How much weight is to much before you start to jog?

M

Mongriel

0
Hi,

Right now I weigh in at about 305 pounds and I have droped about 15 pounds in the last month. I workout 6 days a week, with free weights, and usualy go for 30 minute walks atleast 5 times a week.

I want to take my cardio up to the next step and add in some jogging. One of the concerns I have is that I would be putting to much stress I my knees.

Sadly, since I live in a small town, I do not have access to a gym and hence an elipitical trainer to reduce and stress on my knees.

Should I go ahead and start working some jogging into my routine or should I wait till I get down to 275? 250? Also,a couple of my friends have suggested taking glucosame sulfate to help strengthen my joints. Does amyone have any positive results with this?
 
Too much too soon?

Proud of you bud.

Heres my opinion, at 305 pds... your knees are already used to holding that weight at a constant level. After walking about 45 minutes, briskly, I suggest very light jog for about 3 minutes and then walk again and then jog for same 3 minutes for 1-2 weeks. then kick that up a notch and jog lightly for maybe 6-8 minutes. But if you feel any strain in your legs you must slow up and try and relax them, quick stretch something. Do this the natural way, a mans body is meant to do this and you need to work slow at it, but eventually you will get to that weight you feel so great about and continue on your healthy life.

Also, make sure you are eating right, I am not saying a diet of only vegetables, I am talking lean-meats, Salmon, veges and fruits all throughout the day and whole grains as the big craze is. Do this in PORTIONS. You dont need more than an 8oz salmon for dinner. You can do it bud, so far keep it up!
 
I would be very careful when progressing to running at 305lbs. When you walk your body weight is better distributed over both legs as oppesed to running where there is actual "air time" and landing on one leg with a force several times your body weight!

A better way to increase the challenge of your walk is to speed walk for a couple minutes and then slow back down, speed walk, slow down....sort of like "interval training" but you are walking at different speeds. If done correctly walking is a great workout. Try to be very aware of your gait and proper rolling from heel to toe on your foot.

OR you can try and find a hill and walk hills to vary your workout.
OR if you live near a stadium or somewhere with stairs....try to walk up and down those gradually....not too fast or too long in duration at first as doing stairs is extremely challenging cardiovascularly and on the knee joints.

As far as glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM....some health professionals strongly believe in it. Others do not. If you do try it do know that it takes a couple months of taking it reguarly before you'll see results/feel relief.
 
At that weight I would be very careful, and even suggest going to a doctor and getting his/her advice before doing it. The Cool Running website has a Couch to 5K program for beginner runners that you may find helpful when jogging is cleared for you.
 
Weight to run ratio is relative. Only you will know if you joints can handle it.

As has been said, try starting out with only tiny moments of jogging and see how your joints do. If YOU feel that they are ok, than slowly increase jogging time.

BTW - Do not get discouraged if you don't lose 15 lbs. every month. A healthy weight loss (that will stay off) is more likely to be half that amount.

Buy "Jeff Galloway's Book on Running." He details a running routine that consists of jog/walking that is ideal.

Good-luck and keep up the good work!

-Rip
 
Thanks everyone for the replies and the tips. There is a monster of a hill near my regular walking route so for the next 2 weeks I will add that in gradually. Depending on how my joints feel I will start the jog/walk.

Also, thanks Kea for the heads up on the Cool Runnings website. Alot of useful info there.

One question I do have tho. Right know the root that I walk is about 3 km in length. It usualy takes me about 20-25 mins to walk. When I eventualy get up to the jog/walk that time will come down alot over time. Should I add in a kilometer or two to keep me at a 20-25 min timing or should I just stay the same route?
 
I would suggest reading up on jogging or researching it online before attempting it at your present weight. I am a woman and I started Jogging weighing 203 lb. It was tough and I had a few problems. I developed a problem with my feet and knees. I am working through them and improving but I read something about with every 10 pounds overwieght it was like greatingly increasing the pounding on the knee. I forgot the stats but it wasn't good. Keep up the good work and have patience. It's a lesson Im learning but its hard. Good Luck. Oh also have a physical before starting to jog. I go for mine wednesday. I made the appointment a long time ago. It takes forever.
 
Tip

Try running on grass, or soft surfaces until you get your weight down to where your knees etc arent hurting so bad. The pavement might be alittle much for your feet and legs. Also, it would be good to have nice support in those shoes.
 
i think hyou should be under a dr's care. at least see your g.p.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top