Fat people shouldn't run? say what?!

gorewhore13
gorewhore13 Posts: 49 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Every Saturday I go for a walk/jog/run with my daughter for anywhere from 45 minutes-2 hours (depending on the weather). I was in my jogging part of my routine wearing ankle weights and this guy comes up from behind me on a bike and says, "who told you to run?" My first thought was he's going to kill me. He informed me he was a chiropractor and someone with my weight should never run and never wear ankle weights unless I'm excercising at home. I told him I like the feeling I get when I am able to run faster then the last time, he said I'm injuring my joints and hips. My general practiconer Dr said I was ok to run. Has anyone ever heard this before? I'm so confused now.

Replies

  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    Running is ok, but NOBODY should be wearing ankle weights while running, that's a fast way to serious joint damage.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    He was wrong about being too heavy to run but he was right about the ankle weights. They are probably fine for walking but can lead to injury by running with them. If you want to add weight running then it's better to add it to the upper body. Adding it to the ankles messes up the stride and adds stress to the lower leg.
  • rumpusparable
    rumpusparable Posts: 160
    Generally speaking, the larger you are the less running is a good idea due to damage to your joints and spine, yes. Also, ankle weights really shouldn't be used for running, ever. If you want to carry extra weight while doing so get a weight vest or carry hand weights. Running with ankle weights can damage your knees over time.

    But, your personal doctor knows you weight for height best and is definitely in a better place to make that judgement call for you, as an individual, than some random guy on the street.
  • gorewhore13
    gorewhore13 Posts: 49 Member
    This is good to know :) No wonder all the seasoned runners were giving me funny looks :)
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    I've heard that using ankle weights are a bad idea because they can throw off your form which can lead to injury.

    As far as the weight thing - I have never heard that and think it's total crap. As long as you have the right sneakers (recently learned how valuable the right sneakers are and can't stop pointing it out to others) and aren't stressing your joints out too much, I don't see the problem.
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    Hm. I wonder if, as a psychologist, I should walk up to people and start doling out unsolicited mental health advice... ? I find it bizarre that a health professional would approach someone, comment on their weight, and start advising them on their fitness regime.

    Yes, lose the weights. But you should be fine with running, if you don't have existing musculoskeletal issues, and if you build up gradually and use good form.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    sounds like he either was trying to get business or was looking for someone to tell him to mind his own business and STFU. I'd have went with the latter.

    and girl please leave in the ankle weights in the time machine so they can go back to the 80's :laugh:
  • BAMFMeredith
    BAMFMeredith Posts: 2,810 Member
    Wearing ankle weights while running is probably a bad idea, but I think your real doctor probably has a better idea of what you are capable of from a health/safety standpoint than some random chiropractor who has never evaluated you.
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