Is it ok to use the treadmill to do the training🤔 I’m walking at 5.5 then the run/jogs at 7 or 7.5. I’m nearly 50 never run before

[Malibu76]

Is it ok to use treadmill to train. I’m walking at 5.5 then 7 or 7.5 for the run/jogs. I’m nearly 50 never run before and need to lose weight

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

It's definately ok 👍 try to set your incline to 2% if not too uncomfortable to mimic the outdoors better though.

Enjoy your journey. You're going to love it! 😁

Please also read the faqs below... so much helpful info there

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Carolinemcd Graduate]

I did c25k last year on a treadmill and found the transition to outdoors really hard. I was so shy/terrified to run outside so that impacted my transition too. I’ve started again (week8run1 tonight) outside and enjoying it more but you’re doing it and that’s all that counts!

[KayBee1000 Graduate]

Hello,

I’ve done all my runs on the treadmill (I have balance issues so running outside is more of a challenge than I wanted!), and am just about to start Week 6.

I would just make sure you’re not going too fast - I work in mph and do around 3mph for the walk and around 4mph for the runs. It’s easy to go too fast in the initial weeks because you’re only doing short bursts. If you find you can’t finish any of the runs it’s an indication you need to slow the speed down a bit.

I’m not intending to go outside running so haven’t bothered setting an incline, but it is recommended that you do so if you eventually plan on running outside, to compensate for pavements and wind resistance. Most people say to set it at 1 or 2%.

I will eventually put inclines etc on, when I am running for a bit longer each session, to give my body more of a challenge.

Have fun! There’s a wealth of information on here, and people will always give you advice if you need it, so do keep coming back.

Best of luck with your journey 🙂

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Don’t think your new healthy body will care too much wether you were watching trees go by, or something on that big screen in front of the treadmill really. Go with what you need to. Transition to outdoors if you do it is tricky, but then the outdoor types struggle on the treadmills too.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden]

Of course it's okay!

As long as your body is doing whatever the thing is that makes it jogging rather than walking, you're doing it.

[SillySeabird]

I am doing exactly the same as you (59!) and was really glad to read replies that your pace is correct. To begin with, I did the same walk pace but nearly hurt myself running at 8 to 9k. Tender feet, sore ankles and such.... watch out for those and ease off if you need to. Make sure you do the rest days and also proper stretches.

Using the incline is really good advice....you do want to get outside in the fresh air - independent of gyms and equipment!,

For now, as you are already in the gym, do ask staff for advice on exercises to improve balance - strengthening adductors and abductors ( inside and outside thigh) as well as lunges to work the big ‘lower bum’ muscle. It’s nothing difficult and these really helped me avoid further strain on my ankles which had been the only things keeping me upright!

Also, you don’t mention shoes - make sure you have good ones - go to a shop where they look at how you place your feet (gait analysis] and consider getting gel insoles as well - Scholl from Boots is fine. You’d think posh shoes would have all the cushioning you should need - but never hurts to have more....

Good luck..... I’m loving the running, the oxygen highs afterwards and the sense of achievement. Enjoy!

[Dg_w Graduate]

I did the program this year, at 51. Don’t let age be a barrier. There’s lots of older folk out running. I say just go at your own pace, listen to your body (that said you will get the usual aches to start with) Take it easy and enjoy the challenge. Before you know it you will be at week 9 ! Whatever exercise you do is more that you would be if you do nothing.