Are you doing anything else as well as Couch t... - Couch to 5K
Are you doing anything else as well as Couch to 5k to help you be fitter and healthier? (tick all that apply)
JR212938 VotersPlease select all that apply:
I'm cycling as well but have been doing that for a few years. I'm not doing anything else to improve my running, only c25k which I think is wonderful!
I ticked other, but could have equally said weight loss plan/alcohol/gym, but they all came first and C25K was an add on to them rather than the first thing which caused the others to happen.
I'm just doing the C5K... ("just"???) but I found myself being more conscious about what I eat, drink, etc
Running after too much wine is nooooot good, so I found out!
I also find that I have more energy and am so more enthusiastic about going for long walks etc
I imagine, I'm not the only one, am I?
Your not the only one
I'm only doing the 5K + stuff now, it's more than enough for me..
I've notice I'm more active, up for walks and even house work!
I was already working out at home to Davina's DVD twice a week then added C25K to the mix. Davina has now been sidestepped so I can concentrate on graduating but once done I will be back doing my free-weights and exercise routines but with the addition of regular runs. I want to keep my upper body toned and core strengthened to balance out all the leg work!
Hi SBG356, I noticed you talking about Davina before and wondered what dvd you have and whether you'd recommend it? I borrowed the first ever dvd she did from a friend years ago and quite liked it, but are there any more recent ones which are better?
Hi NewbieRunner, I think she has about 8 DVDs out now and I have them all except the pregnancy one! I try and mix them up a bit so that I dont keep working the same muscles and also get bored (I think I have a really low boredom threshhold what with this and doing laps round the park!!) but I find the earlier ones a bit dated now.
I really like her latest, Davina Ultimate Target, for the boot camp and the different target routines for abs, legs, shoulders, bingo wings etc. I tend to keep going back to this one but do like Body Buff, Davina Fit, and Super Body Workout as I like the boxing moves and the weights.
I have tried different DVDs at home before but Davina is the only one I have stuck with and have been doing regularly for the past 2 years or more - saves a load of money on gym membership and gets just as good results!
I am hoping she will be bringing out another at Christmas.......
Cheers for the info! 
Maybe time to change your handle from "Newbie Runner to "EX Newbie Runner" _ well done graduating!! Gives us newbies hope that we can become graduates too 
Thanks Char86, I like my handle as it reminds me where I came from! Plus I still feel like a newbie sometimes. I see that you've recently started your C25k journey; the very best of luck with it - it's a fab programme and it works! Just check in to this community anytime you need encouragement as everyone is great and will help you along the way.
As well as C25K I'm just trying to watch what I eat, not dieting as such but just trying to generally make better choices
I do British Military Fitness classes (not as scary as they sound!) and get involved in other things of the back of that. Like 10k races, sports days, canoeing etc....
On Sunday I'm doing the Major Series with them, Its a 12k obstacle course. You have to go through rivers, climb walls, go under cargo nets and a whole load of other muddy muddy things! Crazy but loads of fun
WOW! IMPRESSIVE.ANYTHING LIKE THE ROYAL MARINES COMMANDO SCHOOL STUFF ON TELLY AT THE MOMENT?!
I am just doing c25k for now. I actually used to go to the gym but since getting out in the fresh air 3 times per week to run, the thought of returning to indoor classes/gyms is really off putting!
I do really miss spinning class though, so I may try to get to some classes maybe once per week.
I should probably try to eat a bit more healthy too (as I envisage a stage where this rather than my fitness will be my main health concern) but I find it really difficult, especially at this time of year when I just crave biscuits and cups of tea!
I'm doing more stairs and walking, and in addition I have a back exercises plan which I do theoretically every non-run day and in practise 2-3 days a week. Plus stretches which I do religiously every day because if I don't, I soon notice!
Since graduating about 3 weeks ago I've been doing the Stamina and Speed podcasts and running 5K to my own music. No ambitions beyond 5K/30 minutes, I'll just see how it goes for a bit!
