Exercise bike

[Hin32]

Can you use a exercise bike to start with as I feel I embrassed running till I’ve lost some weight

[AnnieW55]

You could. Just follow the programme by pedalling at the different rates. There was someone on here a while ago who did that due to injury. However, it's only by running, when you are ready, that you will be able to graduate.

The actual running required is only very slow. Your fastest walk would probably be faster than your run. So why not just try a short session, you don't have to do all of w1r1 (although you might surprise yourself by completing most or all of it). You don't have to don full Lycra, just some comfortable clothes and go out there. Honestly most people don't give you a second glance, those that do often smile or say hi. You can always do what I did, pretend you are late for something and just hurrying along😀.

However you start (there's some brilliant information in the Pinned Posts section on the right) enjoy yourself. This will be one of the best things you can do for yourself - I'm still here over 5 years later and loving it.

Look around at the posts especially in Topics week1 lots of people in a similar position to you and getting there.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Running's running and cycling's cycling. Both good but they are different. I guess if you like the idea of 'spin class' there is no reason you can't use the Couch to 5K plan for audio coaching and the sense of achievement could well wipe out notions of embarrassment.

But a little reading of the forum will show you that embarrassment about running whilst overweight is a) very, very, very common and b) dispelled by... getting on and running whilst overweight. Lots of tips to reduce the height of the barrier for those earliest outings.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

A great reply from AnnieW55

You could hugely improve your fitness by following the plan on an exercise bike, but because of its impact running has very different effects on the body, which cycling will not reproduce. it uses different muscle sets.

Please read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... so that you understand that you are in control.

We would be happy to support you, whichever way you decide to mive forward.

[Tbae]

Of course you can on your repair days.🤔

But as it is a non impact

M/c, unlike a treadmill eg., it is not part of the C25k run days.🤔

It is good that you are here.🌟👏👏

You want to address your health and fitness, hold that close to you, not any embarrassment.🤔

You have many options , unlimited really,

Broadly keep it simple for you,

The C25k tried and tested programme is to get you to run 30 mins in 27 total runs minimum.It will build yourlegs and lungs and probably only burn 1000 calories per week for your 3 runs.

Every alternative day you must have a repair day , no running, or more days if needed, that day/ or days you can use your static bike, or any other cardio activity.Active 10 eg.

Do not know what weight loss deficit you are thinking about, but you will probably need more than just the running programme eventually.🤔

But a great place to start.

Everything is here,

Weight loss community,

Walking community,

Running community, and much much more.🌟👏👏

Hope this helps you, give this gift to yourself, this will change your fitness life and health.

All the support you can ever need right here, physical , physcological and emotional on this C25k forum. 🌟👏👏

[PamJ58 Graduate]

I felt embarassed about being seen out running when I started, but the great feeling you get from completing each run soon takes over. Please give it a go - you will be so pleased with yourself that you did !!

[SusieHicks Graduate]

I felt embarrassed too, and still often avoid people if I can, but I tell myself red faced and sweaty and out of shape I may be, but I’m doing it!! I used to cycle in the gym, but running is completely different, you feel amazing afterwards in a way the Gym doesntbdo ( for me at least). I hope you give it a go, I have found the whole thing quite incredible. And you are not alone!! I suspect most of us feel like you do, and we will all cheer for you :-)))