Days off : Any suggestions on what to do on my... - Couch to 5K

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Days off

7 Replies

Any suggestions on what to do on my non running days for excercise? I don’t have access to any equipment.... is brisk walking ok or should I rest my legs completely on non running days?

Thanks All 👍🏻

7 Replies
ArthurJG profile image
ArthurJGGraduate

Yes walking is fine: it’s classed as low impact because you always have one foot on the ground. Some people say you should rest from all strenuous exercise one day a week. But the other three rest days are just rest from running and on those days it’s good to do a different type of exercise which uses different muscles and is low impact. Walking fits that description. Yes it still uses your legs but not in the same way as running.

in reply toArthurJG

Thanks for that! That’s what I needed to know

ArthurJG profile image
ArthurJGGraduate in reply to

Basically when you run you drop your entire body weight on the ground about 100 times a minute :) That doesn’t happen when you walk as you never fully leave the ground. Rest days from running are critically important because that’s when your muscles repair after the impact of the run, getting stronger as they do so. Walking doesn’t interfere with that as it’s low impact so you can walk on non running days.

Rignold profile image
Rignold

Resistance exercise would complement the cardio well. Strengthening the body as well as building stamina is essential for fitness. Start with squats, lunges, plank and pushups. Progress to adding burpees, pull-ups, sit-ups etc.

in reply toRignold

Thanks. I’ll have to start slowly, it’s been a long time since I’ve done any exercise of that type. I appreciate the help 👍🏻

QueenTea profile image
QueenTeaGraduate

I often do the NHS strength & flex programme on recovery days. Easy to do at home & I also do Pilates & Salsa at work. Good luck 😉

in reply toQueenTea

Thanks for the advice, I’ll check it out!

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