Couch25k on a cross trainer. Any advice please?

[Jojoes]

Hi I am seriously overweight and really want to get fit.
Couch to 5k really appealed to me, but I really struggled to carry on today - week 1 session 3 because of shin splints. I have suffered from this before, and had acupuncture a few years ago.
I really don't want to quit now Has anyone tried to use couch to 5 k on a cross trainer? I have read a few articles that stress that it wouldn't be a good preparation for running. However I only want to increase my general cardiovascular fitness - not specifically start running.
I'm thinking that it would be a good structure for steadily increasing what I'm doing.
I would appreciate any advice or thoughts.
I have found lots of the existing threads on here really useful - that's what got me motivated. Thanks in advance.

Use the cross trainer, but it's nothing at all like running.

OK. Thanks.

As an aside, have you tried a foam roller for your shin splints? Like this one

Just a thought.

Do you have good running shoes? If you do the C25k on a cross trainer, I'm sure it would improve your fitness, but it wouldn't prepare you well for running. If your aim is to run outdoors then a good pair of running shoes is a must. May improve your pain in your shins.

Haven't seen the foam roller before - will definitely look into it, thanks. Have you used them to help with shin splints?
New running shoes are probably a good idea too. I have started looking for some this week -I'm just trying to pluck up the courage to go and try some on.
A physio told me (a number of years ago)/to try asics gel for my over pronation so think that might be a good plan.
Thanks for your advice.

I've just bought one, I'm finding that my shins are getting a bit sore after starting to run outside. It hurts at the time but I hope it will help in the long run.

Try going to a shop which can analyse your gait; they will tell you what you need