Is jogging bad for your joints?

[dele]

Im currently 20st, which is actually good as a few months ago i was 23st. Im looking to start adding exercise to my routine now and everyone at work always harps on about jogging and all the benefits that come with it but ive always had the opinion that a man of my weight shouldnt really be looking to jog because the extra weight i carry is going to mash up my joints.

Is this baloney or is there merit to my theory?

[grumbledoak]

You would probably be better off swimming instead. At least until you can see your toes.

[Sarkmeister]

Just my opinion, but as long as you build up the distance very gradually, and run on softer surfaces (grass etc) where possible then it shouldn't be a problem.

I started off running 3 years abo at 18 stone, and I'm now at 15 and had no problems at all.

[944fan]

I started running at 19st. Had shin splints and then a problem with a tendon in my ankle. It was partly caused by also having flat feet (which I didn't know before I started) but the running made it much worse.

I swim, cycle and run now. I minimize the running and have stayed injury free for a long time. I am 16 st 12 lb now and this weight loss creates much less impact when running.

If you do carry on running, make sure to get properly fitted for shoes. If I had done this and got my othortics early I could have avoided injuries.

[mattnunn]

I'd swim, bike, cross trainer or roller skate if I were you, why take the risk of injury?

[goldblum]

Is jogging bad for your joints?

All things (you're healthy and reasonably mobile) being equal - No.

[Muzzer79]

Going out now and doing 10 mile training runs would probably mash your joints up, yes but you won't be doing that as you don't have the fitness.

I'd personally shed some weight through cycling or swimming but feel free to run; just take it steady.

[Mastodon2]

goldblum said:

Is jogging bad for your joints?

All things (you're healthy and reasonably mobile) being equal - No.

OP states he is 20 stone, recently 23 stone, and I'm guessing that is fat and not because he is an enormous body builder. If I was 20 stone, I'd probably look at using a cross trainer, engages upper and lower body, and is much gentler in terms of stress on the body. He'll be able to slog his guts out on one of those without worrying about splints, pounding his joints to bits etc. Once his weight comes down, then he could look at jogging or running.

[goldblum]

Mastodon2 said:

goldblum said:

Is jogging bad for your joints?

All things (you're healthy and reasonably mobile) being equal - No.

OP states he is 20 stone, recently 23 stone, and I'm guessing that is fat and not because he is an enormous body builder. If I was 20 stone, I'd probably look at using a cross trainer, engages upper and lower body, and is much gentler in terms of stress on the body. He'll be able to slog his guts out on one of those without worrying about splints, pounding his joints to bits etc. Once his weight comes down, then he could look at jogging or running.

!

[D1ngd0ng]

Sounds silly but run 250m every day for a week then 500m every day. Then 750-1000-1250-1500-1750. Then go down to 5 days a week and work up to 5k (add 250m every week) after that you can do whatever. Be cautious and build up extremely slowly. You're in no rush so don't rush and enjoy it.

And get fitted for a proper pair of shoes if you stick at it.

[Halb]

I used to jog regularly at over 20 stones. My joints were used to it.
Start slow, walk then walk-jog-walk and make sure you have recovery between sessions.

[ewenm]

Avoid landing on your heels when running. Your foot and lower leg has evolved pretty effective shock absorbers but these only work properly if you land on the ball of your foot. If you land on your heel all the impact goes up your leg bones and through your joints.

Get the technique right, start short and slow, and you'll be fine.

[Tiggsy]

I started running at 22stone - 2 years ago. I am now 15 ish and do 5k in 21m and 10k in 45m.........i spent years thinking a huge fat blob would hurt himself running, then learnt to run barefoot style, bought some 5 fingers and never looked back. I can run for hours and get no blisters, shin splints, aches, etc, etc. When i used to run "old style" i was always getting hurt.

[Odie]

I just started running again, I have problems with my shins and ankles, I just think as long as its not a sharp stabbing pain and its just a dull ache its fine. You are going to get a bit of discomfort as you are using muscles and tendons in ways that you haven't for a while.

I've though about getting some barefoot trainers, I'm flat footed and my current trainers don't seem to give me the support I need anymore.

[Tiggsy]

i was the same....my arch is now fine as my foot grew stronger when allowed to work as its supposed to.