Alternative exercise on rest days?

[Nailectric]

Hi all. Newbie member here.

So I am finally off the mark, having been intending to start this for about 2 months. Today was one of those days where circumstances conspired to mean that I could very easily have put off launch till another time, but I decided I had to just get on with it - so off to the gym I went and did the first run on the treadmill. I may move outside for some of the runs, but wanted to play safe as this was my first time. I also want to keep this going throughout the year, and know that it will be much easier for me to do the running at the gym on those cold, dark evenings. I'm on holiday this week, but need to make sure I find a way of fitting this in when I am back at work.

I do try to do some other forms of exercise too (mainly Aqua aerobics and Pilates, plus a weekly dance lesson, so decent workouts but nothing overly dramatic). I'm interested to know whether alternative forms of exercise on days off from the runs fit OK with the programme? Any advice appreciated, please!

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Whatever you like that's not running! Cycling is great but so is swimming ( I hate water unfortunately! )and Pilates is fab for your core. Don't rule out the great outdoors during the winter either - why, with a head torch and a Zombies! Run! app on your phone, every dark run is an adventure just waiting to happen! Good luck with the programme, it is fab and the support on this forum will get you there, guaranteed!🙂

[Nailectric Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks, Sandraj39! I have to look up this Zombies!Run! App. Mind you, I think I need a new phone. Mine is so ancient I couldn't download the C25K app onto it, so ended up doing convoluted things with iTunes, my laptop and my iPod. It worked but it was a pain. I think the iPod is older than the phone.

I'm not a swimmer either - but I find Aqua OK and helps me build a bit of confidence in the water. I have been doing Pilates for years as my back becomes a problem if I don't. I have got a bike, so time to dig that out of the shed too!

Thanks for the good wishes. I thought it would help if I signed onto the community as I could see how supportive everyone is of each other.

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Nailectric]

I am sure you will find it really helpful - I know I have. You will soon find you are running with our encouraging words of wisdom in your ear! 😉

[OldPossum in reply to Sandraj39]

I too now need to look up Zombies!Run! Not sure I'm brave enough for running in the dark here though. The sea wall is uneven and very slippery clay in winter. If I fell in the marshes I don't how long I'd be there before they found me!! Have figured I might brave the pavements in winter though as on-one will see me in the dark 😀

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to OldPossum]

It's great fun and just helps to mix things up a bit once in a while. There's quite a few of us on here who like to use it. It maps your runs too and you can time intervals in to it as well (haven't done that yet myself). You can also play your music in between the evolving story...🙂

[OldPossum in reply to Sandraj39]

Would that mean I'd need to dig the Monster Mash out of the archives ? 😀

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to OldPossum]

Ha ha! Now there's another thread altogether!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

All that you mention are absolutely fine and anything like Pilates that strengthens core muscles is beneficial for the running.

Good luck!

[Nailectric Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thanks so much Ullyrunner! I shall persevere. I have to do Pilates for my back anyway, plus I find it relaxing so it is good to know that I don't need to run less frequently to fit it in.

I really appreciate you taking the time to reply to my post.

[McFitty Graduate]

Oh well done on starting! As a procrastinator extraordinaire, I know how easy it can be to keep putting it off 😊 Keep updating everyone on your progress, as there are a whole bunch of lovely people on here just waiting to cheer you on!

[Nailectric Graduate in reply to McFitty]

I will, I promise! I have a very bad habit of working too hard and not making time for me. I thought if I joined the forum, it would help me to keep up the commitment. I can see how lovely you all are already! Thank you!

[OldPossum]

I often walk and cycle on non run days. Am trying my hand at yoga too. Welcome to this addiction called running 😀

[Nailectric Graduate]

Thank you! I'm twitching already to go again. I was trying to run slowly - probably could have done the same speed at a really brisk walk, but from what I have already read on here, it's better to do that than overdo it.

[RunaroundSue]

I have been doing these.nhs.uk/Livewell/strength-an...

I was doing 3 a week for a while, but missed a few due to going for longish walks or gardening instead. As long as I manage to fit something in every day except Tuesdays I am happy

[Nailectric Graduate in reply to RunaroundSue]

Oh, fantastic, thanks RunaroundSue (love your user name!).

[Ellymeg Graduate]

As you go to you gym, have a look to see if they do a 'pump' class. It is a whole body conditioner, body balance is good too. BB is a mix of yoga and power Pilates. Have fun experimenting with rest days. Tomorrow - rest day mine is g/children herding and chicken minding and a garden session of yoga!!

[Nailectric Graduate in reply to Ellymeg]

I know they do pump and I want to go to it - I did it before, but I have an elbow problem at the moment, and it doesn't bear weight terribly well at the moment. I can cope with Pilates better than I could as I have been having physio, but it is still not right, so am going back to docs on Friday to see what more I might do to help it heal. I have tried Body Balance - more like Body Wobble in my case. Again, it is probably worth another go when the elbow sorts itself out. I play golf too, but that has gone by the board at the minute for the same reason. ☹️

Thanks so much for the suggestions though - I will definitely give them another go when the elbow is better. I'm going to do Aqua tomorrow and just be careful with the arm exercise bit. Gives me an excuse to sit in the jacuzzi after too! Your day off sounds tiring, but fun. Enjoy!

[ench0 Graduate]

I was wondering about introducing exercise regime on off days. Would it make more sense to have them on run days so day off would be really a day off?

[Nailectric Graduate in reply to ench0]

That sounds interesting. I guess it depends on whether you are using the same muscle groups and also on what time you have in any one day and what options are available to you. I've noticed people posting on here who do Pilates and running in the same day.

[melly4012 Graduate]

Great advice above, but welcome to the forum! The C25k programme is simply amazing and the forum is even better! You'll be a runner before you know it! Keep us informed with your progress and the incredible people on here with help with encouragement or motivation should you need it.

[Nailectric Graduate in reply to melly4012]

Thank you!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

There's also the NHS Strength and Flexibility podcast programme which is a companion to the NHS C25K.

[Nailectric Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Yes, I'm going to try that as soon as my dodgy elbow recovers enough to bear my weight properly! Bit worried that I would just impale myself on the suggested park railings at the moment! Thanks so much for the advice.

[Hillrunner2201]

I just walk to and from work with some longer walks at the weekend. I also lift weights at home about 5 days a week. Too stingy to do anything else 😂

[Nailectric Graduate in reply to Hillrunner2201]

Sounds good. I have weights at home too.