C25k and love handles!

[Ashley0304]

I was really hoping c25k would help me loose the not so lovable love handles but it’s not working

I’m on week 9 run 1 next

How much did it help your body shape. Yes I still have pizza and wine but only once or twice a week :/

Am a vegetarian going vegan...any good food tips?

[Flowerpowercat]

I have just finished couch to 5 k this morning I have lost 2lb. But I have noticed a slight change in my leg shape. I know how you feel I got frustrated, but now I have the confidence I think that this will become such a routine that I will see weight loss and a change in shape soon. 😁

[Ashley0304 in reply to Flowerpowercat]

Thanks Flowerpowercat! I think i need to run faster to burn the fat! I managed 5k on my last Week 8 Run but that included the 10 mins walking!

Were you happy with the change in your leg shape? I’m scared of my thighs getting big as apparently it’s common for runners. my target is 52kg! Here’s hoping!

[Flowerpowercat in reply to Ashley0304]

Not worried at all, I was frustrated first of all for not losing weight but the thing is I feel fitter and as for speed that I can build that up later I have learnt to tackle this running lark one thing at a time. 😁

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Keep going Ashley, now your running time is getting longer, you will start to notice more toning and weightloss ( not too many treats) as you do regular 30 minute runs.

Do more walking on your non-running days and if you are able you could try yoga, pilates, cycling or swimming as an extra activity...

Good luck with Wk 9, you know you can do this now. Nice steady, relaxed running all the way to the podium..😊x

[Ashley0304 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you Bluebirdrunner! I do yoga once a week, it does really help! I also have two kids under 5 so any additional spare time is spent on errands, walking the dog, school run, cleaning! Oh and I work 4 and a half days and study!! :/

Ha! I need a holiday!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to Ashley0304]

You are kept busy Ashley!😊..Enjoy your run time as time for yourself, when you can have your own thoughts and unwind...

Happy running 😊x

[Jay66UK Graduate]

My legs toned up really fast but the belly is still here. So I’m now dieting and attending the mental gym (i.e. thinking about going!) and my weight is shifting.

The longer runs are definitely good for weight-loss alongside calorie control. But things like tummy muscles aren’t going to get much from just running, sadly. I have gone down a belt notch and a bit (I was straining the old notch) and my clothes all feel bigger.

My arms have toned up as well, which is unexpected. A few of us have noticed watches looser.

You’ll get there 😁

[Ashley0304 in reply to Jay66UK]

Yes I also noticed weight loss on my arms which was very welcome!!! My tummy seems to be stubborn after my two kids, ...and the Krispy kremes! Haha

You sound like you’ve done great! Well done

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Ashley0304]

Thanks. It’ll come for you too.

[Ripcurlrana71]

Love handles are hard to shift 😕 Try weights?

[icklegui Graduate]

hello, everyone's different, some people report a change in body shape - I haven't experienced that yet personally but am definitely fitter . If you're curious as to why you might not lose weight on a programme like this there's an excellent post in the FAQ, in the Pinned Posts section: healthunlocked.com/couchto5... .

As for food, I'm vegetarian / dairy-reducing, I try to fill up on vegetables really. Also, this might not apply to you, but be honest with yourself - I personally eat way more biscuits than I think I do!

[Hidden]

My weight started shifting all at once around about the 9 week mark. I reckon that the weeks at the beginning had little impact when there was a lot of walking. Then as the runs increase it starts too change, but not overnight!

[Berksrover Graduate]

I started consciously dieting at the same time as the C25K programme at the beginning of April, have lost weight steadily but more due to dieting than exercise I think, but improvements in body shape more due to running than dieting. I do think that now I am doing more regular and longer runs that is having more of an impact on my weight. Very simply if you burn more calories than you take in you will lose weight, just to give you some idea for me that calorie deficit is supposed to be about 3,500 a week to lose one pound