I want to lose weight but I want to be healthy about it. I have started changing my eating habits and have been walking for 30 minutes 5 days a week. I would like to start running but everyone tells me that with a bad back it's a bad idea. Should I stick to walking and add a different aerobic exercise or can I start out by adding running slowly?
2006-11-28 04:28:07 · 5 answers · asked by sweet whisperer 1 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
Running is a great exercise but it can real do a number on your knees. You could try interval training, which means you would walk for a period and then try a a jog and return to a brisk walk. You would do this throughout your workout. Maybe start with the brisk walk for 5 minutes and then do a jog for 3 or 5 minutes. Make the intervals according to your abilities and comfort levels. Its a great way to start and you get great results from the interval training. You could also try using wrist and ankle weights to add a little extra to you workouts. They are not heavy but do give you a little better workout. Biking is also another great aerobic workout and is easy on your joints as well as your back.
2006-11-28 04:42:20 · answer #1 · answered by TritanBear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on how bad your back is...I would say jogging and adding an extra aerobic exercise while eating healthy will help you loose weight. Try to stay away from sugars though. They say carbs are bad but carbs are what give you the energy to work out. Do not worry you will eventually burn it off when exercising.
One more thing do not expect to loose 5 pounds in a week. 2 pounds a week is healthy.
Good Luck!
2006-11-28 04:33:21 · answer #2 · answered by no 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't suggest that you run (running, especially outside, is high impact and can hurt your back). It really is better to keep walking and possibly adding another low-impact activity, but that being said.... I also have a vey bad back but decided to push it anyway and started running. It was important for me to maintain good posture, and also get the best possible running shoes (go to a running store and ask what they recommend - I currently have Saucony shoes). Running on a treadmill also helps lessen the impact. Running on pavement is the hardest on your back and should be avoided if possible. Also, work on building your core muscles and that will help protect your back.
Best of luck on whatever you decide.
2006-11-28 04:47:08 · answer #3 · answered by Caitylane 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
running is good for you even if you have a bad back...i run all the time and i have a bad back. just take it easy when you do it...don't go full speed all at once. yes, start by running slowly. you have already started the process to losing weight, and that is you admitted that you want to be healthier. don't think of this as a diet plan...think of it as a wellness plan..your ultimate goal is to become healthy again. hope this helps you!! good luck!
2006-11-28 04:32:11 · answer #4 · answered by Sarah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bad back doesn't necessarily rule out running. Start out slow. Choose good running shoes and maiantain an upright posture
2006-11-28 04:44:38 · answer #5 · answered by Existentialist_Guru 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