Hi everyone, pleased to have found this forum. I am planning to start C25k tomorrow and will mostly complete it on the treadmill as my area is very hilly and I am very overweight. Has anyone else A used a treadmill and B started when 4 stone overweight?
Great to read some progress stories, very motivating 😊
Hi I use a treadmill been doing ok on it u will do it
Just the usual mention that running doesn't burn much in the way of calories compared with some other types of exercise.
Others have indeed used a treadmill. I've only ever run outside. I also was only one stone overweight.
I was about 3 stone overweight when I started. I lost a stone but put half of it back on. A good diet is essential (biscuits are my downfall). I can run 12K now. But I would be faster if I lost some weight. Take it easy and enjoy it. I run outside as it is quite flat here but lots of people have done C25K on the dreadmill before venturing outside. The aim of the programme is to get you to 30 minutes. Most people don't ever get to 5K in 30 minutes. Some never do but can run marathons! So don't worry about pace. Just get started and follow the plan. Read the advice here and have fun.
B.
I wasn’t running to lose weight, I just wanted to be able to run 5k. I don’t think I lost much weight during c25k, maybe half a stone and that was more from sticking to my No Chocolate resolution. Being overweight didn’t stop me from doing c25k, after all it’s Couch to 5k, not Gym to 5k, it’s designed for people who are pretty sedentary and being overweight comes with the territory.
I found I really enjoyed running and I wanted to keep it up and I was conscious of the fact that the weight was making running harder than it needed to be and that ended up motivating me to lose weight, so I did make an effort to do that.
Running while overweight is fine. I was self conscious so I always went at 6am when I was less likely to have other people around.
It does put more strain on your joints though. To deal with that, it’s a good idea to get the best style of trainers you can, and that means a Gait Analysis. You can go to a running shop if there’s one near you, or some of them will let you email a video of your running. Let them know what your budget is and they’ll recommend a pair based on how your foot falls.
It’s normal to get niggles and minor injuries. If you get any pain in your feet or joints or pain in your shins that feels like growing pains, stop running and it’ll probably clear up in a couple of days and be fine. If it persists pop back here and people will give you advice.
I’m not experienced with treadmills but I know they give an easier time of things than outdoor running. If you plan to run outside, prepare by increasing the difficulty on your treadmill by a notch or two.
Happy running!
Just a note to point out that the user has closed their account on the forum and is now shown as "Hidden".
All the best to you. Well done for taking the plunge - this forum is great and folk very supportive 😊
Hi there, I've run on a treadmill all the way through C25K and I love it, although I'm going to try the great outdoors once I get an armband for my phone. I'm no good at walking up hills let alone running so I'm with you on that one. I was almost 2 stone overweight when I started so ran very very slowly and was worried about my knees, so I also embarked on a diet but not a strict one. I set myself a target of half a pound a week to lose and it's worked and running has got easier. I've completed C25K and now run very slowly as opposed to very very slowly 
But the very great thing for me is I have asthma and since I started running I have not had to use my emergency inhaler once (only the preventative one). When I feel I'm 'failing' I remember why I'm doing this - my health. Good luck and go for it
Hi! I’m about 6 stone overweight and I run outside but on a level route. I never thought I would love it so much.
I run every 3 to 4 days as I have a bit of arthritis (I wish I could run more often but I’ve learnt what my knee can take!) and I do Japanese slow running which minimises impact.
On my non running days I do yoga at home to help with all round strength -nothing fancy just low impact programs off the weight watchers app.
I visit a physio every month to check my joints are ok as I’m very hyper mobile and my hips can tighten up.
But doing C25k was great -go for it!!!
Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.
Treadmills are fine if you can prevent boredom.
Many others have started this plan carrying many extra stones. Stay nice and slow and it will work for you.
This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.
Enjoy your journey.
Hi, I graduated last month and I did all but 3 runs on a walking pad treadmill at it’s top speed of only 6km/hr. I found the treadmill helped me as I am recovering from a foot arch injury and it was also easier on the knees (my treadmill has a little bit of shock absorption). I’m trying to introduce a few more outdoor runs so I can get used to the harder surfaces and enjoy the outdoor surroundings(!) (plus it gives me the freedom to do the odd parts a little quicker). I’ve been losing weight since last summer but I still gave 3-4 stone to go (weight loss not so much due to running, more what I ate, but it and my other exercise has helped a little but I’m sure). The advice often heard on here is go slow and steady (at a conversational pace) and for me it’s been spot on; my average heart rate is 110bpm at 6km/hr on the treadmill and I find I can just keep going forever at that pace (I find it’s about 10-15bpm higher outside at the same pace, I think because the treadmill maybe does a bit of the work for you plus outside where I am is mostly flat but can still have a few slight inclines). There’s a short video on the forum somewhere about Japanese slow running which is good.I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be able to do C25K or even enjoy it, but I did and I LOVE running now and I’m starting to work towards doing my first Parkrun in a few months. I reckon, like pretty much everyone on here, you’ll get bitten by the bug so enjoy your runs and remember there’s no need to go fast, you can jog at a walking pace - it’s about duration and stamina and not speed - it’s all good!
I didn’t do the programme on a treadmill but when I first taught myself to run about 12 years ago it was using a treadmill and I only ran in the gym for years.
I personally didn’t find it boring (listening to music or a good podcast really helps with that, I find, just like it does outdoors) and it’s easier than running outside so sounds like a good starting point for you. Good luck!
I am officially overweight!
Treadmill
Overweight & Very Nervous 
Running on a treadmill