Haven't changed diet at all, BMI 21 like it was before I started.
I joined a gym after starting C25K as a supplement. I do weights to improve my leg muscles and I also go to yoga classes for flexibility. I'm thinking of getting a road bike as well. I feel so much fitter since starting regular excercise. It soon becomes addictive and the running community are such a friendly bunch of people.
When not travelling, I have been cross-training by swimming 2 km on the "rest days" where I am not running. Run, swim, run, swim -- it makes for a nice routine with about 40 - 45 minutes of exercise every day.
I've also been dieting. No specific plan, like Atkins or Weight Watchers; I just count my calories and try to keep them below about 2000 - 2200 per day. It works well, as I can eat whatever I want -- if I want a chocolate bar, I can still go get it. I'm losing a little more than a pound a week with this plan. In February, I hit an all-time high weight of 99 kg. Ouch! Now I'm down to 84 kg, and my BMI has dropped from an "obese" rating of 33.7 to being merely "overwight" at 28.8.
Target weight is 70 kg, with a "normal" range BMI of 23.8. Between the running, the swimming, and the dieting, I know I'll get there within the next year!
Going onto a half marathon in the spring and more triathlons next year - may do some duathlons over the winter ...
I've ended up with a fairly strange body shape as everything that I do is mostly leg work... running, walking swimming and cycling so recently I've taken up Bouldering (climbing without ropes - its not that high!), it is really fun and a great strength work out for arms and core. I've only been a few times but I'm really feeling the benefit - I actually have muscles in my arms apparently!!
Bouldering and climbing are very fun. Swimming is also a serious upper body workout. You said you were already swimming - was it a major part of your routine? Proper swimming technique is actually more arms/core than legs for front crawl, back crawl and butterfly. (Butterfly especially will give you shoulders like you wouldn't believe, as well as upper back, triceps and abs. In case you feel like trying it.)
I have been watching what I eat (have lost over two stone with weight watchers in the past so know what to do). I have cut out alcohol in the week completely and really reduced the amount at weekends (I really do like a nice dry white wine or two...bottles!). I have also started a pilates class which I am really enjoying. I have lost about half a stone over the 8 weeks.
I joined slimming world a couple of months ago and saw couch25k advertised on their web site, and there my running journey started.....
I've combined Slimming World, walking and cycling first to help weight loss/stamina and then started C25K -, which I think was a fantastic way of getting into running and improving fitness. I've lost 41/2 stone and can't believe the difference it has all made to my lifestyle at the moment. Feel good and full of energy. Now working with B210K to train for a 10K (couldn't quite take to C25K+ after graduating.) Inspired a few non runners at work to take up running using the podcast - so really chuffed about that!
I've been a member of Curves gym for a couple of years now and cycle when I can as well as walking the dog, tennis etc. We (reluctanthusband and I) had already started a healthy eating plan before finding C25k. We've both lost weight, probably 10 lbs or so and bmi has moved into healthy zone!
My life has changed greatly since beginning c25k. I started Tae Kwon Do in January and I'm about to go for blue belt this week. I train for this two nights a week. I still run three times a week since graduating in march and over the last few months I have run some fun runs: 5k, 12k,14k and a half marathon. I do a body pump class each week to help with strength and Bootcamp on Saturdays too... Just for fun. This week I participated in a 'running technique' session that was really beneficial. I lost 23 kg from January and hope to lose another 10kg or so...
Life has denifinitely changed for the better!
Doing a lot more cycling and walking instead of using the car
I have a cycle commute to work and have been doing it for about 18 months and gave up smoking over 2 years ago. I started C25k to get better overall fitness, but it has also changed my relationship with food - it has made me want to shift a few lbs and I am much more aware of food as running fuel, so I am making more sensible choices, reducing my alcohol intake and generally become more aware of increasing my day to day activity level.
