Should I lose weight before starting this program?

[Pinkcustard]

I told my mum that I wanted to do this as I am tired of being unfit. She told me I should lose some weight first before starting to excercise. I have a weak knee from previous injury and she thinks it might get damaged again running with all my extra weight (I am 13 stone) . Should I lose some weight before starting? I was quite excited to start today but now I'm unsure.

[WalkingWithLabradors Graduate]

I am doing it alongside Weight Watchers. I suppose it depends how overweight you are and the actual type of knee injury. How about asking your GP? We’ll be waiting to support you as soon as you’re given the OK Pinkcustard. X

[Pinkcustard in reply to WalkingWithLabradors]

I am around 2 and a half stone overweight (going by BMI). When I went to a physiotherapist after getting the injury they actually said running would help strengthen it. But my knee never really fully recovered due to my laziness in not keeping up the physiotherapy excericises.

[WalkingWithLabradors Graduate in reply to Pinkcustard]

I’m not medically trained I only know I began at 3 stones overweight, late 50s, hip replacement, arthritis.

Running strengthens your bones and doesn’t put any more stress on your knees than walking does. Your muscles will tell you they’re beginning to work again, that’s why you rest for a day in between each run.

[Pinkcustard in reply to WalkingWithLabradors]

I think I'm gonna go for it! I'm going to do day 1 when I walk my dogs. (One is a lab so your name reminded me of her)

[WalkingWithLabradors Graduate in reply to Pinkcustard]

👍🏻. Remember...keep it SLOW and steady. It is NOT a race. Tell us how you get on.

[Pinkcustard in reply to WalkingWithLabradors]

Will do! I definitely won't be racing haha

[Pinkcustard in reply to WalkingWithLabradors]

I just got back and omg I'm so unfit. I only managed about half of the running periods 😞

[WalkingWithLabradors Graduate in reply to Pinkcustard]

Yayyyy! You’ve started!!! No worries about your first attempt. Loads of us have done the struggle run BUT we got better because we didn’t give up! You’ve achieved a great deal by just getting out there Pink! Go again and tell us how the second attempt goes. 👍🏻

[Beardedfool in reply to Pinkcustard]

You are not that overweight and trust me when I say ignore BMI. It is a measure from early 1900s when people were smaller, with different lives. I have friends that are sitting around 10% body fat and are told they are clinically obese. Running can only help but stop or slow if it starts to hurt.

[JennyH10 Graduate]

If the physio said it’s ok then I’d be tempted to go for it. Just take it easy and stop if it doesn’t feel right. Lots of people run when they’re overweight, including me, so don’t let that be a barrier.

[davelinks Graduate]

I'm overweight!

checkout the link below in particular the link in there regarding which shoe's..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Perhaps your Mum doesn't know very much about the NHS Couch to 5K programme... or who it is designed for (although 'NHS' and 'Couch' are quite good clues!)

That said, all the usual guidance (see FAQ in the Pinned Post) applies in spades where there are additional factors.

Enjoy!

[Hidden]

Obviously mothers are always right....but the physio might be better qualified on this occasion

[Pinkcustard in reply to Hidden]

True haha. She is just worried because I once reinjured it by just throwing a frisbee for my dog, and couldn't walk for a week. Now I explained the program a bit better she is on board.

[Tbae]

I would definately go for it from reading your replies.🌟👏👏

The C25k programme will build your legs and lungs steadily , providing you take it slow and steady all the advice in FAQ Posts.

Plenty other joint interest and supporting communities here also.

As mentioned , but also Active 10, for your repair days when ready and strength and stretching requirements all here.

Lots to read and prepare for and without a huge investment in time, say 7 hours per week over 9 weeks you could easily shed a stone.🤔

However do note that C25k is strictly not a weight loss programme, but with good nutrient and additional cardio it can achieve good results, with amazing health benefits through your improved fitness.

Enjoy.🌟👏👏

[Pinkcustard in reply to Tbae]

Thanks, and yeah I agree, I am going to try and count calories as well!

[Amandana]

Amazing to have you here and hear you're taking your health in your hands!

I believe the programme assumes you can briskly walk 30 min while being able to have a conversation, so that's a great place to start if you aren't there already. Here is a link to some great knee strengthening exercises you may want to use to help strengthen up:

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

I have a pre-existing knee issue and didn't strengthen up before starting c25k following a very sedentary winter, and feel I should have. You know your body best!

In general I have to say the attitude that fitness is for the fit really bothers me!! I am attending a wellness weekend in June and one of the women going is running a bootcamp for interested folks to get fit before going... gah!! This kind of attitude is what prevents people from even getting started....

[Tasha99 Graduate]

If you’re ready to start, start. Diet at the same time.

[Beccym Graduate]

Give it ago, listen to your body, You could always start with walking.

In the early stages you don't run a great deal and you can always repeat runs or weeks.

Lots of people have opinions about running that are not true or things they have heard 2nd or 3rd hand, that simply are wrong. My mum had all sorts of weird ideas about exercise.

Good luck