Couch to 5k - starting it...

Kalinda

Hi Everyone,

I've an android phone and have just downloaded the C25k Pro app to get me running!

Just wondering, I have flabby upper arms and does anyone know if wearing wrist weights while running will help this?

What is the quickest way to lose the bingo wings? Although they are not major bingo wings, just a bit soft.

Thanks.

d'Oracle

Not really.

Your body doesn't work like that. It doesn't ring fence arm fat for arm movement.

If you loose fat the bingo wings will go, just as you will loose weight from your legs, belly hips, neck.....etc.

That said, it can't do any harm.
Its just if your arm become more lean it won't be because of the arm weights, it will be because you exercised more while eating less and lost some fat.

marathonic

I agree with d'Oracle.

Basically, the wrist weights will help because you will be burning more calories and, therefore, losing more fat - a proportion of which will be from the arms. However, the affect of wrist weights won't vary significantly from the affect of, for example, ankle weights.

If running with wrist weights results in you being able to cover 10-15% less distance than running without them would, then I'd definately advice avoiding them and running the extra distance. You'd be much better buying a kettlebell or two instead of the wrist weights and doing a separate weight session on your non-running days.

marathonic

By the way, diet is key and you can't outtrain a poor diet. You're on the couch to 5k plan which means you're attempting to build up to what will be a run that burns somewhere in the region of 350 calories. As you are probably aware, it's a lot easier to avoid eating a small chocolate bar than it is to run a mile so make sure you keep the diet in check.

Read the nutrition section stickies if you haven't already and download an app to your Android phone to track calories. I use this one but this free one would be just as effective.

Kalinda

Ok so I'm doing ok on the c25k programme except this podcast has its own up-tempo music on it. DOes anyone know of a similar podcast that will allow me play my itunes songs on it and still hear the switch pace beeps? Thanks

saa

Ah if I could download a track to remind me what to do that would be great,
I saw couch to 5 k and thought it was amazing, I will do this but the idea of remembering what to do every 90 seconds etc. seems confusing?

jokettle

I use the Get Running app, you can play your own music with it and a voice comes on to tell you when to run and when to walk. The music volume is lowered automatically when the voice starts. It's a fantastic app, can't recommend it enough.

Kalinda

jokettle wrote: »

I use the Get Running app, you can play your own music with it and a voice comes on to tell you when to run and when to walk. The music volume is lowered automatically when the voice starts. It's a fantastic app, can't recommend it enough.

Jokettle,

Unfotunatley, I don't have an iPhone, just Samsung Galaxy.

Penny Dreadful

Kalinda wrote: »

Hi Everyone,

I've an android phone and have just downloaded the C25k Pro app to get me running!

Just wondering, I have flabby upper arms and does anyone know if wearing wrist weights while running will help this?

What is the quickest way to lose the bingo wings? Although they are not major bingo wings, just a bit soft.

Thanks.

Push ups and tricep dips are fantastic for working the bingo wings away from your life.

InTheTrees

Also once you get running regularly, you'll start to generally firm up all over.

So dont bother carrying extra weights etc yet.

best of luck

Kalinda

Kalinda wrote: »

Jokettle,

Unfotunatley, I don't have an iPhone, just Samsung Galaxy.

that's a smartphone though isn't it? apps are not limited to apple products

lmmoonbeam1976

Kalinda wrote: »

Hi Everyone,

I've an android phone and have just downloaded the C25k Pro app to get me running!

Just wondering, I have flabby upper arms and does anyone know if wearing wrist weights while running will help this?

What is the quickest way to lose the bingo wings? Although they are not major bingo wings, just a bit soft.

Thanks.

ive started this also but through the ipod -- already up to 2 k in 2 weeks :rolleyes: amazed at myself

dave13

Kalinda wrote: »

Jokettle,

Unfotunatley, I don't have an iPhone, just Samsung Galaxy.

