When did you notice body changes ?? 🧐

[Darcyduck]

Inpatient post..... I’m only on W3 R3 ( tomorrow) but I’m intrigued .. nosey , as to when anyone could see a difference in their body ie. tone , muscle definition etc ...............

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

My daughter claimed she was slimmer in week 2 I think... I said it wasn’t possible, but the tape measure didn’t lie!

I noticed definition to leg muscles somewhere around week 5/6

I think a lot depends on where we were at the very first start line... but as a regular parkrun marshal I have yet to see any of the regular new runners not looking stronger, so it does come at some point.

[Darcyduck in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks unfitnomore, I’m going to look for a tape measure 😏

[Pianism Graduate]

For me it was after week1, but I went from 30 years doing nothing to doing a LOT of walking during the first week, plus changed my diet.

[Darcyduck in reply to Pianism]

Crikey , week 1 ? Well done 😀

[Pianism Graduate in reply to Darcyduck]

I doubt I'll get as much benefit over the next few weeks though.

[Absrhia Graduate]

Took me about 4 months of infrequent running with the app to loose 11lbs. I ran whenever I was free to. So I did 6 weeks worth of the app in 4 months. Then Christmas came and I realised I lost 11lbs x

[Ang33333 Graduate]

It took a lot longer than the 9 weeks to be honest. I felt better in myself but all the changes have happened in the months after.. 1.5 stone loss and body shape has changed so much. Muscles have appeared!

[Darcyduck in reply to Ang33333]

Thank you , I’m not overweight but I’ve flab’s where flab’s should not be 😂 I’m just sooooo intrigued as to when others could see a visible difference from their running 🏃‍♀️

[mafee Graduate in reply to Darcyduck]

HI again - I am a really healthy weight for my age and height so I was less interested in losing weight -and just interested in building up strength and stamina - but my waistline is better - my daughter noticed when she gave me a hug! - and that was only 4 weeks in. Trousers need hitching now too! Good Luck - keep posting!

[Fitgirltobe in reply to Darcyduck]

Haha I love this...I have the appendix and 2 c section belly lol

[Darcyduck in reply to Fitgirltobe]

Glad I’m not the only one

[Fitgirltobe in reply to Darcyduck]

Nah it adds character....especially the stretch marks haha... I just think it homed 2 beautiful boys for 18 months. Your body is a story x

[GoogleMe Graduate]

By the end of the programme I had lost my 'bustle'

But even 20kgs lighter two years later, I was still the same dress size...

[CrimsonMama]

I couldn't see it myself - just feel it. I was so wheezy and knackered after week one. Had to take some time out because of shin splints so did daily walking for a few weeks. When I restarted from week 2 I could feel how much stronger and fitter I was. From about week 3 I got comments at work that my face was slimmer but I couldn't see it myself. From week 4-5 my work clothes were baggy and I had to ask for a smaller size! Such a pleasure! The measuring tape says I've lost 6 inches off my hips and three off my waist! I didn't measure from the beginning though so could be more!

Yesterday as I was on my treadmill I suddenly thought my legs look slimmer and more toned!

I have been calorie counting/cutting as well as C25K though... But when I was just dieting I didn't get all these changes. And it's been so fast! Since November!

[Pianism Graduate in reply to CrimsonMama]

That's fantastic! I've got a LONG way to go (my aim, eventually, is to lose 70 lbs) so am looking forward to the smaller waist size!

[SpanishShuffle Graduate in reply to Pianism]

Great goals. It's tough but you CAN do it. Years ago I started cycling and expected the weight to fall off. It didn't! Why? Because I thought, as I was cycling, I needed to eat more 😂

Joined a slimming class and learned how to eat the right things.

I kept a log of the bike rides I went on, time if day, distance, speed, weather, how it felt etc. It helped on the dark days to look back and see how it was in the beginning.

That was years ago. Don't cycle as much but kept most of the weight off and now learning to run.

Good luck with your journey. Remember no food makes you feel as good as trying on clothes in a smaller size 😉

[Pianism Graduate in reply to SpanishShuffle]

Thank you - this is such a lovely, positive reply. I have to say though. I think good fish and chips might be better than trying on smaller clothes! Hopefully, I can have a bit of both.

[SpanishShuffle Graduate in reply to Pianism]

But you don't feel like s... after you put on the smaller clothes 😉

[CrimsonMama in reply to Pianism]

I had 84lbs to lose to be in my healthy BMI. So far I have lost 34lbs. Originally I thought if I could just lose 56lbs I'd be happy. I would still be in the overweight category but I'm nearly 40 and after an abusive relationship 3 years ago have no interest in looking good for dating purposes (usually the motivator when yr younger lol). But now it doesn't seem impossible at all to get back to the weight I was at 19!

