Is running good for heavy people? I am 211lbs

Start slow and listen to your body. I'm 240 lbs and run 35 miles/week over 5-6 days and still climbing and have no problems, but I've been running 2 years now also.

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I'd say if you are just starting out, start with a brisk walk to doing small intervals of a slow jog and work your way up. Don't rush it...

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212 pounds, a bad knee and just started running.

I am doing the C25K program and have had no problems with my knee, I do it every other day and am taking it VERY slowly. So far there has been no issue.

Always check with your doctor before taking up running or any high-intensity activity...but for motivation, I point you to this video:

http://youtu.be/8SbXgQqbOoU

Enjoy! And good luck!

For what it's worth, Ben Davis (the guy in this video) was just interviewed and featured in Runner's World Magazine. And he's still not a "little" guy.

When I started running several years ago I started on a treadmill and I walked 9 minutes and ran 1 minute for the first week (4 days) - doing 2 sets of those, the second week I walked 8 minutes and ran 2 minutes - doing 2 sets of those, the third week I walked 7 minutes and ran 3 minutes...and so on and so on until I was able to run 20 minutes without stopping. It's a great way to build cardio and endurance! Once you have the "base" you can start playing around with times and distances, pushing yourself a little more each time.

Also, make sure you're fitted properly for a good pair of runners...makes all the difference. The Running Room is a great place to go as they employ people who can watch you walk and see whether you pronate, etc. and recommend the appropriate shoe for you. And remember, runners wear out - so remember to replace them on a regular basis!! It's worth the money to buy the right shoe (I know the RR in my hometown has a clear out once a year - spring - and I can usually get my favourite pair on sale for half price!!)

Good luck!!

Every person is different. Running is a stressful and actually violent sport for your body regardless of your weight.

That being said, I was 242 lbs and was running 3-4x a week 3 miles or so each time. I got up to 10 miles a run and dropped a lot of weight.

However I also developed some achilles heel issues and had a lower back issue with my sciatic nerve.

I would say with anything do what you can do, and know the difference between injury and pain. Pain is going to happen. Injury is serious. Find your threshold and then maintain that.

Best of luck.

This is a solid response. Thanks for posting.

I do my running on the treadmill at the gym. When I was 286 lbs. I could not run for more than 30 seconds at a time with about 5 minutes moderate walking before I could run again. Now, at 239 I am able to run for 5 minutes at a time with about 2 - 3 minutes rapid (4 mph) walking in between. I have never experienced any knee pain while doing this, rather my leg muscles are the limiting factor. As I have continue working at this my muscles have become stronger allowing me to continuously increase the amount of time I am able to run, while decreasing the amount of recovery time. This systematic approach seems to make the most sense to me, and is obviously working in my case. BTW - I have the blessings of my doc to continue this program.

i would suggest you go read bendoeslife/ tumbler.com he is a great insperation and he started running just go read it from the begining it will really motivate you

I would suggest pace yourself and listen to your body. When I first tried running on a treadmill I was over 200lbs...I walk then do a spurt of running then walk again. If I couldn't breath or felt pain I walked.

I weigh around 200 and run 3-4 times a week. I ran a half marathon in October 2011 - slowly. I am not a fast runner so I don't think the joint impact is as damaging. I've seen some people walk faster than I run :-)

My advice (for what it is worth) is to start out by walking, build up to being able to walk briskly, then walk/run - try Galloway's method. If you feel like running after you have conditioned your body, then I think you should do it!

Just like with dieting, running is something you condition your body to do little by little over time. I used to run marathons, but over the years my weight and lack of motivation has kept me from doing what I love. I am looking foward to losing weight and enjoying life again! I just joined Fitness Pal this week!

See you on the roads ...

I started with walking at 265 pounds. By the time I was down to 230 I was doing some slow jogging. I agree with going sloooow. When I jogged my daughter could keep up with me walking. I've gotten faster. I got my 5K down to 29:48 and I'm hoping to get it under 25. Like she said... start really slooooow. My knees were so bad I had trouble lowering myself into a chair and stairs killed me. Since I've been running, my knees are doing great! I guess taking the weight off and strengthening the muscles helped.

Hi, I just weighed this morning and I am at 230, I started at 242 on January 2nd and I really think the C2K program works! I have been on Day 1 for three weeks LOL! But I am actually JOGGING now when I am supposed to. In between days I do Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred. My one knee hurts that I injured in high school 19 years ago, my calves BURN and my ANKLES kill me,! But I am not stopping! I know it is my shoes and today I am headed to the sports store to get them. I love it! I am so excited when I get home because no one in my family believes in me at all. They laughed at me when I told them I want to run in the rock and roll marathon in Nashville next year. I am taking that laughter and I am going to show them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't care if I am slow as Christmas I am going to do it. My jog is slower than I walk.... LOL You can do it, just take it slow.