Runkeeper on Android lets you do the same thing. You just key in the intervals you want and it tells you when to start and stop. Use your own music in the background

Kalinda

dave13 wrote: »

Kalinda wrote: »

Jokettle,

Unfotunatley, I don't have an iPhone, just Samsung Galaxy.

Runkeeper on Android lets you do the same thing. You just key in the intervals you want and it tells you when to start and stop. Use your own music in the background

Immoonbean,what app are u using,does it let you play ur own music? Might use my ipod instead as i have an arm thingy that will hold it rather than holding phone as i run.

gnu

Hi Kalinda, hope you're enjoying Couch 2 5K, I did something similar and loved it!

I've heard from several trainers and coaches that it's better not to wear ankle/arm weights while walking or running as it can alter your gait and lead to injuries. And as the others have said, you can't spot reduce fat. Trust me, if you stick with the C25K and a healthy, balanced diet, you can wave bye bye to the bingo wings without anything wobbling!

I've also been told it's good to strength train twice or 3 times a week, something I've neglected up to now but trying to change that.

Best of luck!

oppiuy

I started this in the second week in Jan. I hadnt run in years. I found the opening weeks very slow and teadious. Second week i decided id just go for it and see how far i could push myself and then use that as a starting block. Did 4k 3 nights that week. i couldnt believe it. Im upto 6k already but focusing now on getting my 5k down under 25 minutes. Currently at 27 and half. Ive droped a stone, have more energy during the day and have a new addiction.

Oryx

I know its been dealt with but please dont wear weights when you start running. Your body is getting used to new stresses, no point in adding to that unnecessarily. Ive seen a few people start off and get shin splints or an injury and just give up. No point adding to the risk of that happening. The harder you make it on yourself at the start, the more inclined you will be to quit, anyway.

The best way to improve the shape of your arms is to work your arms. Do body weight exercises, push ups, pull ups, dips. Swimming is good too, if youre working hard. Ive never noticed that running has much of an effect on my arms at all.

curly from cork

Kalinda I also have a galaxy s . I downloaded from market , a free c to 5 k app called run double. You can use your own play list with it . So you start your music player and then open another window and use the run double app. As with some of the other apps people have mentioned run double cuts in over your music to give you instruction.

iguana

I've a question about this. I started the C25k last Saturday and have been doing it every second day. I had been doing a yoga session on alternate days but am finding some of the stretches too hard going on an area that I recently had surgery on and my doctor has advised me to skip it for another month or so.

Would it be very damaging if I started to jog more often? Maybe not everyday but say 5 times a week? I know myself and if I don't do something everyday I'm more likely to quit.

lmmoonbeam1976

Kalinda wrote: »

Immoonbean,what app are u using,does it let you play ur own music? Might use my ipod instead as i have an arm thingy that will hold it rather than holding phone as i run.

i downloaded it through the podcast section - i love it and when i have it on i just keep going -- im up to 10 every 2-3 days now down 2 dress sizes

huskerdu

iguana wrote: »

I've a question about this. I started the C25k last Saturday and have been doing it every second day. I had been doing a yoga session on alternate days but am finding some of the stretches too hard going on an area that I recently had surgery on and my doctor has advised me to skip it for another month or so.

Would it be very damaging if I started to jog more often? Maybe not everyday but say 5 times a week? I know myself and if I don't do something everyday I'm more likely to quit.

You have a higher risk of injury if you increase the amount of running you do too quickly, but its impossible for us to know what is right for you.

If you are finding the Cto5K program easy, then maybe try to run more often but take it easy and don't over do it. You do need rest days, as your joints get used to the impact of running.

How about a vigorous walk on the non-running days which will have less impact on your joints ?

sparklyEyes111

Running daily will get rid of them no bother. Also, if you had access to it, I'd say do rowing or use the rowing machine in the gym. Your arms would get very toned from doing the rowing machine daily. I always use it and as much as I hate it it works for me much more than weights ever do.