Can you be too heavy to Jog?

My Physiotherapist told me that if you have knee problems, try not to use the incline on either the elliptical or treadmill, it puts a lot of strain on the knee. Use the incline gradually when the knee is getting better.

I'm doing my c25k on a cross trainer. Similar movement to running, but you don't get the impact of hitting the ground

I started at 315, once you get going you will know pretty quickly if your able to handle it, just start slow and do what you can!

Do it. As you lose weight and get better it gets easier. I started when I had only lost about 15# and don't regret it at all.

Good luck!

I'm around 220lbs and I was running slowly, but regularly until I got a stress fracture in my left foot. My chiropractor said not to jog at all because it's bad for the joints. My regular doctor said to get better shoes and use the ellipticals, stationary bikes, and swimming until I was fully healed. I'm splitting the difference and doing more on the ellipticals than I did, but getting back into running. I'd say go easy, listen to your body, and get a good medical opinion. And wear decent running shoes.

Good luck!

It depends on your joints not your weight. If your knees and hips can take it then why not.

Mine can't. I go to the gym and use the elliptical and I do walk as that doesn't put as much stress on the joints. Crank the resistance up and you will certainly get a workout. The elliptical is much easier on my hips and knees then the walking but I like the walking for getting outside in the fresh air.

I would say whatever you do start slow. Don't run 3 miles one way and then not have the energy to get back home. :-) Trust me that sucks.

Define "jog"

Get on a treadmill and see what it takes to get your HR in your target zone.

Whatever the question, RUN is always my answer! Pretty soon (if you do run) you won't have to ask anymore. If weeks 1 & 2 have gone good, why not? The Biggest Loser almost always has their contestants run. Just ease into it, with no more than 10% increase in mileage each week. Wear good shoes, and keep at it.

I am 266 lbs and run every day on the treadmill. So far no problems.

Listen to your body, though. If in pain, stop.

Hi Pals,

I'm 268.5 lbs and have recently started a a C25K programme.

I'm not and haven't really been a runner, but have a desire to become one.
But, at the back of my mind I keep thinking am I putting too much strain on my body in it's current condition.
Having said that Weeks 1 & 2 have gone OK.

Run or not to run?

Loozin

I completed a half marathon ten years ago weighing about as much as you weigh now. I averaged about a 13 minute mile so I wasn't going too fast. Right now I weigh well over 300 pounds and I want get back to how I was. I just completed week 5 on the c25k program. I'm going pretty slow. My jog portion is a 4.0 on the treadmill which is a 15 minute mile and I've never had any problems with my knees.

If your knees and hips can take it I say go for it. I run with my brother occasionally and he is 235 and runs all the time. He has no problems and has been running at that weight for years.

And as you lose weight the stress on your body will be reduced not to mention the cardiovascular benefits.

I will first start by saying I am biased. I have been running since 1984 when I started my freshman year at Penn Stare and could not get into the "non athletic" ball room dancing class. Long story short, running was the only PE class That had any openings, however,much to my surprise, I got addicted and loved what it did for my strength, confidence, and overall tone. At any rate, the best thing to do is first get cleared by your doctor and take it show. Then, invest in good shoes. You don't need a $120.00 pair to get the job done, but do go to a place that can take a look at your feet and see how you run outside of the store for a few steps. The staff will be able to tell you about your arches and how you "pronate" or rotate your feet in the shoes.

Once you get your shoes, just alternate between jogging and walking. Take it easy so you don't get sore and frustrated. In my mind, attitude is everything. You are never to old or predisposed to a particular body type to start a running program. I ran up through the 7th month with both of my pregnancies. you can do it and chances are you might just love it.

All of this has probably been said, but here is my 2 cents.

Any cardiovascular, respiratory or orthopedic problems dictate a trip to the doctor before you begin because in those cases, yes certain level of exertion can do more harm than good.

If you are healthy and have no reason to suspect you have any pre-disease problems that JUST BEGIN!

I weighed almost 400lbs and am down to 283. I am competing in a super sprint triathlon in 2 weeks. I have a good heart and lungs but multiple ortho issues and I just listen to my body which is what all endurance coaches will tell you. Be sure to take several days off every few weeks or once per month.

Nutrition is paramount!! Keep your glycogen level high on training days and supplement with protein. After some time training, your body will tell you when you are eating the wrong foods because your training sessions will suck. Conversely, you must give yourself "refeed days" every so often where you eat some of those things you crave. Not only will it satisfy you emotionally, but it actually kicks your weight loss into gear. Remember, you loose weight not when training, but when resting.

Hope you read this 86th post lol, and I hope it helps.

Everybody is different... I for one have difficulty with certain joints even when I'm at my ideal weight. Granted I could have been more fit, but at the end of the day all people are built differently and the best thing you can do is listen to your body.

You could also look at other variables, like where you jog (use tracks rather than your neighborhood sidewalks or streets) or what footwear you use (get a good pair of sneakers, replace every few months, maybe get cushioned insoles).