Is running good for heavy people? I am 211lbs

I could've wrote this! I'm 211 too and I have been wondering the same thing-I hope we get some great responses on the subject

There are a lot of people here who have run at over 200 pounds and have found success doing it. I think the best idea is to check with your doctor first to make sure you're not at risk of any health problems from running.

I'd recommend trying C25K (www.c25k.com) as a way to ease yourself back into running. It's a program designed to help people who have never been able to run before move from being a couch potato to being able to run a 5k in 9 weeks. The reason why you may have aggravated your knee is because you didn't ease back in to running and went too hard for your first time back.

I've heard that it is not good - especially if you are running on concrete. You will be putting all your weight on one leg, and that's a lot of pressure.

I started at 213 when I began losing weight - I still struggle with running and I'm about 192 now. >.> Start with walking. Walking and jogging burn about the same amount of calories. Walk everywhere. Get a pedometer and walk a lot. When you build your cardio up, learn to breathe a little better, and are comfortable walking, increase to a light jog.

Jog for 20-30 seconds, then walk for a minute. Keep this up until those 20-30 seconds are easy, then slowly increase the time. This allows your legs time to adjust to the pressure, as you slowly build up muscle - and you'll learn to run safely, without causing too much stress to your joints all at once.

I would think that it depends on the person. I'm 231 and I used to run, but my left foot hurts too much. I use the elliptical and stationary bike and still get awesome burns.

Ditto the starting slowly thing. Before you run, you should warm up with stretches. Then when you start, you should start with a walk, then slowly increase your pace. If at any point your knee starts to hurt, then you need to stop.

When i ran at 250 i was fine, it hurt, but no injury but i was playing soccer, and the stop and go beat my knees up badly. At 200 now i can run better, with less pain. But I don't. I dont perform extended cardio as it inhibits muscle gain and retention. I do on occassion do some HIIT, High Intensity Interval Training. An example would be sprinting hard as you can for 30 seconds, walk for a minute, repeat ten times. That's for me though.......good rule of thumb, if anything hurts when you do it IMMEDIATELY.........stop. Hurting the next day is ok.

I would look into knee support... either the Ace slip on braces, (black kinda stretchy things....) there is a band they sell that you can put right under your knee cap to stabolize it.... o

Couch to 5K is a good starting point. I'm 229 and started running when I was 250. C25K starts you off slowly. It will probably still hurt at first but it does get better. I started out I couldn't run 1:30 without hurting or stopping. I now can run 45 min straight!!

I've been very unfit and very weak, I'm not sure how you are but for me it was important to walk before I ran and not go too overboard. The risk of you hurt your knee then it could be a really big downer if it happened.
I'd suggest trying to find ways to incorperate more walking into your every day routine and running when it's less risky for your knees.

I'm over 200 and I run 2-3x a week, alternating with the elliptical the other 5 days that I work out. At first it was difficult to get back into it, but slowly I am adjusting to running again and I'm finding it easier. I'm clearly not a doctor, so you should obviously consult with one to make sure but I'd say its fine. I do notice my knees are sore sometimes after a run but it goes away and I don't notice it anymore at all. The people on Biggest Loser are well over 200 and the trainers have them running, so I look at that for motivation. Of course, please consult with a doctor if you're having joint issues.

When I was over 200lbs, every time I started a running program, I would end up with an injury. Now that I have just gone under 190lbs, it is so much easier...I still have to walk/run...but I am not having the issues I had bafore and I am now training for a half-marathon. I would just recommend going slow and increasing as the weight goes down. Everyone is different, so just listen to your body. There are lots of ther cardio options to start with until you can run!

I'd also like to add that doing strength training along with running is great. It helps your overall run and makes your bones stronger.

Well, a friend of mine in her 40s started running last year at around 200 pounds and is doing great.

But if you're having knee pain you should see a doctor before you start running.

It's all genetics, I'm blessed with having good ankles, good knees , border-line high cholesterol and teeth that required a lot of dental work. Such is life.

I recommend an elliptical if you have access to one. I am also just over 200lbs and I prefer the benefits of this machine over pounding my knees on concrete. Also, you can adjust programs, resistance, and degrees of height to challenge you as you continue to lose weight. Your body will thank you for it.