Can you be too heavy to Jog?

I'm 240lbs and I started running 3 weeks ago and love it loads! I worry if I will do myself harm reading this. I told my physiotherapist and he didn't seem concerned though! X

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

Interesting, how does that work exactly?

I think you call them an elliptical? I just put it on light resistance then go at a walking pace for the walk bits, then go as hard as I can for the run.

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.

All treadmills should be put at an incline of 1% otherwise you are actually putting more stress on your knees because an incline of 0% is a slight downhill (hard on the knees) and an incline of 1% mimics outside running.

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

Walk first. Do a lot of walking. Don't try to push it too hard, at first.

When you can, start with some "walk/runs" Walk for a while, then run until you can't run anymore, and go back to walking until you catch your breath. Then start running again. If you feel pain in your knees or shins, stop running, and walk more.

Pretty soon, your body will be able to run, even if only short distances at first.

I was 265 pounds when I walked/ran my first 5K. Mainly walking. Listen to your body. Get the right shoes. I wish I'd started long before I did. I had bad knees, so I don't know exactly what happened. I guess the weight coming off and my legs getting stronger helped my knees. They only bother me occasionally now when I'm going up or down a bunch of stairs...and that's not too often. Hey I go up and down the stairs with a 6 year old on my shoulders. : ) They never bother me when I'm running. I don't get it but it's fine with me. : )

C25K is good because it's a gradual build up to running and you do walk a good bit of the workout at first. I think if nothing hurts so far, you have good shoes, and you don't have any injury or medical issue to be cautious of other than your weight, you will probably be just fine to continue.

When I started running, I weighed 270 pounds at 5'6". I could hardly run one minute straight, but I started on the treadmill and ran in the cardio cinema because I was so embarassed.

I kept running and it became addictive!!! I will be honest and let you know me knees are beat up because of it. But at the same time, the more fit I became, the less they hurt. I ended up getting a cortizone shot last year, but now taking 2 advil about an hour before I run does wonders. I also ice afterwards....

Anyhow, my point is that I now weight 192. Running seems like the best exercise without a doubt, at least for me. Do a little at a time and work up to your goal. The weight will come off so quickly!!!

I was 310lbs when I started C25K the end of April, I hadn't ran in almost 13 years, and thought this could be the death of me before I started the first run. I just finished the 1st run of week 6 tonight, and I feel great, you just have to find a good pace that works for you(which took me a couple weeks to do bc I had a bad habbit of trying to run to the music I was listening to!!) and you'll be fine. I'm actually going to run my 1st 5K 2 weeks from today. So I say RUN!!!

if you want a accurate answer -- you will have to consult your physician.

some people can handle it and do well (as some of the posters have said). some people have joint problems or other health issues (also as some have said).

it is hard for us to give you a good answer that takes into account all your circumstances.