Hi,
It's my first time posting here and I'm on Week 2 Run 2 and really enjoying it. The cardio is great but I'm wondering if I should be using other machines at the gym (I'm using the treadmill for C25K and then going to wean myself off it once I get used to running with proper form).
Does anyone use any of the weights or any other strength training? Is this something I need to factor into my exercise regime?
Yep we do! Loads of folks are cycling, walking, swimming and spinning. Going to the gym or doing exercises at home. I do Jillian Michaels workout DVD's at home and getting on great with those. They're really helped build up my strength and fitness. Her DVD's use small handweights (well some of her DVD's I should say) I had never, ever done anything like them before but am getting better. Not cracked the full plank yet though
Thank you very much for answering, I'll look her up. : )
Yes. If you are a member of a gym, see if they would put together a program of strength exercises to compliment your running - unless you are at a budget gym they are likely to do this for free.
Have you thought about going to a class? Body Balance or spinning are great and low impact.
I do my own thing - mostly upper body machines and using the x-trainer. I like to use the concept 2 rower... But that knackers me out after a few minutes!
Whatever you do, just make sure you enjoy yourself and don't over do it.
I joined a Boxercise class about 3 weeks ago to work on my upper body, but I worry that its cardio focus is leaving my fittness routine out of balance. I'm a complete exercise rookie so I'm trying to learn as much as I can. I might give some of the machines a go in the next week or two and ask around about exercise plans. Thank you very much for the reply. : )
Cardio, abs, upper body, legs. Circuit training, mat work is all good. I'd never done any until a few months ago but doing all sorts now. At home that is
Since you're still so new to running, I would make sure you build a great habit with that first. Just me personal opinion, but I've found when I try to do to much, it's harder to keep up with it all and if one thing slides it means others can as well. There is no shame in "only" running 3 times a week. I graduated last May and am still just doing that. I feel great, and I know I've made a lifelong habit. I get some people asking why I haven't "progressed", but to me running 3 times a week for almost a year is HUGE progress.
I don't want to discourage you, so please don't think that. I would just say to check in with yourself to see if you're going over your limit of what you can sustain. Either way, congrats for completing week 2, and good luck for future runs!
I'm completely with you. I've never been able to exercise constantly and as I'm now a full time post-grad student I have a very stationary life. Just being able to run is a big achievement for me and I'm glad there are others like me. I might try and factor in something once a week so I don't do myself an injury in later runs. : )
I do this: nhs.uk/Livewell/strength-an... on my my non-running days and I haven't had a single strain or pain in 8 weeks.
Thank you very much, I'll check that out. : D
Core strength is important for running, pilates, swimming, weights etc, most of the stuff suggested here will help, you just need to decide what floats your boat! I'd probably start by asking at the gym. good luck xx
That's what I thought, I think my gym has a pilates class so I might give it a look. Thanks. : )
I do one strength session a week with weights, kettlebells etc. Strengthening my bum and my core has really helped me as I have got on to the longer runs (currently week 8). I feel strong when I'm running and that helps with those good ol' head gremlins that make an appearance as you progress through the program. Good luck with it!
Thanks my thinking too and it sounds like a good rate to try out. Thank you very much for replying. : )
Yep no need for anything extreme. You will get fitter gradually and safely, and enjoy it more if you don't do too much too soon. If you mix things up you will find out what works for you
A New addition to our little family of forums. 
Strengthening exercises
New addition... yippee
Meals + other exercise? (Confused)
Alternative exercise on rest days?
