi
    warriorprincessdi Posts: 617 Member
    I weigh 179lbs, I am 5'8, and I have tendonitis in my legs that flares up if I don't watch how I treat myself... and I RUN! In fact, I just did my first 5k on Sunday. (Read the blog post? http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/warriorprincessdi/view/i-ran-for-the-cure-the-story-of-my-first-5k-154700) I think you can run. I think anyone can run unless they have a doctor saying otherwise. Do what fells right to you.... But I promise, you'd love to run. :)
  • staceyseeger
    staceyseeger Posts: 778 Member
    I ran three full marathons, many trail runs & upteen half marathons pushing 180 lbs. Listen to your body, not anyone else! .
  • soniyamas
    soniyamas Posts: 160 Member
    well, thanks everybody to give me confidence.. I really appreciate the help and support I get from MFP members. Thanks again..
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    I weight ~ 175 and run 50 - 60 miles per week. Just listen to your body and you'll be fine.
  • tbudge
    tbudge Posts: 114
    If you feel you can run, then by all means, run! if you question it, ask your Dr...
    I started running a while back, and I had no results, at all! I ran 5-6 times a week for an hour a day, for about 4 months, and nothing. Then I started doing the Insanity program...it is much better! But that's just me...
    Every body is different, and every exercise will affect everyone differently. The best advice I can give, is do whatever you love/want to do...don't try to do something you don't like because there is no motivation to keep doing it.
    Hope that helps :smile:
  • If you're worried about it check with a medical professional. Also this person may have had problems with their joints, but you may not. It might be good to do some weight lifting with your cardio to strengthe the muscles around your knees. This can help to stabilize and strengthen your legs so you don't develop pain. You're weight versus height ratio may be a factor. At 4'9" my grandmother would be morbidly obese and unable to run, but at 5'9" this might be closer to her normal weight range. That being said if you are going to run try to do it on softer surfaces like a track or a dirt field. Bottom line check with your doctor or other medical professional and if it hurt (not soreness, but actual pain) then don't do it.
  • SunSand76
    SunSand76 Posts: 83 Member
    I started running heavier than that. My gosh, go for it!!
  • emlavigne
    emlavigne Posts: 33 Member
    Ummm...you need to find a different person to take advice from. By all means run. But make sure you start your regimen in a safe manner. Start with a walk/jog program (there are plenty of free "couch to 5k" programs on the web) and work your way up to a full run workout.

    p.s. You'll burn more fat if you keep your heart rate in zone 1 -2. An all out sprint will burn more carbs but less fat calories, where as a steady walk/slow jog will burn more fat and less carb calories. Slow and steady wins the weight loss race!
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    170 isn't nearly heavy enough to cause joint problems and it's one of the quickest ways to lose weight.
  • dga1972
    dga1972 Posts: 16 Member
    Do you ever watch The Biggest Looser! They make them run weighing in at well over 300#'s. If they can do it, you can do it!
  • Legs_McGee
    Legs_McGee Posts: 845 Member
    I am 170 lbs. and somebody told me I should not run because I am so heavy that I can hurt my joints... really??? I never did any exercise or running ever before. But now I want to loose my weight . I cannot go to gym because of my baby. I only use my treadmill to walk/run. Do you guys really think that at 170 lbs. one should not run? Thanks

    they're stupid

    Yep! Stupid - or perhaps jealous that you have the drive to get off the couch and workout. Just start slow, wear good shoes, and listen to your body. My knees felt better AFTER I started running.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    I don't think 170 is "too heavy" for any kind of exercise. The only advice I would give you is the same I give for ANY new runner:

    1. Take it slow. Follow a program like Couch to 5K (C25K) which eases you into running. Trying to do too much too soon causes injuries.
    2. Run only every other day for the first few months to protect your joints and get them used to the impact
    3. Only do non- or low-impact exercises on the days in-between your runs (for the same reason as #2)
    4. After a few weeks, if you plan to continue, be sure to get fitted for the proper shoes at a RUNNING store where they check your gait and arches.
    4. Have fun!
  • Jones4177
    Jones4177 Posts: 136
    I was told the same thing by a fitness instructor(who was actually my cousin) but he didn't really say NOT to run, he just advised me that it wasn't good for your joints. He said to start out walking at a fast pace then step it up. I run a little here and there but I have bad knees as it is. I used to play baseball and was a catcher. I suggest to start off slow and it shouldn't be a problem.
  • pkb614
    pkb614 Posts: 2
    I agree.. with the one woman the only reason to run is if someone bad is chasing you..... I hate running... But Love to exercise or walk!:laugh:
  • gavini
    gavini Posts: 248 Member
    I am 170 lbs. and somebody told me I should not run because I am so heavy that I can hurt my joints... really??? I never did any exercise or running ever before. But now I want to loose my weight . I cannot go to gym because of my baby. I only use my treadmill to walk/run. Do you guys really think that at 170 lbs. one should not run? Thanks

    they're stupid

    Yep! Stupid - or perhaps jealous that you have the drive to get off the couch and workout. Just start slow, wear good shoes, and listen to your body. My knees felt better AFTER I started running.

    this
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