And I love the idea of being able to go out for a run three times a week! Getting outside always lifts my mood! And it should keep my weight in check once I reach my goal.

Your goal is not a LONG way away at all anymore! Just keep up with this program, repeat runs if you feel you need to. There's no race to the finishing line! Every run from week one to week nine is burning calories and improving your health.

I do the 5:2 diet too so I can cut calories but still enjoy normal and naughty foods on my non-fasting days.

[Pianism Graduate in reply to CrimsonMama]

I've never successfully lost weight - I can diet (5:2 worked well as did WeightWatchers) but as soon as I take my eye off the ball I put it all back on with a bit extra for good measure. This time feels different. I enjoy the walking and running for its own sake. And the calorie burn means I can eat normally and lose weight. Thank you for your encouraging words.

[CrimsonMama in reply to Pianism]

Exactly! With just dieting I would get frustrated and stop and the weight came back so I yo-yo'd .... Until I added the exercise/C25K. And the walking/running really does suppress hunger I find! Very weird but it works! Lol

You will know if this is the one that will work for you! And I am sure it will be!!

[Agelesslass]

Lost two stone in 6 months, too skinny now though, everyone thinks I’m ill but it’s just lost through running.

[Circle_On_Legs Graduate in reply to Agelesslass]

Wow that's fab. Congratulations. If you are within your healthy BMI then you probably don't look ill at all. Others are just not used to your look. However imho being in the middle of BMI is ideal.

[Agelesslass in reply to Circle_On_Legs]

Why thanks for the comment, really cheered me up😀👍

[SlowLoris]

I've noticed that when somebody loses weight there are often friends who say they look ill or 'a bit gaunt'. Probably jealousy. You know if you're a healthy weight or not. No one tells Mo Farah he looks a bit ill.

[Agelesslass in reply to SlowLoris]

This is very true, thanks SlowLoris👍😀

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

I’m very overweight and I haven’t lost much, but that says more about poor eating habits than the programme. I took nine weeks to conquer week 1, and by the end of that I was already seeing some differences. I’m also doing the NHS Strength and Flex podcasts on my rest days and they make a difference too.

[Oldman51 Graduate]

For me - never! After completing the program and doing 30+ "consolidation" runs I have noted no change in weight, appearance, well-being, lab results, etc. I can only hope I experience the statistical gain in longevity and freedom from chronic disease.

[Paobu Graduate]

I’m just a couple of runs ahead, w4r3 next, and this week my legs and hips are definitely more toned and my energy levels have increased. So hope you get the same benefits soon.

[Iaan]

I did the c25k 2 years ago, with very small changes to my diet. I lost 1 stone 2 lbs over the 9 weeks. I was never any good at running very far, but followed the program and stuck to it.

It was hard in parts, but with a bit of determination I did it.

I have recently done the c25k again, but was running 30 minutes after 4 weeks this time, but have not really lost weight this time but my calfs feel bigger. I am 54 and am trying to keep fairly fit. Stick with it and you will do it, even if you have to slow your jog to a fast walking pace. Start off slowly, you can always speed up when you are more used to running, keep at it and good luck, the hardest bit is just making a start.

[Mercmancouchto5k Graduate]

Hi Darcyduck,

Thanks for this post. I have learned that I am not alone by reading the positive responses. I feel that CrimsonMama's replies are closest to my experience, though I was fortunate enough only to be 12kg overweight. I started Couch25K the last week in October, and until week 9 when I did a park run on Christmas day, was on track. I graduated 5 days later than the plan, on 5th January 2019. I remember the day well because I was overcome with emotion in a positive way. I had had three heart operations late 2017 and early 2018, then was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in August last year. At the same time as I took up couch25K, having not exercised for most of my adult life, I took up and continued a diet from the dietitian meeting I had had, and the all day DESMOND course run by Cheshire East NHS. I noticed physical changes from week 1, measuring my weight and chest measurement as per the DESMOND booklet. Also I bought a fit bit clone so I could start to monitor and record my "vitals" of blood pressure and heart rate. I have lost 11kg in 12 weeks, and now my BMI is 25. Last week I set further goals for "the rest of 2019" being to return to my long term average weight of about 72kg, to add HIIT to my exercise and intermittent fasting to my diet (The 800 Plan) and try to influence my long term blood pressure to get the systolic reading down below 140 with the intention of ceasing the remaining 5 tablets I take every day having ceased using 2 already (with GP consent). I feel better than I did 10 years ago, and my legs now look really toned, except the skin you can expect of an over 60 year old. I have joined Ju-Ju's bridge to 10K, though I am a run behind in the first week, I work away from home and had a bad sore throat and cough this week. It's not important to me to keep to the timing of the plan - it's important to start and finish the plan, even if it's later than the 8 weeks allocated.