Mainly doing C25K, although I do like to try and hike once a week, even if only for an hour. Usually try and do 8 miles'ish on the longer hikes. Looking to start with a running club... if I can get up the nerve
I have joined a gym, and rather than specifically going on a diet, I have changed what I eat to cut out any rubbish and eat only fresh home made food, high fibre low fat etc, so far lost nearly 3 stone, I have just started c25k as I need to focus on goals to maintain what I have achieved. Have never run before so it will also be a good challenge to complete. Signed up to a 5k extreme obstacle course next year so will need this training.
I have cut down on alcohol - didn't really drink a lot but have only had 2 glasses of wine in the last 4 weeks. I've cut out chocolate, biscuits and cake. The rest of my diet is healthy(ish) and I hope will be something I can maintain for life.
At the moment the running is helping me to eat sensibly, and hopefully the 'diet' will help the running.
I need to lose a couple of stone. Only 2lbs have come off since I started healthier eating 4 weeks ago but I do feel better.
Generally healthier eating after reading Marisa Peer's book and listening to her CD. She advocates cutting out wheat and have actually stopped having headaches since (was previously having about 3 a week, now none since September!!).
Have lost a stone and a half this year, very slowly but feels like it's going to stay off.
Really don't drink cola anymore, diet or regular, after reading and wondering about what i read about the ingredients. Had cut it down and now months into having none at all. Drinking more water. I don't miss the cola at all. Also have totally stopping going to certain fast food restaurants for over a year before starting running. Finally, hardly ever had chocolate bars for several months. Now they just don't taste good anymore. Dark, gourmet, expensive chocolate has been tasted and now I like that if, I said if, I want to taste chocolate. Milky (skim) tea has become my comfort drink of choice. Weight stayed on with all that and is now slowly coming off with running.
I have started my C25k program two days back. I am very much positive about it and would like to see myself running 5k in the due period of time. ?
I walk a lot more. On days that I don't run I walk, aiming for at least 5k a day. Also use Jillian Michaels DVDs. ( If you are interested in exercise DVDs you can rent some from lovefilm and see if you like them first, also look for used ones on amazon and ebay) I also focus on eating more fruit and veg, excluding all processed foods and cutting on sugar in tea and coffee.
I got a bit of a fright when I checked my BMI on the 1st Jan and realised I'm not far off obesity! Blaming it on all the food I've been eating since my wedding in the Autumn, but also realised I need more exercise. I've started keeping a food diary alongside C25K to help me be aware of what (and how much) I'm eating each day. I've also hidden all the Christmas chocolates and biscuits in a box at the back of the cupboard in the hope that 'out of sight, out of mind' will stop me craving them all day since I work from home.
I'm just on week 1 at the moment, but looking forward to progressing. Does anyone have any cheap ideas of what to do for strength and flexibility? I live in the country so I suppose fetching wood each morning for the fire could count?
I do watch what I eat, I don't drink or smoke.
Trying to watch what I eat and have a personal trainer a couple of times a month.
Have you tried the Strength and Flex podcasts? They're like a free PT:
I'm also doing the 5:2 plan and am trying to eat more sensibly in general, including weighing pasta/rice etc as my portion sizes were enough for 2 if I'm honest. Have lost 13lbs so far in 5 weeks despite not being able to run for 3 weeks due to shin splints so really happy with how it's going.
I switched to a Paleo lifestyle
I am slowly switching over to this too!
I'm doing the 5:2 plan as well and yes it works,3lbs lost in 2 weeks!
Hi RUNNINGWILD, This is all new to me...what exactly is a 5:2 plan?
Hi spangle, it's the 'Fast Diet' where you eat normally for 5 days then reduce your calorie intake for 2. Unfortunately I found I was pigging out more and still eating normally on the other 2 days! has worked for some but not for me, just do the old eat less move more plan now! Here's more info: nhs.uk/news/2013/01January/...
