Can I do garden work instead of running Couch to 5K?

After I hurt my ilio sacral Joints last year , I can't get the hang of running again. Can I get the same effect by doing garden work as with c25K? How many minutes/ hours should I do it?

[Hidden]

My dad gardens now since he was diagnosed with knee artheritis. He spends about half an hour in the evenings and most of his weekends he also goes swimming for one hour every week and takes a 30 minute walk during his lunch hour at work.

[carerof Graduate]

this made me laugh as it was as though you had read my thoughts. When i got home from work this evening i got changed and went straight out to do some digging in the garden for 30mins. While i was doing it i thought tomorrow i have to do a run how will i fit everything in, when the weather is good i just want to work in the garden but i also want to run!!!!!! Decisions decisions what does everyone else think is the answer??

[Hidden]

If you are unable to run I think you might need to do 30 minutes walking to replace it. Check with your doctor. Best wishes.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Any form of exercise is going to be better than sitting on the couch. Just be aware that bending and kneeling are hard on your knees and back. If you can do some walking that will help, also swimming is great for keeping a body mobile. Don't over do the gardening there is all summer to get the jobs done

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Gardening is unlikely to give you the same cardio vascular workout as running. Swimming or cycling would be a better option in that respect. Good luck.

[Hennith Graduate]

I have had awful SI pain in the past. One thing that is more likely than anything to bring it on is gardening - it's the weeding, stretching forward type actions that aggravate it. It seems to have been a lot better since I've been running - I think it likes being kept moving. Anyway, my advice is to be careful in the garden and to have a chat with a chiropractor or similar to find out exactly what exercise would be good for you in your particular situation. Good luck!

[Hidden]

Cheerioh! Thank you for all your helpful replies. I will pick the best fruit for harvest!!!!