Dodgy knees!!

[Shazzajh]

W4R1 on treadmill abandoned due to painful knees & a tender point in my calf 😭. Is it possible to do c25k on the cross trainer. I'm just thinking it will be less impact on my joints. 🤞

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Lots of people do, so why not ? Hope you’ve seen a medic about your poor knees x

[Shazzajh in reply to ButtercupKid]

Sorry, was supposed to ask if i can use a cross trainer instead!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Shazzajh]

Now you’re really asking ! Hope an expert can answer that ? IannodaTruffe ? UnfitNoMore ? Oldfloss ?

[sofiaO Graduate]

I completed it on the treadmill, touch wood no serious injuries yet. It definitely is easier on the joints, so hopefully should help you.

[Shazzajh in reply to sofiaO]

Sorry, meant to say can I use a cross trainer instead!!

[sofiaO Graduate in reply to Shazzajh]

I dont think it is quite the same thing as running, but if the goal is to improve your health, get fitter, lose weight - then a cross trainer would be fine. If you want to become a runner then the treadmill would be a better option.

[Shazzajh in reply to sofiaO]

Thanks for the advice. To be honest I don't really like the cross trainer & I can only manage a few minutes on it 🤦‍♀️. I'll try some knee supports & see if they help. 🤞

[Shazzajh]

I'm an idiot!! Meant to ask... can I do the c25k on a cross trainer!!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

C25k is a running program only doing it on a cross trainer wouldn't be classed as running. It is still good exercise though 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Most new runner's aches and pains are caused primarily by the impact of running so do all you can to minimise it. Slow down, avoid heelstriking, keep footfall under your body not out in front, run on treadmill or grass and wear proper running shoes fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop.

Stretching after every run will help as will knee strengthening exercises nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/k...

Knee pain is very common for new runners, but the above will improve the situation.

As for doing C25K on a cross trainer......well it avoids all that impact, but it is that impact which triggers the adaptive processes in muscles and bones and without that you will not become a runner, as such, but of course you will hugely improve your cardiovascular system and maybe strengthen up enough to be able to run.

Are you jogging at an easy conversational pace, as explained in the guide to the plan? healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Shazzajh]

Great advice here thank you. I'm a mid 50's female of normal weight bmi is 21. I haven't exercised for years & after a recent purchase of a treadmill I have no excuse. Wk1 & 2 went well running at 9kph, week 3 was ok but my knees started hurting & a small calf twinge so I reduced my speed to 8kph. I will try w4r1 again tomorrow with knee supports & maybe slow down a little more. I've read your link which has some great advice, thank you. I will also look at getting some running shoes. If my knees don't improve so will visit my gp. I can't even kneel down at the minute 🤨. Thanks again, your advice is much appreciated.