We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

running

tonilizzy88
tonilizzy88 Posts: 920 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
hi all,

im just wondering how long it will be before i start to see a diffrence in my body shape? im currently running 3-4 miles 4 times a week.

thank you

Replies

  • athensguy
    athensguy Posts: 550
    Judging by your weight loss ticker, are you sure can't already tell a difference?
  • tonilizzy88
    tonilizzy88 Posts: 920 Member
    i lost that all before christmas i havent lost anything since ive started running :grumble: ive noticed my arms are smaller and my calves are tighter but nothing on my mid section :sad:

    just wondering how long that would take
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Have you been taking measurements?

    You probably aren't noticing it yourself too much in the mirror, the changes are gradual and you see yourself everyday. I'll bet you've found your clothes are fitting better (or getting loose).
  • joehempel
    joehempel Posts: 1,543 Member
    I didn't notice a difference in "look" until I was about 25lbs down. I started running when I was 220 or so lbs. But I did notice a difference in the way clothing fit.

    I'm about 170-172 right now.
  • clisat1004
    clisat1004 Posts: 13 Member
    I go to the gym every day and have a personal trainer twice a week - but all the exercise I do is weight based, spinning or Zumba. I am wanting to start running - but really dont know how to start. How far am I meant to go? How do I build my self up - I know this is stupid, but do I just run until i drop or alternate running and walking?? etc

    Thank you for your help in advance.
  • tonilizzy88
    tonilizzy88 Posts: 920 Member
    I go to the gym every day and have a personal trainer twice a week - but all the exercise I do is weight based, spinning or Zumba. I am wanting to start running - but really dont know how to start. How far am I meant to go? How do I build my self up - I know this is stupid, but do I just run until i drop or alternate running and walking?? etc

    Thank you for your help in advance.

    i started by putting my trainers on and going out with the dog i went for 1 minute and died. i walked a bit then tried again, did a minute and died. i did this for about a week, then everytime i went out i found i was doing better and better and yestarday i completed 5 miles without stopping (started in january). a lot of people do the couch to 5k programme and swear by it. ive downloaded an app called sportypal and it tracks my distance for me. i now aim for at least 0.3 of a mile further than the last run until i can get to 10 miles.

    hope this helped
  • momof3and3
    momof3and3 Posts: 656 Member
    I go to the gym every day and have a personal trainer twice a week - but all the exercise I do is weight based, spinning or Zumba. I am wanting to start running - but really dont know how to start. How far am I meant to go? How do I build my self up - I know this is stupid, but do I just run until i drop or alternate running and walking?? etc

    Thank you for your help in advance.

    I am not a trainer, but I do run...I would run until you feel tired but not exhausted and then walk a few minutes to recover and then run again...etc...thru the weeks increase your run time and distance vs. your walk...make sure you have a good pair of proper running shoes...you might only be able to run for a few minutes at first, but just start and go! Also start out much slower than you think you should..build endurance first, speed comes later....
  • clisat1004
    clisat1004 Posts: 13 Member
    That is great, thank you. I will give it a shot!!
  • momof3and3
    momof3and3 Posts: 656 Member
    hi all,

    im just wondering how long it will be before i start to see a diffrence in my body shape? im currently running 3-4 miles 4 times a week.

    thank you

    You should see a difference in about 6 weeks....mix up your runs, add in hills, speed work...it will burn more calories and make your legs stronger...
  • tonilizzy88
    tonilizzy88 Posts: 920 Member
    hi all,

    im just wondering how long it will be before i start to see a diffrence in my body shape? im currently running 3-4 miles 4 times a week.

    thank you

    You should see a difference in about 6 weeks....mix up your runs, add in hills, speed work...it will burn more calories and make your legs stronger...

    thank you. i have been throwing in some hills and also rough ground such as gravel, mountains, roads a mix really as i live in the mountains. my dog loves my new hobbie lol
  • chrishgt4
    chrishgt4 Posts: 1,222 Member
    Hi - kind of on topic but off topic...

    Running really isn't ideal for changing body composition. It's great to keep healthy and fit, but the way to change the way you look is to starting lifting weights. Heavy ones (that is heavy for you of course).
  • clisat1004
    clisat1004 Posts: 13 Member
    I am doing weights - I have a PT twice a week and do body pump, but this doesn't help with my cardio - I want to improve my cardio as well as my body shape
  • prettythinlove
    prettythinlove Posts: 127 Member
    It doesn't matter how slow or fast you go, just don't stop! And remember, you are lapping EVERYONE who is sitting on the couch.
  • batlou
    batlou Posts: 97 Member
    If you want to start running check into C25K (http://www.c25k.com). It is a proven method to go from no running fitness (Couch) to running a 5K. Very specific plan with 3 runs per week designed to not only get you running up to a 5K while remaining injury free.
  • hailz840
    hailz840 Posts: 136 Member
    hi all,

    im just wondering how long it will be before i start to see a diffrence in my body shape? im currently running 3-4 miles 4 times a week.

    thank you

    if you want to see a a difference in body shape you will likely need to incoporate some type of strength training along with your running. make sure you are eating all your calories plus exercise calories as if you are netting too low you will likely plateau
This discussion has been closed.

Categories