Thinking of doing the Strength and Flex plan

[Jinkstrixy]

I’ve read that on rest days it’s good to do some strength exercises and the nhs strength and flex podcasts are recommended to complement the C25K. Has anyone else tried this combination? Also, how does one download the podcasts, I can’t find them!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Not done that particular plan but I do some other similar things... and yes they’re recommended and give you the sense of achievement that is missing from rest days... go for it and enjoy.

[newbeetler]

I really enjoy strength training.

I’ve been strength/lifting for 18 months. Neglected any cardio for a year when my wife started C25K.

Been on a few runs with her and thought I best up the cardio to keep up with her.

To my surprise I could actually run a full treadmill 5k. Treadmill is easier as it paces you and you know it’s flat.

But the strength portion does increase your cardio ability without realising it.

I’m doing C25K with my wife to be able to do 5k outside and continuing the strength training

The two compliment each other fantastically

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I did the NHS Strength and Flexibility podcast programme after completing the C25K podcast programme. There's a Strength and Flex forum on HealthUnlocked... not sure where to find anything these days other than that!

The S&F was good but harder to organise than a run I found as you need particular props - in the end I found I stayed home and marched around the house where I knew I'd have the right things at the right time.

Long term, I've found yoga suits me better.

[Mercmancouchto5k Graduate]

Hi Jinkstrixy,

You can download the podcasts for each week from this link. Scroll down the page a little until you come to the boxes named Week1, etc.

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/s...

[Jinkstrixy Graduate in reply to Mercmancouchto5k]

Thanks Mercmancouchto5k. Very good of you to locate this for me.

Good luck to you and your wife with the C25K, I’m enjoying it and there is no pressure to go at any particular pace so baby steps is better than the couch!

Thanks again.

[Mercmancouchto5k Graduate]

I am thinking of doing these too, but with my wife. First I will go on short walks with her. We both had stents in our arteries last year, and both need the exercise. I have started before her with the Couch25K and need to encourage her with baby steps.