Can you use a cross trainer to do this program?

[Gottodosomething1]

Hello, I have just signed up and wondered if anyone had done the Couch to 5K using a cross trainer. I broke my ankle in February and still unable to get back to the fitness I did before, and running would be too painful at the moment. Could this work on a cross trainer? (now unfit and put on weight in the last 6 months of no activity)

[Buddy34 Graduate]

The cross trainer would be a good idea for now until you're fully fit enough to run😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

The cross trainer would keep you fit but would not simulate the runs...you could use a treadmill... much less impact on the ankle than outdoor running and take it very gently?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

A cross trainer will improve your cardio fitness and to a degree your muscles, but without the impact of running will not actually simulate running.

[Run46 Graduate]

If you're ankle isn't strong enough now then that would be a great way to ease yourself back to fitness...then hopefully by the time you've finished you'll be strong enough to start again, but this time running it 😊...good luck, any exercise is good exercise 👍