Good luck
I've switched from Fitness Evolved 2012 3x a week to this C25K, when I've finished this I'll mix both. I am just in the obese range but have lost several lb since I started the fitness in Jan 2013, I'm in week 1 of this running program. I am also monitoring my calorie intake and opting for healthier choices while eating smaller portions. I already don't drink or smoke.
Cross trainer most days too
I'm also working on my diet, though not to lose weight. I'm just cutting down on processed food, grease and stuff that doesn't agree with my body, and substituting with more cooking, water and raw foods.
Also working on mental health through setting goals, plans and reinforcing more positive thought in general.
That is my aim too. Problem is my better half cannot recognize food unless it comes in as cook-chill pack! He also says he prefers me 'cuddly' and buys posh chocs if he thinks I am trying to lose weight.
I can relate Beek!
My partner's response to me dieting, exercising and buying some new clothing
"Don't do it for me, I like you the way you are".
Followed 2 weeks later by
"You've changed - are you having an affair".
Once I reassured him (ok, once I finished laughing and then reassured him) he was fine and is being much more supportive! Even asked if I wanted running shorts or something for the summer. ( I run in old tracky bottoms at the moment).
Hopefully your better half will also stop being insecure and start being supportive!
Combining this with Low GL diet. Type 22 diabetic so I hope exercise should help me to get some weight off.
Hi, I'm quite overweight and the doctor suggested I reduce my sugar intake to around 15g a day and read up on what sugar does to your body. After reading a lot about sugar I have been cutting back on sugar and just done run 1 of week 2. I've lost 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) in 9 days so I'm over the moon. I was shocked at what sugar does and what it's in really interesting. I've tried most if not all diets and his makes sense. Well done to everyone on here I'm so inspired reading everyone's comments.
I bought an exercise bike (as a concession to the awful weather!). Then I picked up a second hand treadmill in a local market for a mere £10. I have a set of weights, a stretch band and an exercise ball. I've been working out at home from a book for beginners and have recently joined a Pilates class. I've been doing the C25K for a few weeks but do each week twice before going on to the next - a concession to my age and level of Fitness - and am enjoying it all.
I ticked "other" because the main thing I'm doing is improving my diet (eating mainly vegetarian meals with lots of beans and vegetables) since taking a free online nutrition course (which has been enlightening!) I've also cut down/almost given up on alcohol, although that's accidental as since I've been eating better and doing more exercise I've weirdly lost the taste for it. Also doing lots more walking, plus keeping a food and fitness diary with "MyFitnessPal" (free online), which is really interesting.
I'm starting parkrun tomorrow.It will be w6r3 so I will run for 25 mins and then complete the race with run/walk for another ten minutes.
I am also slowly moving to a paleo diet..
I am calorie counting using the calorie counter app. I also horse ride a few times a week.
Have been thinking about doing Pilates . Just need to join a class somewhere in my area.
I used to go to the gym, but found it was too expensive, so started this - mainly because I have a 5k charity run coming up and I wanted to run most of the way. I thought I was fairly fit - going to the gym twice a week and swimming... but running/jogging is a different thing for me (I hated the treadmills at the gym) and it's totally reviewed what I think about my fitness - or lack of. Great fun though and the sense of achievement I had when I ran for 3 minutes non-stop was brilliant (haven't done that for 20+ years).
I've recently lost 2.5 stone using spark people and map my walk apps- I am now at my goal so my new challenge is C25K- which I completed today, yay!
im going to start 'the fast diet' next week
Yoga, find it really helps to loosen things up and the breathing helps to calm me on runs when I want to give up! Also another vote for Davina, do abs section on her dvds (mix them up) when I get back from a run. Also core stuff, pressups more stretching and then I relax!! Takes about 30 minutes.
Agree with the yoga! A friend of mine recommended doing a 30min yoga session before and after each run although its quite time consuming! Also considering Pilates...
