Am I too heavy to run?

Question

I wanted to give running a try, so I've been starting to use the treadmills at my gym. I've been noticing that my strides are rather loud compared to other people who are running. I'm about 5'7'' and weight about 185. I see people larger than me running on the treadmill without as much noise being made. I'm not sure if my feet are hitting the surface in the right manner, which may lead to injuries in my legs. Or could it be the machine itself. I know this may be a dumb question, but I just don't want to draw unnecessary attention to myself. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

When I run, i run mostly with the front part of my foot, I dont even think once during daily half-hour run that my back foot touches the ground. So if you wanna run with no sound (honestly, no body cares for the sound, most of them are listening to walkmans anyway, just as long as you dont BREAK the treadmill), all you've gotta do is run on the front part of your foot( like sprinting), It will feel light and you will not get tired easily. If that stil makes sound, seriously, its alright, as long as the machine is not creaking because if it is, I would suggest running outside because you might break the machine. Also to remember, when you first start, try for 5 min, see how it goes. if you feel a sharp pain in your leg, stop immediately and dont force on or else you will get a muscle cramp and contraction really easily. Add on as you go on. You definitely do not want to overdo it the first time.


Good Luck X.Z

Answer 2

I'm 5'8 and weight about 220. It could be the way you run. You may not be physically ready to run properly. That doesn't necessarilly have anything to do with your weight, a bigger person may just have more muscle. It could be the machine. My joints did hurt after running for awhile on the treadmill. I prefer to use the elliptical because it's less impact on my bones and the work out is the same. Give that a try.

Answer 3

Well my cousin is sort of your height and weight, but it's like all practically muscle. He doesn't make any noise when he runs. It's very possible you are not stepping correctly. Like for track, I don't have a very long stride. Sometimes just runnin on the track I make loud noises. Do you use the same machine all the time? Hope you figure it out.

Answer 4

In my opinion, some people are just harder on their feet than others and it doesn't necessarily have to do with your weight.
My 10 pound cat can make more noise walking down the stairs than my 120 pound brother.

If you're worried about injuring your legs it couldn't hurt asking about running techniques at your gym.

Answer 5

185 lbs is far from heavy. running on the treadmill is not natural for many people and the stride changes vs. what is used when running outdoors

Answer 6

well dude i suggest you drop you belly size 1st before start running cuz since you are overweing you will be destroying your knees. so i suggest you start by doing sit ups and doing push ups to gain muscle, and also burn fat by doing cardio exersises. swiming is a great way to do this, so use weights and stuff and build some lean muscle( this will boost your metabolism and help you murder fat faster), you can run as well but make sure you are getting thiner. make sure you do this on a daily basis, only through rountine training will you achieve your goal. i did it too man i was fcking huge! and i lost like 50 pounds doing all this stuff, i am now very athetic and i get the girls arlight. so just keep training man

Answer 7

if your having problems getting the technique of running on a treadmill, ask one of the athletic trainers at your gym to give you some tips and advise, they will help you improve your technique, so you won't get injured. also don't worry about the other people around you, concentrating on your workout is the important thing. i think it's really great that your exercising and making healthy choices! good luck! :)

Answer 8

You are not too heavy for anything. If you put your mind to running then you can do it. Don't worry about the people around you. As long as you are doing as much as you can do, then you are doing great. So keep on running until you reach what ever your goal is .

Answer 9

I've always found it easier to run OUTSIDE or actually running. Treadmills are made for walking, in my opinion.

First off--have you ever run before? If not, walk before you run and build up. That's why I love walking outside. I'll walk for a block, then run for a block. If I can't do that, I build up to it.

Answer 10

nah ya ain't too heavy. just tryin landing you're feet more on the balls of them if you want a good calf exercise or the heels to reduce noise without a whole lot of strain on the calves. you want either end of your foot(whichever you choose) to hit first and then the rest to glide down. that should work. it does for me anyhow. and if that don't help try getbig.com and go to training Q&A they'll be glad to help ya. whichever you choose the best of luck to ya.