Anyone using the treadmill to complete Cto5k??

[Nishp13]

Hi I started the programme last week but have been using a treadmill. Has anyone else used a treadmill and as a result lost weight? Thanks in advance

[HazyJay]

I'm not doing it to lose weight but I have done my first few runs on the treadmill, Mainly because I live on the flats with very little in the way of hills so a TM gives me the chance to run on inclines. It's also helping me get an idea of how far a workout will take me so that I can plan road routes when the weather improves.

[Nishp13 in reply to HazyJay]

Thanks for your response. I'm hoping to loose weight but have heard that running outdoors is much more beneficial. Unfortunately there isn't many places where I can run outdoors near to where I live. I'm hopeful the treadmill will help.

[HazyJay]

In some circumstances the TM is better than open road. I live on fens that are flat and large. There are public footpaths/bridleways but the tracks aren't the best or safest to run on as very slippy this time of year. The alternative is true road running where I'd be running on fairly busy B-roads with sporadic pieces of footpath. So at this time of year, with my inexperience added, the TM is safer for me.

What matters is actually running and walking as the program requires. My first day on the program and treadmill saw me complete 2.41 miles in the session. Had you told me I was going to run and walk that far before I started then I'd have laughed.

So long as your heart rate increases to the fat burning zone then you will lose weight on the treadmill, the road, or running on the spot! Keep at it and take on the road when you feel ready

[HazyJay]

Those tracks and paths I mention BTW go round huge fields so are big treks in themselves, unlit, and not tarmacced. More gravel, mud, mulch, grit, riverbank, and occasionally hard stuff!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

HI there,

I did the whole of the C25K on a treadmill in our works gym this time last year. I wasn't trying to lose weight, but simply get back into running after 25 years (literally, a long story!).

Yes, running on a treadmill *is* different to outdoors - without any incline and with te ground moving underneath you and helping to propel you forward, it's easier and you will use less energy for a given distance/time.

BUT... many people say that if you want to try and mimic outdoor running, then in your circumstances (ie starting out), the best thing you can do is set the incline to at least 1%.

Hope that helps - good luck

John

[HazyJay in reply to John_W]

That's a good point. I always have my inclines between 1.5% and 5% on this first week of runs.

[Keep_on_going Graduate]

I read that you burn only 5% more calories outside than on a TM. You need to set the TM on a slight incline.

There are pros and cons to both but there's no reason that you wouldn't lose weight just because you're on a TM.

[Nishp13]

Thank You everyone for taking the time out to answer my question, I really appreciate it.

I'm really motivated to stick at this whether it be for weight loss reasons or just to keep fit so the treadmill will be my first option until I'm confident enough to hit the outdoor roads.

Thank you so much

[WyreForest]

I'm on Week 4 using the treadmill. If I was doing it purely to lose weight then it could be quite disheartening...... I gave everything to complete my run this morning and it flashed up that I'd burned about 230 calories.... I can't see anyone losing weight purely on C25K. That said, four weeks in, I've become much more careful about what I eat and drink, choosing water than a second glass of wine last night for instance, as I knew it would only make today's run harder. It's almost like how you are more careful what you buy using cash rather than with a card.... after 30 mins at the gym it seems daft to eat a Mars bar as a snack, probably more calories than all you burned off with your hard work.

I tend to have a short ( no more than 10-15 mins) spell on the weights after my run, and the combined effect of all these things is that I feel fitter, have lost weight and, according to my wife, am a much improved shape after a month...and that includes Xmas. Keep it up!!

PS. And there's no way I'm running outside until it's warmer, lighter and less wet!!!!

[Nishp13 in reply to WyreForest]

Thank You so much for the response. I am on week 3 day 2 today - haven't weighed myself for over two months now but just feel good to be more active. Weight loss will be a bonus

[Jeleybelly Graduate]

I don't think it matters weight wise if you run outdoors or in, but at the moment indoors is perhaps a bit safer, I can hardly stand on ice let alone run on it!

I think any weight loss will only really come once you graduate and run 30 mins *3 times a week - and if not weight loss check your measurements - for the first time ever I actually lost some cm round my thighs

Well done getting started - that's the hardest part - keep going strong

[Nishp13 in reply to Jeleybelly]

Thanks for the tips anything helps for this newbie. Just feel really happy that I've got to week 3 which is an achievement for me as previously I did no exercise at all.