Just looked at the '30 day shred' dvd, feel exhausted already, but will try it. I'd read a few people on here are doing and got curious!
Just beware the jumping jacks and don't do them on a hard floor. You have been warned! My foot still twinges two months later.
Oooh you were right greenlegs, not my foot but my knees! Yoga and running is working fine for me, ditched the shred!
I go to Zumba a couple of times a week.
It's great fun if you find the right class.
I've got an exercise bike too but I only use it if I can't go for a run or have to miss zumba.
Where do you get Davina DVDs from?
I've been trying to drink more water and less soda. I've also been trying to eat less and smaller portions.
One step at a time!
Yes, I'm doing the 5:2 intermittent fasting.
Going to weight watchers I also go line dancing and Zumba once a week and walk to work ( about 25 mins) 4 times a week.
I am a month into quitting smoking - so far so good! I don't drink enough alcohol to need to cut down. I am not 'dieting' but after winter malaise + comfort eating in the first couple of weeks of my quit I'm making a conscious effort to record what I put into my body and make sure I'm eating the right balance so I can continue getting better with my running (I'm an absolute beginner as of 2 weeks ago, am about to head out for W3 R1!).
I was happy to find that my diet is actually really good, I just needed to get into a routine and actually see for myself how much I should be eating of everything to stay healthy.
I've been doing the 5:2 diet, but recently reached my goal, so I'm only doing one fasting day a week. I also attend a yoga class once a week and have cut down on the red wine. This time last year I was drinking every evening. On the 5:2 diet I cut out wine on my fasting days, then 3 nights a week. After starting the c25K I cut out wine for 4 nights a week and have continued with this for the last couple of months (and hope to stick to only drinking Fri-Sun).
Yoga. Good for stretching everything out after a few runs.
I've been a member of weight watchers for a while, I also go line dancing, Zumba and walk a lot but have been doing those for a number of years now. Am on week 8 of C25 K now
A weight loss plan
Its just the c25k at the moment for me. We walk the dog about a mile everyday and I try to add an extra 2 mile walk on non running days. After finishing week 9 I'll look into options of adding cycling and swimming as well as getting quicker at the 5k for canicross.
Nhs 1400 calories 12 week programme. Has worked brilliantly.
Stopped smoking August 2013 after 45 years of between 30 and 40 per day.
Joined the weight loss community in February of this year after getting weighed at the doctors and finding that my weight has increased by way too much.
Joined myfitnesspal after having looked all round the site and liking what I saw, as of Wednesday, 12th March, I started recording carefully and very honestly all the food and drink that I consume and am extremely pleased that it is teaching me many things including the fact that I am accountable for what does and does not form part of my daily food/drink.
Had been looking at Couch to 5K for quite a while and joined the forum and did a lot of reading and posted a couple of questions and the response was so amazing that I wondered if it were possible for me to do this.
Yesterday, 25th March, was my 59th birthday and decided that I would like to do this and as with the stopping smoking and the dieting, only me could do this for me, so decided to go for it and am now busily and happily preparing to start out on yet another new journey.
Hopefully, I will complete the course and carry on running as I love to walk but to be able to run not all the time but sometimes would be just magical.
I started dieting on January 1st, decided it was time at 18st 4lb's, just counting calories (1500 a day) then 8 weeks ago started Couch to 5k. About to start week 9 this week, and currently weighing in at 15st 4lb's. All in all it's been a great year so far.
Believe me when I say that I hated running at school and hadn't even run for a bus for 30 odd years so reading what was required for this program was pretty intimidating, however following the Podcasts to the letter has got me this far with no major hiccups, and to run 4.5k on week 8 run 3 made me feel bloody brilliant.
Good luck to everyone.
No S Diet. (nosdiet.com). Plus, I walk and lift weights on my running rest days.
I'm dancing. I took up running to improve my stamina.
I'm following a calorie plan, walking more and running up to four times per week.
