Any banded folks do the 'couch to 5k' program?

[1970MaleJaxFL 7]

I'm around 350 or so and want to get nutty on this weight loss thing after I'm banded tomorrow. Just a little weary of running while my weight starts with a 3. Thoughts?

[Rachel412 116]

It's worth a shot! Try it and see what happens. There's a lot of jogging and then walking, repeat in the beginning.

[buggy22_us 0]

Just like a baby... you have to stand before u walk and walk before you can run!

Take it one step at a time and you will succeed!

Good Luck and keep us posted!

[Melissannde 41]

I'm doing the c25k program now, but I didn't start it till I was under 200. Not to say that YOU couldn't start it at a heavier weight, but for me, it was too hard on my knees at a heavy weight.

I walked, did zumba, bootcamps, body pump, rpm and lots of other things that are less stressful on the knees before I started the c25k program.

[TheRealSouthernBelle 22]

I didn't start it until I was under 300. I got my inspiration from watching The Biggest Loser. They are probably some of the fittest big people around, well they're slim now. I've never been a runner and always hated it, but I figured I'd do something to take me out of my comfort zone. I wanted to make sure I could "handle" it before I started, so I started off slow just walking, then powerwalking. I'm just on week 2 but I repeat each week 3 times and this week I'll repeat it 4 times because I don't feel comfortable yet, plus I'm starting to incorporate weight training in my workout regimine. They say what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. It will feel like you're out of breath and going to die, but it will get better, until you move on to your next week. LOL! Just make sure you buy yourself a good pair of running shoes if you don't already have some. You don't want to get an injury that could get you out of your workout routine all together.

[ElfiePoo 109]

Personally, I'd be a little cautious about 'running' or even 'jogging' until you at least got under 300...although 300 on you is probably nowhere near as debilitating as 300 was on me (a 5'3' woman). As someone said earlier, start out with baby steps. Just get out there and walk. You can do that right after surgery. Increase your distance and speed (as your postop healing allows). Then progress to running. My brother is a runner and says that running isn't a problem on joints...jogging is because you step down differently on jogging than you do running and it puts more stress on the shin bones and joints than running does. I'm no expert so I can't verify that, but if true, it seems to make sense to go from power walking to running.

Most of the orthopedic experts seem to agree that running is good and does not lead to joint problems or osteoarthritis for people who do it as a recreational activity *as long as* the person did not already have joint problems. Although this is not true for the 'professional' athletes who run for a living.

Apparently, if you already have issues with your knees and other joints, running may not be appropriate because it may cause faster deterioration. I really couldn't find too much from reputable orthopedists about whether an obese individual would cause damage to their joints from running...but many obese people do have compromised joints from years of abuse, so perhaps getting checked out by an orthopedic doctor first?

.

[patyann 14]

I started the C25K at about 280, I love the program. Just listen to your body especially your knees. Start slow repeat weeks if you need to. It took me about 7 months to complete the 12 week program but I never suffered from any injuries. Good Luck to you!