I'm new in these parts. I'm looking for information on plus-size jogging on the net, and I'm not having much luck! Does anyone have any resources on how to start a gradual, safe alternating jogging & walking plan when you're very overweight (> 300 lbs)?
I just found out last night that I'm still physically able to jog! I didn't even know that I could. The last time I tried to jog was a year and a half ago, and I fell in front of a (thankfully stopped) bus and broke my elbow.
I do understand that no- or low-impact cardio is theoretically better for someone my size, but I really used to love jogging, and now that I know my body is still able to do it, I'd love to start working it into a fitness plan.
If anyone has any information on this, I'd greatly appreciate it. I figure if that 400 lb. guy on The Biggest Loser can jog, why can't I?
Firstly don't compare yourself to anyone on The Biggest Loser, afterall it is a television reality show and is really NOT reality.
IMHO you should start walking, then walking briskly with intervals, then jog one minute with 1 minute walking then work yourself up. Even the most fit person cannot suddenly get up and jog 5 minutes. Take your time, your body will thank you because you won't get any injuries or sore joints.
Join us at the Cool Runners forum, we're more than happy to show the newbie runners the ropes!!\
Hi...and welcome to the forum. I have just started jogging and have started just like Ilene suggested. I just tried straight jogging - but really paid for it with sore joints and shins especially - despite warming up well.. so my exercise became inconsistent. But with starting with walking and then doing a jog every 10 minutes.. then 9..then 8 etc it has been far more sustainable and easier on my body.
Thanks. That's exactly what I was thinking, just easing into it. I know there's no way I could jog 5 mins. straight right now, maybe 30 seconds if I'm lucky!
That wasn't really my question though, my question was more in regards to someone my size jogging, if it is a healthy way to exercise or not given my size, or would it do more harm than good, and some actual medical or fitness expert evidence to back it up. I once had a physiotherapist tell me I couldn't jogAlso, some kind of a schedule to follow, like you were saying 1 minute jogging, 10 minutes walking, and work my way up. I did a run clinic a long time ago that had a little weekly schedule, I'll have to see if I can find that again; or if anyone has something like that, I'd love to see. I'll also check out the Cool Runners forum.
I too am a plus size jogger. I have already lost 30 lbs by just jogging. I consider myself a runner even though my pace isn't up to what many people much smaller than me can accomplish. I weighed 254 when I started. It is hard. Just take it slow. I do recommend walking and working your way up to jogging. THat is the route I took. I started with just a mile or so a day. I didn't start jogging until I could walk 3 miles in about 45-50 mins. Then I just bumped it up to jogging. I have actually completed a 5k and am working toward a 15k in March of 2006. The best method I have found is the interval or Galloway method. It is what Ilene was talking about. I am up to 3 mins running 1 min walking. I am trying to get to 4 running and 1 walking. That is the best way to progress. Start with 1 to 1. You actually train your body to recover in that 1 min of walking. I believe you can do it. Just be careful and take it slow. Listen to your body. It makes a huge difference if you stretch really good before you start each time. Good luck! Keep us up on your progress.
I did the couch to 5 K plan this summer. I didn't follow it exactly but I used it as a guide. I never thought I would be able to jog but by then end, I did do a 5 K race, now I wasn't fast, I think it took me 36 mins but I did do it. I was worried to because I was heavy and I kept saying oh I'll start when I'm lighter blah blah blah but then I decided, that it would help me get lighter so just do it. I try to listen to my body, I don't believe that you should be in pain to benifit from something so if my feet were hurting, I would walk. I did invest in a properly fitted running shoe so I know I have good support. I havn't had anyone say don't jog, so I take that as an its OK. If you enjoy it and do it, its better than doing something you don't like because you will stick to it.
good luck and keep at it.
My doctor told me not to jog and that was when I weighed 210 pounds. She said it was too stressful for my joints and that walking was just as good.
Just everyday walking with so much extra weight is hard on our joints, so jogging can't be good.
I started trying to run at around 250 - 260 and ran a 28 minute 5k at 216lb, so it's certainly possible to run when you're obese. Running has helped me lose weight faster than I ever thought would be possible, and the weight has been flying off.
However, the bigger you are, the more important it is to take it slowly and build up gently so that you don't injure yourself in the process. I think the best advice I saw somewhere is that however bad running is for your joints, carrying the extra weight is worse, so if it helps the weight fall off quicker than it works out better overall. So if jogging is something you want to do, then do it. You're more likely to stick to an exercise routine if you enjoy it, and that brings about benefits in the long run.
Born Again Gym Bunny - I had to duck as a five pound block of your "weight flying off" almost hit me in the head as I was reading your post......whew.....LOL
I guess some good advice would be to check with your doctor about what type of exercise to do...and make sure it is safe.
I started jogging at 305 lbs and now I am at 259 lbs so yes you can jog and be over 300 lbs. You may not be able to sprint or run really fast but jogging is doable. All it takes is persistance and a good running program here is an excellent program that helped me: http://www.runningplanet.com/article...article_id=340 It's just like couch to 5K. No matter what size you are as long as you start out slow and build up your endurance you can do it. It's as simple as placing one foot in front of the other. In my experience as both a power walker and a runner I've come to the conclusion that jogging is much much more easier on my joints and endurance than walking. I say this because I run one day and I walk on my off days and the walking is a harder workout for me. If it's something that you really want to do I encourage you to do it. Go grab this wonderful resourceful book called the complete idiots guide to jogging and running by Bill Rodgers http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/bibli...2-002862386x-2 and get all the information that you need and get to jogging missy. You CAN run at over 300 lbs it's a matter of building up your endurance and you can only do that by starting out slow. Unless you have a critical condition that requires constant attention and limits to your aerobic ability then I'd do it. Consult your Doctor if you think that needs to be done but by all means do it!!!
Last edited by MrsDawsondn; 10-28-2005 at 11:30 AM.
I was always worried about my joints, knees, what ever, and a runner told me when I was considering starting jogging or just sticking to walking aerobic ect... that the only people that worry about runners knees and joints are people that don't run.
Give it a try and listen to your body, if it feels to rough slow it down.
Plus Size Jogging
to 3FC...
I'll also check out the Cool Runners forum.
from couch potato to a 5k
