Should a 300 LBS man run as cardio to lose weight?

Question

hi i am just wondering if running is a good way to lose rapidly pounds and body liquid.....

i am 300 pounds, should i run......?

is this a good idea?

Answer 1

Good for you wanting to start running...however, I think you should check with you doctor, tell him/her what you wanted to do and make sure its a go.  Also being heavier and running is hard on your knees/shins, probably would advise walking first 30 minutes / day, doing some hills as a challenge.  Once walking becomes easier (breathing easier and able to carry a conversation during a fast pace walk) then try running.  Start with walk 9 minutes and 30 seconds, run for 30 seconds, do this 3X  (total of 30minutes exercise) for 3 days a week for 2 weeks.  Walk on other days not running.  Following week, walk 9 minutes and run 1 minute 3X.  Do this 3 days a week. Following week walk 8 minutes run 2 minutes, 3X...reduce walk time per minute and up your running per minute per week.  The goal is to run up to 10 minutes and walk 1 minute.  

Please make sure to get proper shoes from a running store and have them to fit according to your foot type/weight/gait/pronation.  Proper shoes will help reduce and injuries.  If you have sore muscles, or shins, ankles,  this is normal for beginner, make sure you ice it for 10-15minutes 3X/day so it will reduce inflamation and soreness.  Ice cold water for a foot bath for sore ankles 10-15 minutes 2X/day.  Take advil if needed.

Again let your doctor know what you want to do.  To do exercise is always a GOOD IDEA...

Join a walking/running club where there are tons of motivation and support and information.

Good luck :)

Answer 2

I would walk first for a while if I were you. You can gradually start running a little bit during your walks and build up into all running.

First try walking 2-3 miles. Do it 6 days a week and once you can walk that distance easily start running a little bit more and more each time. Maybe walk for 2 minutes and run for 30 seconds or something like that.

Answer 3

I highly recommend walking first.

My coach said that very overweight people shouldn't try to go out and run right away.  It will hurt your joints  such as your knees and etc.  Check with your doctor first to make sure you have a healthy heart and stuff.

When you lose a reasonable amount of weight, it will be safer to run but make sure your doctor says it's okay.

Cut out junk food, fast food, soda and etc.  Watch how much high-fructose corn syrup you take in.  It's in a lot of foods.  You can lose significant amounts of weight just from a healthy diet and some exercise.

Just keep working and don't give up!

Answer 4

How tall is this man?

I was 240 lbs when I started running but Im 6'4", its really different if a 7'0" 300 lb wants to run vs. a 5'9" 300 lbs man started running. I am assuming that the weight is mostly fat and not muscle?

I would recommend walking, swimming or riding a bicycle first to build up a little stamina, endurance and dropping a little weight before running. That is alot of weight on the joints and you could do alot of damage and break down. However on "The Biggest Loser" you see those large people running.

I would consult a doctor, but also try a little run/jog first to see how it feels. Good luck!

Answer 5

Only if you can afford knee surgery. Seriously, running is hard on your joints and knees even for a person at a healthy weight. (I run, and I am worried about my right knee, but I'm addicted to running I love it, and I'm trying to lose weight too (I'm at 153)... I don't know what to do other than strengthen the muscles and icing my knee.... =(  Sometimes we are our worste enemy just because we want to look and feel good.



Another thing you need to consider is that while cardiovascular exercise is vital to losing weight, you need to be careful not to overdue it. Walking at a pace that keeps your heart rate 35%-65 of your resting heart rate is probably best for you at this time. More than likely, if you run at the weight you're at right now, your heart rate may soar to above a dangerous percentage. Or I could be wrong, maybe you're a muscular type and your weight is due to muscular weight? And your heart rate may stay within safe levels. I would experiment with a heart rate monitor if I were you. If you have a gym membership, make an appointment with a personal trainer too. They should help you determine what is the best activity for you for the most successful weight loss.