Running after Weight Loss Surgery

If there is any secret to becoming physically active after weight loss surgery it is to take it slow and to work up your intensity in short increments. The Couch to 5K program is one example of the type of workout program that is designed to help people go from zero or very little activity in their life to race day in a pre-determined period of time.

For someone who has struggled with obesity for most of their life, the thought of being an athlete might seem like something reserved for another lifetime. But the only difference between an athlete and yourself is the work that the athlete has put into their sport. After weight loss surgery, you don’t need to become an Olympian, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t push yourself to be the best and most athletic version of you that there is.

The Benefits of Running after Weight loss Surgery

Once your weight loss surgeon has cleared you to participate in physical activity and you are ready to become more active, you might want to think about the merits of running.

Running supports health benefits like:

• Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes
• Improves mood and reduces risk of depression
• Helps with weight management

How to Get Started

The Couch to 5K program is just one type of running program that is designed to help people get started with running as a healthy habit and hobby. The program is developed for absolute beginners—so people who have no background with running what so ever.

The plan works in the same way that many increment style physical activity plans use:

• Three days of activity per week
• Rest days in between
• A different schedule every week
• Pre-determined workout plan for a duration of about 10 weeks

Starting out, your days of activity are not very intense at all. Your runs are short and are going to be heavier in walking than running. As you become more active and are able to run for longer periods, then you will do so.

Many opt to start with what is called the Galloway method of running, which starts out with 20 seconds of running followed by 40 seconds of walking. Taking it minute by minute like this, you can train your body to be able to run for gradually longer periods, until you are able to run for an entire minute, then two minutes, and so forth.

Most avid runners can tell you from experience, the most difficult part is getting started. There are an amazing number of success stories out there about people who have had weight loss surgery and lost weight and started running, who have run entire marathons as they embraced their healthier lifestyle. You can be one of those people too. Once your weight loss surgeon says it is okay to get active, then get started. You’ll be amazed by what you can do!