I do Weight watchers been at goal for a while and lots of members are very very keen on couch to 5k . Also belong to gym have been for a few years now do really enjoy the classes and weights. Must say though I'm finding that I'm liking the running more an more . I'm up to w5 run 3 . Never run before in my life just walked so its surprising me . Oh also I'm not young either early 60s eek where's all that time gone lol
I out other as I have been doing 5:2 eating plan for a while and also dance regularly
i have started to play bowls and am walking each Saturday to town to do my shopping and then back home with two or three bags of shopping. Have also been busy in the garden, lots of digging and bending up and down planting out plants. I have also cut all cakes, sweets, ice cream and lovely biscuits, cant give up Rich Tea though!!! Eat lots of apples and pears and huge amounts of vine toms and salad and introduced at least three portions of fish a week. I feel so much fitter and healthier, i have lost nearly a stone in weight since January. I run at least three times a week and use over 440 calories each time which is a great incentive to keep with the running!!!!!
I do yoga 4 times a week and lane swimming every wednesday. Just started C25k, so fingers crossed the other exercise helps.
Since stopping smoking 8 weeks ago, I began doing the C25K as I have found that the training is helping to keep me both occupied and focussed upon staying cigarette free. The only way is up now!!
I ticked started swimming in our poll, but that's not strictly true! It's the running I've added to my swimming! I've been swimming for years, completely love it, but live half the year in a place with no swimming pool within reasonable distance. I feel I need to do some form of exercise while I can't swim, so I'm trying the couch to 5 K programme. So far it's going well (week 2) apart from knee pain...
Have just lost the lower right lobe of lung to surgery. Good news is that this cancer is now gone. Had surgery for endometrial cancer, 2 years ago w/radiation & chemo following. Had just completed that experience 18 months before lung (2nd primary) cancer. Haven't been active for that whole 2 year time. I want to get moving again, now that I'm off oxygen. Can you help me?
30 day plank challenge. Am on day 5 - 40 seconds. Rest day tomorrow and then I think it ramps up a notch!!
Going to weightwatchers. Joined 2 weeks after starting c2 5k. Have lost a stone in 5 weeks. Think the C25k is helping with weight loss & losing weight is helping with my running
I've just joined a gym. I have piled on a stone and a half in a year. Bmi is 31. Scary times but I'm determined to beat my gut!!!!
I am Trying to Quit smoking... day 4
Cycling, weight training, gluten free diet (celiac)
LOADS & LOADS OF GARDENING INCLUDING SOME LANDSCAPING WICH MEANS MOVING HEAVY BAGS OF GRAVEL & COMPOST. EVEN WEEDING A BED THOROUGLY GIVES YOU SOME EXERCISE. CAN'T RUN COS OF REALLY CR**PY BALANCE BUT DEVELOPING MUSCLES LIKE POPEYE. NOT A GOOD LOOK FOR A GIRL!
I've been doing NHS Choices Strength and flexibility alongside C25K.
I am also using my fitness pal app to monitor my calorie intake
I've been cutting out sugar.
Just started the C25K program, stopped smoking just over 6 months ago trying to eat a bit better and live healthier
5 2 diet and C25k together have transformed my fitness and wellbeing
I'm learning ballroom dancing. I also walk my dogs most days (if it's raining they don't want to know!). I've downloaded the couch to 5K app and am looking forward to starting it today. It's great (and inspiring) to read all the comments. x
I'm trying to start the NHS wheight loss plan, but i'm not very disciplinated
I'm running 5K per day and doing lift weight exercise but my weight still 7 k need to lose .As im eating very healthy food
Yes, I'm waging a mental war on my bum's affinity for my couch.
I do Pilates on my non-running days. I had a couple of back ops early in 2014 and so started Pilates to strengthen my back again, but now I do both I think one helps the other. I feel stronger and fitter than I have ever done before!
Pole fitness💪
