Is RUNNING bad for my knees?

[John_W]

NO.

Not if you're a 'recreational' runner (see graph attached).

But if you're 'sedentary' or 'elite', you run a much greater risk.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Interesting , I used to have trouble with my knees a few years ago now and it was during walking !

I always wondered if I would have problems running , but luckily not a hint of it ! Happy days 😬

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Instructor57]

Look at my OFF THE COUCH posts for similar post but with BBC iPlayer link... 7 mins of your time.

Bottom line: over a given distance, your body experiences greater force during walking than running.

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to John_W]

I will, thank you ! 👍

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Instructor57]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5......

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to John_W]

Many thanks John ! 👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

That’s it! I’m just gonna have to tell team GB to let Mo run that 10k in Tokyo, I’m out 🤣

Nice science

[Roxdog Graduate]

As someone of 60 with mild arthritis in both knees, with lots of people saying running would be bad for my knees, after a few niggles early in the programme, but with lots of strengthening work, my knees are better than they've been in 5 years. No impact on my knees when I run with proper technique and I run on soft ground. No problems! Yipee

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Roxdog]

That's brilliant! Have a look at the link I posted above to Instructor57 . You'll like it.

[Silverfox1943 Graduate]

I was heading for a hip replacement now nearly 2 years on I have virtually no pain.

Been doing regular exercises and runs, and just did 10k a month ago.😎

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Silverfox1943]

Marvellous! Honestly, that's amazing, good on you!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

sparky66 see above

[WokeApe]

I would say running form would play a big factor in this.

If you're a heel striker (where your heel hits the ground first before the rest of the foot) it can send a shockwave of force directly up the chain to your knee and hips.

If landing on the balls of your feet, or midfoot more of the impact can be absorbed before making its way up towards your knee.

[PiginBlanket]

I think its important to note this isn't applicable if your bmi is obese or morbidly obese, in these cases running can be very damaging to the joints including the knees

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to PiginBlanket]

Of course. But this post isn't aimed at those who are in that condition. It's aimed at C25K participants who may be anxious about knee/joint health etc.

And our advice to beginners is that the obese and morbidly obese should (1) consult their GP and (2) look to lose weight before attempting to jog or run.

Anyone with an *extreme* body condition shouldn't be attempting an exercise regime without medical advice.

This is *not* a general health forum of course, so it's a safe space for this type of post.

As I say to those worried or anxious beginners, C25K is achievable by 'almost anyone'.

That caveat is for those with limiting conditions, such as extremes in BMI at both ends of the scale. 👍