Is this too little to be of any benefit?

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I am going to start running, the times a week for twenty minutes each time. I am reasonably active but haven't done much exercise over the last year and a half- I have an eight month old baby. I have chosen running as its free and I can just about manage 20 mins three times a week. Is this worth doing or is it so little it's not worth it? My aim is to feel fitter and ideally to tone up a bit.

The WHO recommends 3x 20 min of exercise a week minimum, but as my hospital exercise class said yesterday, any exercise is better than none - benefits your heart and lungs and metabolism even if you stay the same shape and size.

I've just been for my first one. Bit of a shocker! I had to do walk-run and still found it hard.

I agree with NotCitrus, any exercise is better than none. Have you had a look at Couch to 5k? Walk-run is fine in the beginning, it takes a few weeks to build up to running for 20 minutes.

I've just started the couch to 5 k, if you download the podcast it tells you when to run and when to walk. Its a 9 week programne, 3 times a week.

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anything is better than nothing, and it gets you into the habit of doing more in the future when circumstances allow.

Walk-run is fine, you dont have to torture yourself and make it hell, just push yourself a little so it's a bit of a challenge, it will get easier as your body adjusts!

Definitely try couch to 5k, it allows you to build up gradually. And get yourself a decent sports bra and running shoes.

I have downloaded Couch to 5K. I am feeling pretty determined after yesterday's shock.

Go for it.
How strict is the 20 mins tho? The (NHS) C25K podcasts are more like 30 mins in the early days, stretching to 40 at the end. Is that too long?

I started running in mid-January and could only do about 1.7k worth of run-walking (mostly walking) in 20 mins the very first time.

This evening I ran the 10k home from work in just over an hour. Believe me, you'll get there!

Thank you. Yes I can stretch to 30 minutes, it just sounds that bit more daunting!

iirc, the early c25K weeks are mainly walking, with a little jogging in several small sections. Perfectally doable - 'cause I've done it.

Give it a go - and trust the program. KIt really is amazing what you can achieve over 9 weeks.

Amber - thats fantastic progress. Well done!

There's a book called 'Running Made Easy' by Joanne Whalley. I found it really inspirational when I started running & again after a break from it in between DC. It's currently £6.99 on Amazon. Good luck!

There's a book called 'Running Made Easy' by Joanne Whalley. I found it really inspirational when I started running & again after a break from it in between DC. It's currently £6.99 on Amazon. Good luck!