Q&A: I am 100 lbs overweight. Do I need to lose weight before I start exercising?

QUESTION
Hi Jeff. I am 100 pounds overweight. At what time is it safe on my knees and ankles to begin your program? Should I drop a few pounds through diet first, before beginning, or just walk until I drop so much weight? 

Thanks, Jon

 

ANSWER
Dear Jon:  I commend you for wanting to take on a goal that can change your life for the better. 

I recommend that you start by walking using a gentle stride. Build up gradually to 30 minutes, every other day. 

When you have achieved that amount, use a gentle "shuffle" jog of 5 seconds, followed by 55 seconds of walking. Start with 10 minutes of the 5/55 with 10 minutes of gentle walking before and after. Add 3-5 more minutes of 5/55 on each workout, every other day until you are up to 30 minutes. 

Then do the same with 10/50. Start with 10 minutes, and increase by 3-5 minutes each time, every other day until you reach 30 minutes. 

If there are no issues, you can start with the 5K program. 

Jeff  

P.S. Here is a great product to help you with your walk/run ratios. 

Jeff Galloway smiling near a lake with city skyline in the distance.
Jeff Galloway

Jeff Galloway, US Olympian and creator of the Run-Walk-Run method, has helped over 350,000 runners achieve their goals through his innovative training programs. As Runner's World's monthly columnist and author of North America's best-selling running book, Jeff has spent over 50 years sharing his expertise and continues to conduct running seminars worldwide as runDisney's Official Training Consultant.

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