To those big losers out there :-)

I think 77 counts as being a big loser! lol!

I started in Feb 2011 and did exercise bike at home almost exclusively. Maybe around April 2011 I started doing DVDs, mostly Jillian Michaels DVDs but also kickboxing DVDs. I just joined the gym this month.

I think I've gone jogging maybe 6 times in my 15 months so not much of a contributor to my weight loss. Anytime I try jogging my knees or hips start hurting. I'm sure it's because I never got proper shoes.

Good luck!

I'm hoping I count as a big loser lol.

I dont run or use the gym EVER. I do 5 cardio classes per week plus extra work at home on my cross trainer (elliptical) and weights.

In my opinion there is no need to force yourself to do something you dont like just because you think you should.

You are much more likely to stick with it and achieve your goal if you find an exercise that you actually enjoy.

Good luck.

I didn't start running until I had lost 80 pounds. Until then most of my activity was walking with the occasional aerobic DVD.

Once I started running I got my 100 pound milestone and eventually got to my goal weight (which meant a 115 pound weight loss).

Now I run three days a week, do strength training two days a week, and do the spin bike once a week. Plus I walk on my breaks at work and every chance I have "walk" my errands, I do. Running really helped me to get those last 35 pounds off, but it's been the mix of activity that is helping me keep the weight off.

Whatever activity you decide on, make sure it's something you enjoy (or can at tolerate)! :flowerforyou:

Hey Leah:
Running wasn't part of my regimen, not because I didn't want it to be, but because I just can't run worth a flip. I tried several times and it just didn't work for me. I started out walking, short distances and increased speed and distance. Then added some workout video's 3 times a week, and slowly progressed to the ellipitcal which I love to do. But I dropped my membership so I am back to doing my thing walking, working out at home, dvd's and dancing.. I began this journey at 267 lbs and have dropped over 88 lbs. So it has worked for me.. Good Luck

I'll add another log to the fire: I'm just cresting 230 lbs (on the way down, of course) and started running closer to 240.

I did nordictrack and jillian michaels' DVDs for about 4 months before I even started running (starting in Jan 2012) and kicked it off using the C25K program.

(Jillian put me in good enough shape that I was able to jump in at week 2, btw.)

I'll put in my two cents here about shoes as well: I was never EVER able to run before, regardless of weight. Then I read about barefoot running in the book "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall. I invested in a pair of Vibram "Fivefingers" shoes and I wholeheartedly credit them with my success (I can toss off a 5K - or pretty darned close to it - before breakfast now).

I would recommend reading that book and talking with as many folks as you can stomach who have run or worked with runners, too.

Good luck!

R

I started running when I was 380 pounds (ignore my ticker...I've lost over 150 pounds, just pre-MFP). Just last November (around 310 pounds) I had to quit - after progressing to being able to run 5 miles non-stop - because I got injured (plantar fasciitis - though not one doc has said it was because of my weight). Just ran last week again for the first time since December! Can't tell you how much I've missed it! I say if you want to run, try it. You might turn out to be someone who loves running. But don't just do it because you'll lose weight "faster" or whatever. I think the best exercise program is the one that makes you excited to go do it. For some it's Zumba, others do P90x like it's their job, and for some of us, running just makes us want to run more.

My tips?
1) Take it slow. I had to start out pre-C25k and work my way up to that, but for most people it's a great beginner's program. (But don't be afraid to repeat weeks if you need to.)
2) Find good running shoes and replace them as needed. (I waited too long, hence my injury.)
3) Forget the treadmill! *lol* I hate those things and I won't run on them. I'd rather switch a running day than run on them (though I have before for speedwork...only time I use the darn things is when I'm trying to control my speed). I just like the intuitive nature of letting my feet and body pick the pace and not trying to maintain the same speed the entire time.

Good luck and have fun!

Just wondering for all you big losers out there, how many of you have picked up running as an exercise compared to how many exercise in the gym or do dvd's???

It seems whenever I read a big weight loss story, the person has started running during their journey. I really want to start, just really scared to at 223 lbs.

Leah

At 235, I had the exact same problem! It really is hard when you are carrying that extra weight and I deffinitely worried about my knees and lower back. BUT- I did start running eventually... here is how I did it,
1) Buy a new pair of running shoes. I suggest Brooks Adrenaline as they make a very supportive and padded shoe.
2) I walked EVERY SINGLE DAY... I didnt walk for 5 min though, I walked at least 40 mins a day. Best way to do this is walk to/from work or lunch or in the evening to the grocery store.
3) After a month or so I began running, lightly. I started with 1 mile and am now up to 2.5-3 mile runs each tiei go (about 2x per week)
4) make sure to stretch

Its scary at first but it gets much better. Just make sure to walk every single day from now on. Get the muscles and joints used to the work and then really push yourself to run as far as you can.

God luck!

I don't consider myself a big loser yet, but I started running at 310 was walking before that. Check out New Balance's Good Form Running for tips on how to do it without hurting yourself. Start slow, and get into a good flexibility routine after your workouts.

Good Luck!

Hi, I haven't read all the replies, so I dare say this has already been recommended, but I have just completed C25K, and I was amazed at how well it worked for me. I was probably around 225 when I started, certainly within a few pounds of where you are, I run outside as there is a good park near me, and I don't have access to a treadmill. I thought I was going to die, the first session, after a 30 second run, and each week I was convinced I wouldn't make the step up to the next level, but every time I tried, I found that I could. It wasn't always easy, but it was doable. My key has been making sure that I go at a pace that's comfortable, so I'm not doing a 12 minute mile yet, but I am building up my stamina, and I can now run for 30 mins straight, and I will just keep trying to improve. I actually get up at 6am to run 3 times a week, something I would never have believed possible, so I definitely recommend that you give it a go. Good luck with it :flowerforyou:

I am 256 lbs and just started learning how to run. I saw a lot of women much bigger than I at the 5k race I participated in on Sunday. They were running - I was walking. I so envied them!

I am really going to get serious about my running training now that I have been in a race and have seen what others can do .