Couch to 5k

[Beastiegirl103]

Hi I'm 57 and have had both knees replaced. I'm struggling to lose weight and thinking that couch to 5k could help with fitness as well as weight loss but not sure where to start. Any advice guys?

[Berksrover Graduate]

Hi Beastiegirl103 I would always recommend C25K to anyone, the simplest advice is start at the beginning and take it slowly, I assume you have the all clear from your GP to start exercise after your knee replacements? On the weight loss front, don't expect too much too soon, without a corresponding change in eating habits it is unlikely you will lose nuch, if any weight to begin with. What most people see is an improvement in fitness, tone and body shape, losing inches but not pounds, so my advice is take your vital statistics now, start the programme, make sure you have some decent trainers to go out in and take it slow and steady

[cas2167]

Berksrover has really good advice here, definitely invest in good trainers, especially if you’ve had knee replacements. Take it slowly and go at a pace that’s comfortable for you. My biggest problem is thinking that I should be going faster but after reading so many posts on this site I’m finally understanding that it doesn’t matter, it needs to be at a pace that suits you not them.

I’m on week 1 and just completed day 2, at 50 and completely unfit I’m already feeling better about myself mentally and getting the motivation from this community is really helping.

Good luck and keep us up to date with progress 👍🏻👍🏻

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi and welcome to the forum Beastiegirl.

I agree with Berksrover and cas2167 advice about having the go ahead from yout GP and correct footwear...

Just a nice gentle jog is all thats required. You will soon be amazed at what you can achieve. This program works and plenty of advice and information to be found on this site.

There is link here about the c25k program..

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

And this is a mine of information..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Good luck 😊x

[creativesquirrel Graduate]

I have recently started the Couch to 5k and I love it! I am asthmatic and have always struggled with cardio and this has really helped me to build up stamina in my exercise and running! On the weight loss side, I haven't seen much of a change, but then I haven't been eating too well either! But it will certainly help burn those extra few calories! Hope this helps! and good luck if you choose to start

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Welcome BG ! As you’ll be aware by now, this programme is about fitness rather than weight loss, so if you’re targeting a bit of pound-shifting as well it’s sensible to investigate healthy eating too. Be aware that following the programme will help you turn fat into muscle, and muscle is heavier than fat, so your scales won’t excite you at first in spite of your efforts. But muscle also burns calories quicker than fat, so it’ll all work out in the end ! Enjoy your journey x

[ArthurJG Graduate]

Do speak to your GP. A medically qualified friend of mine who has had knee replacements says that serious running is an absolute non starter because it is so high impact. Now, maybe there are things that make your situation different from his but we here can't possibly know that. We all love running here and will sell it to anyone but you need to talk to your doctor because we are not qualified to give that kind of advice as the disclaimer at the top of the message board clearly states.

[Clanger152 in reply to ArthurJG]

Hi thank you for the advice. I will speak to my GP as advised. I would love to be able to run but I know I need to respect my knees if they are to last the 25 years I was told they would. I'm almost 4 years down the line already and my quality of life is off the scale in comparison to my pre op days x

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to Clanger152]

I’ve seen some articles that say some medics are revising their opinions on this matter so hopefully it works out for you but your docs are the ones who know the whole of your situation. If it’s important to you to be able to run rather than take up another form of exercise then tell them that and see what they say.