Couch to 5K

Laura shares her insights into getting active..

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Running a great fitness activity…

Are thinking about taking up Running as a way to increase your fitness…

Sean Whan, Health Trainer who is an experienced runner, shares his insights into getting started and how to progress with your running..

“Running is a fantastic form of exercise and a brilliant way of keeping fit. It is a great cardio workout for your heart, ideal for measuring your fitness, can also contribute to weight loss. It can be lots of fun and also lead to great self belief and achievement. Maybe most importantly its free, and you can start from any fitness level.

I started running properly when I was 26 and when I first started I couldn’t run around my local park without stopping several times. Luckily this didn’t put me off my fitness plan, as I was determined that running round my park would be my first goal. Also close to me was a canal pathway, which turned out to play a major part in developing my running. Canals are flat straight and not too busy and so ideal for running along. And it was on canals that I started running what is called “there and back runs” where I would run to the first canal bridge and then I would turn round and run back to where I started. Next time out I ran to the next bridge along, and then all the way back. This continued until I was running from Kings Norton to Brindley Place and back. At the same time I was also using a running machine to train on, which I also found really helpful, allowing you to easily track your speed and distance.
My running and fitness has improved over the years, but it was only in 2009 at the age of 36 that I decided to run my first half marathon, which turned out to be the Birmingham Half. I have since ran many half marathons and always use them as a goal to maintain my running.
If your running does progress, then I would highly recommend you should consider investing in a good pair of running shoes from a specialist shop such as “Birmingham Runner” or “Up & Running” where you can get expert advice and shoes that assist your running style and support your feet.”

Are you an experienced runner or just starting out then, why not share your experiences so far or if you would just like to comment about this article then follow the process below…

Losing Weight with Gateway….

John* was referred to Health Trainer Glenn Rodgers by his GP to help support him to manage his weight better and to give him a boost to increase his physical activity. The initial assessment showed that John’s diet was fairly poor and was missing out on his fruit and veg, opting for easy options such as Ready Meals, Take-Aways, Ice-Cream, Cakes, Biscuits and Chocolate. Basically all of the bits and pieces that we want to enjoy but we know are bad for us!

< — John before meeting with Glenn

With Glenn’s advice, John knew that this was an issue that he needed to deal with and set himself a challenge of cutting out all saturated fat from his diet immediately and said he would keep a diary to show Glenn when they next met. John did keep a diary and when he went back to visit Glenn for their next appointment, he had lost a remarkable 10lbs in only 10 days from simply cutting out the fat from his diet and increasing his physical activity.

John has now managed to lose over 2 and a half stone since meeting with Glenn and has said that he feels much more confident in both himself and in maintaining his new healthier lifestyle, even continuing with his food diaries as a reminder to himself about the dangers of snacking and taking the ‘easy option’. He has also been able to increase his physical activity steadily too as he has lost weight and continues to feel better and better.

<—- John now, feeling happy and healthy

Well done John and Glenn!