I am 5'6", 180 lbs. I have just lost 20 lbs, and am still losing. I can currently jog for about 3 miles, and I don't feel any pain--in fact, I feel good. I ama able to jog about 3 miles; when I first started, I could only do about 1/2 mile. I know I need to lose about another 40 lbs. before I am at the appropriate weight, but is it true that you shouldn't run if you're overweight as it will wreak havoc on your knees?
2007-10-09 15:16:49 · 7 answers · asked by florita 4 in Sports ➔ Running
Your knees do take more abuse the heavier you are -- simple physics.
That said, the health benefits of getting in shape and managing your health with exercise FAR outweighs risks to your knees.
You are not heavy enough to dramatically increase your risks...
1. Make sure you have proper running shoes. Have them fit at a running shoe store. They'll put in the best shoe for your tendencies and needs. This is probably the best thing you can do. Think of your shoes as shocks for your car.
2. Choose your surfaces carefully. Choose dirt and grass over concrete. Asphalt is better than concrete.
3. Listen to your body. If your knees hurt, back off.
4. Don't burn ourself out running. Mix in hiking, or a bike ride, swimming, whatever. Variety will help spare your knees.
Congratulations on your hard work and success. Keep up the good work!
2007-10-10 08:37:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is a lot of truth to the pounding of road running being tough on your knees, especially if you are a bit heavy. I speak from experience - I used to run 5-6 miles every other day for years and the wear and tear on my knees developed into osteoarthritis. There's probably some genetic disposition for this, too, but still I think my added weight helped wear down my cartilage. I am 6'2" and about 210 pounds and even when I was at the peak of my running, I never got below 200 lbs.
So, my advice is to keep at this 3 mile distance, maybe pushing it up to 30 minutes but until you get a few more pounds off, keep that as a limit. You might also use some other exercise - hey, walking at 4 MPH is a good workout, too and the wear is much less. Now I use a stationary bike and while that, too, hurts my damaged knees, it hurts much less. There's always swimming to lose weight but, personally, I hate swimming.
2007-10-10 00:34:12 · answer #2 · answered by iwasnotanazipolka 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not a trainer, but I'm a exercise junkie and I read lots of information about what exercises is right for losing weight. All I can say is that running is a great exercise for weight loss because it works all the muscles and burns fat faster. Running helps strengthen your legs and builds muscles so if you're consistent with your running, your legs will get stronger and will be able to support the weight.
Also keep in mind your sizes. If you have knee problems because of your weight, you might want to stick to something less straining on your knees until you get your weight down to a level where you can support yourself with pain. If you're feeling pain, no matter what size you are, you should not be running. You will only hinder yourself even more.
2007-10-09 22:30:10 · answer #3 · answered by gurlnlifemagazine 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can be harmful if you are grossly obese, but you are not that much over weight.
It will help you get to your target weight if you continue to run.
Besides the running helps your cardiovascular system.
Running on a good surface with the proper shoes will help to protect your body while running.
You are doing good and don't let someone tell you not to run.
You feel good so keep up your program. I always doubt the sincerity of people who tell me running is unhealthy, I have been doing it for 50 years and it hasn't killed me, yet.
Be sensible and you will be fine.
2007-10-10 05:48:09 · answer #4 · answered by lestermount 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
omg thats awesome! i have a lot of respect for overweight people who try to loose it cuz those who just sit there and complain bug me haha. but i think if you have made this much progress without your knees hurting, i think youll be fine, but im no docter haha. but if they do start hurting, i would suggest an elyptical machine. it gives you the cardio but not the stress on your joints. good luck with that 40!
2007-10-11 22:18:51 · answer #5 · answered by czechoslovakian67 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unless your horribly obese you should be running as much as you can stand. just take care of your joints. I'm an overweight runner in my 30's and my knees couldn't be healthier. I take care of them, wrap them with aces when they start to bother me or take a couple of days off if necessary. just make sure you're in good supportive shoes and run with a knee brace if you need one.
2007-10-09 22:31:28 · answer #6 · answered by burnttoast97 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you should run. If its helping that much, then why stop?
2007-10-09 22:37:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