How easy is it to start running when you are 65yrs.having never run before.I do a lot of walking.

[dietjunky]

[Hidden]

Hi dietjunky,

Well, starting exercise isn't all that easy at any age - the biggest and hardest hurdle is making a start.

But the key to it is to start off nice and gently. Give you body, which sounds like it's not very used to this sort of thing, a chance to adapt and change and 'get into the swing of' any new activity / exercise.

So, gently does it - especially at first.

Also, remember, in terms of upping the activity / exercise there are just so many different ways to do that from walking, running, swimming, palying bowls, golf, tennis, doing floor exercises, dance classes, etc., etc.

And even things like doing the vacuuming helps to burn a few calories.

And - this may seem daft - but I've found once you've lost a little weight, a general purpose strategy of jiggling wherever possible is useful.

I mean - you're waiting for the kettle to boil: so jiggle a bit, do a few dance moves / stretches / whatever. Just don't waste the time standing / sitting still.

Our problem in our society is that we kind of sit down or lie down for everything. Before we had chairs, we didn't.

(Much to the angst of my colleagues, I kind of 'boogie on down' at the photocopier / printer these days as I wait for papers to print. And you should see the looks I get from the neighbour as they pass the windows when I'm ironing!))

Good luck.

[bunblebeaz]

Try the couch to 5k programme from the NHS choices website.

A lot of people here are using that for their exercise. It alternates jogging and walking and ups the intensity over a period of weeks until you are able to run 5k. You can repeat weeks if you feel you aren't ready to move on.

There's also a C25K forum on healthunlocked, have a browse around that and check out this link:

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

[Bkkbull]

Hi

I dont know how much you want to lose, but remember that running is a high impact activity, i would recommend starting off by just walking at a slightly higher pace or further, and see how it goes, you dont want to cause any injuries to joints.

You could also consider trying another exercise, maybe some light resistance work, dosent have to be too technical or weight training, some cheap resistance bands and stretching at home would start the ball rolling. my personal favourite is riding a bike, low impact and burns great calories, you dont have to be Bradley wiggins, well not yet anyway

good luck

Jim

[jacqui02]

I have been walking about 3 miles 3 times a week and started couch to 5 k last week well i thought how hard it was ive done it 3 times but feel i need to do week one again before moving on to week two any one else struggling with this so take it easy

[jacqui02]

Sorry a graze box

[Cheerfulone]

You are brave to think of running. I am just upping activity level generally swimming and brisk walking not at the same time lol