Stick at it, and please keep writing on this forum. You have no idea how much everyone's posts positively impact so many other members. Thank you all.

[johnm12 Graduate]

About 5 weeks in. Lost a bit of weight but beer belly much reduced and trousers suddenly became baggy!

[JanB76 Graduate]

I started c25k back in March and didn’t finish till July. I continued to run 3 times a week thereafter. I have lost a considerable amount of weight but I couldn’t pinpoint it to any of the early runs, mine has been through persevering.

[Ladyvickster Graduate]

I’m interested as I was led to believe that running alone won’t help you lose weight but will tone you and obviously good overall for health and fitness. Weight loss is about combining exercise with changes to diet too. I’m not dieting as I know that’s not sustainable but I am making healthier food choices by also using the My Fitness Pal app to make me more aware of what I eat and change my habits.I’m going for a smaller portion size and I’m off the sweet stuff. Early days so will have to see if that’s enough to make a difference.

[Circle_On_Legs Graduate in reply to Ladyvickster]

Recently one of those health programs on TV (trust me I'm a doctor? Maybe) carried out experiment. One group dieted whilst another group exercised. Only brisk walking. Both groups lost weight but the diet group lost the most. So diet AND exercise will produce best results. We all know that anyway x

[Ladyvickster Graduate in reply to Circle_On_Legs]

Yes I didn’t see the programme but folk were chatting about it at work. It’s amazing when you start tracking, how much snacking you do without realising. I eat healthy ‘meals’ but hadn’t recognised all the unplanned eating I was doing in between. Key is to be organised and have better choices to hand at work!

[Circle_On_Legs Graduate in reply to Ladyvickster]

Yes. I must not shop on way home from work when hungry. Nor must I shop in the evenings when all manner of lovely goodies are reduced to very low prices. It's not easy to stop snacking is it? I find my partner buys cheese and leaves it in the fridge. My will power is rubbish. I must try harder 2 days a week.

[MaddyNed Graduate]

Hi Darcyduck I’m on W3R2 on Tuesday and I’ve lost 7lb and even my daughters have noticed I’ve lost weight. My diet has really changed though from eating soooo much rubbish (as much as I could) to a healthy balanced diet and drinking 2 litres of water a day. My shape is also changing thank god.I was also having a glass(bottle) of wine on a night very easily and now I’ve cut that out for now too as I tried a glass the other night and I didn’t like it.Aswell as the running I’ve bought a weighted hula hoop which I love and can do it while watching TV. Good luck on your C25K 👍x

[Darcyduck in reply to MaddyNed]

Wow ! 7lb is amazing. I’m also cutting back on the wine , I used to drink most evenings but now sticking to weekends . It sounds like you’re doing great x

[ForestGrump63 Graduate]

I noticed by week 3 my tummy was much flatter. New work trousers 2 inches too big around the waist by week 4. I noticed my legs were slimmer and more shapely by week 7. No idea about weight

[Jay66UK Graduate]

For me it was after the 9 week programme, as others have said. But continuing to exercise, increase the distances and track what I eat through MyFitnessPal has seen my shape totally change.

Since late June I’ve lost 14% of my weight and moved from well in the “obsese” category to just over a stone above the “healthy weight” one.

If you get in the habit of using MFP religiously, weighing stuff to be sure of portion size, it opens your eyes to how many calories you consume in the blink of an eye. That’s made me realise how unhealthy my relationship was with food (and drink) and the lost weight makes every run easier.

Good luck!

[mafee Graduate]

2 weeks in and I like to think I noticed my bottom looking a bit firmer. ( but who knows?)

[ktsok Graduate in reply to mafee]

I have caught myself looking at my bum in the mirror - and smiling!!! 😳🤪😃

[ktsok Graduate]

I wasn’t overweight really, but have lost 6lbs (week 8). My thighs are definitely more streamlined and my butt is firmer. Have had a couple of comments about my thighs looking ‘skinnier’ (week 6). My resting heart rate has dropped over 10bpm and I feel fitter...

[Darcyduck]

Oooh, I hope I develop a firm bum 😁

[ktsok Graduate]

Haha you really do! Don’t worry, buns of steel on their way 😉

[Darcyduck]

Hi all , am I doing something wrong ??? I’ve now hit week 6 ( run 3 tomorrow) but my weight is still the same as when I’ve started & I’ve noticed no difference in my flabby bits 😫 I’ve not missed a week ....

[Abikate in reply to Darcyduck]

Same here (W6 Day3) This was obviously a few months ago for you... Did you finish the programme? Did you start to notice physical results?