How can a fat guy protect his knees while running?

[TabulaRasa]

Originally Posted by wutitiz

I doubt that running is bad for the joints...I suspect that the people with the worst joint problems are those who have been sedentary.

And if those people decide to start running, they can do serious damage if they're not careful in how they go about it.

[mysticaltyger]

Originally Posted by AuburnAL

Here's my problem. I am losing weight while running. However, recently it seems like every few exercise sessions my knee "pops" and begins experiencing pain. I don't want to push it to destruction, but I just can't make headway if I have to keep taking 3-7 days off from exercising so often.

Do some other kind of exercise...walking, swimming, etc. Swimming is supposed to be especially good for your health.

Also, have you changed your diet? You shouldn't be trying to lose weight with just exercise alone.

[SaucyAussie]

Originally Posted by AuburnAL

I will try bicycle I guess. I am not in a situation where I can run on dirt or roads either unless I just do back and forth for about 50 feet over and over again. I have access to an elliptical, but I never really feel balanced enough on it to crank it up.

My only concern with the bicycle is if there are any long term effects to a guy riding a bicycle with a woman's seat on it? That's really my only option, and it becomes pretty painful after 20-30 minutes.

The elliptical can feel a little awkward at first but developing good balance is a secondary and very important benefit. I don't use the handles, I use my core muscles to maintain balance. Make sure you have plenty of resistance, this will help with stability.

I didn't know there was such as thing as a woman's bike seat! Any seat will hurt after 20-30 minutes when you are first starting out. But if you ride 3-4 times a week your butt will get used to it. You can also buy a gel seat cover that helps and get padded riding pants.

[Opsimathia]

Originally Posted by AuburnAL

Here's my problem. I am losing weight while running. However, recently it seems like every few exercise sessions my knee "pops" and begins experiencing pain. I don't want to push it to destruction, but I just can't make headway if I have to keep taking 3-7 days off from exercising so often.

You should go to your doctor for a check up because of the pop and pain. Its better to catch an injury that is new. You doctor can give you some leg/knee strengthening exercises after have ensured your knee isn't damaged.

I really suggest to not run but get your cardio from lower impact workouts as already suggested. Even lightweight people have issues with knees from running. It is can be hard on the body.

I would really stick to watching how you eat until you get a check up. If you knee is already damaged you do not want to exercise on it at all.

[wutitiz]

Originally Posted by TabulaRasa

And if those people decide to start running, they can do serious damage if they're not careful in how they go about it.

agreed. I know at least one guy who ran five miles/day, thought he was doing the right thing by working out & pushing himself, and just wound up tearing up his knees. IMO the great key is to avoid running on pavement. I've been running for 35 years w/ no knee problems by sticking mostly to dirt, grass, etc. If I do feel a twinge of knee pain I take a couple rest days.

[Suncc49]

The best advice is to listen to your body. Adjust your routine accordingly. If your knees are hurting find alternative forms of cardio and incorporate some weight training so you can build up some lean muscle while you are unable to run as much.