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That article makes a good argument, but I feel like it misses the potentially more significant issue that running is an actively bad choice of exercise for a lo

That article makes a good argument, but I feel like it misses the potentially more significant issue that running is an actively bad choice of exercise for a lot of people even if they want to focus on cardio. It's harder on the body than a lot of other cardio exercises, particularly for the target audience of things like "couch to 5k". It's definitely better for you than sitting on the couch, but only if you stick with it. And trying to get couch potatoes into running seems like a good way to ensure they don't stick with exercise. Anecdotally, I know a couple of people who did couch to 5k and ended up actually doing a 5k. They looked like they were going to die at the end of the race and basically stopped exercising after. Running has the advantage of needing minimal equipment and being something you can do everywhere, and I know it works for a lot of people. But as an exercise for people who would otherwise just sit on the couch, I'm not sure it's a good choice.

DoughnutHole 4y ago
Running has the advantage of cost and simplicity. A pair of running shoes and a very simple free programme like couch to 5k and you're set. The only exercise I can think of with a lower barrier to entry is walking. Every able-bodied person knows how to run, even if they can't go very fast or far. Strength training has a higher barrier to entry - weight training requires a gym membership or your own weight room, and you have to learn to perform specific movements correctly and safely, which requires research or paying a personal trainer. Bodyweight strength training also requires learning many not necessarily intuitive movements. Other forms of cardio also usually require an investment in expensive equipment (eg. cycling) or a membership (eg. swimming). Running isn't recommended to sedentary people because it's an optimal exercise - it's suggested because anyone can pick it up with minimal cost and learning. And it's more time-efficient than walking.
- rainsford 4y ago
  That's a fair point...running does have a fairly low barrier to entry, which is definitely an advantage in picking it up as an exercise. I'd still lean towards walking as a better choice for sedentary people though, at least as a "get off the couch" goal. It takes longer, but the lower potential for injury and less strenuous nature of the activity might make it a better exercise habit for some folks.
  - jeltz 4y ago
    I agree, but it all depends on how you define "get off the couch". Some people walk moderate amounts already and for those starting running makes a lot of sense, while others move so little in their life that walking is the best first step. It is also perfectly fine if walking is the only step, but at least in my case I felt huge health benefits from going from walking moderate amounts to running (I still walk, but a bit less).

DoughnutHole 4y ago

Running has the advantage of cost and simplicity. A pair of running shoes and a very simple free programme like couch to 5k and you're set. The only exercise I can think of with a lower barrier to entry is walking. Every able-bodied person knows how to run, even if they can't go very fast or far. Strength training has a higher barrier to entry - weight training requires a gym membership or your own weight room, and you have to learn to perform specific movements correctly and safely, which requires research or paying a personal trainer. Bodyweight strength training also requires learning many not necessarily intuitive movements. Other forms of cardio also usually require an investment in expensive equipment (eg. cycling) or a membership (eg. swimming). Running isn't recommended to sedentary people because it's an optimal exercise - it's suggested because anyone can pick it up with minimal cost and learning. And it's more time-efficient than walking.

rainsford 4y ago
That's a fair point...running does have a fairly low barrier to entry, which is definitely an advantage in picking it up as an exercise. I'd still lean towards walking as a better choice for sedentary people though, at least as a "get off the couch" goal. It takes longer, but the lower potential for injury and less strenuous nature of the activity might make it a better exercise habit for some folks.
- jeltz 4y ago
  I agree, but it all depends on how you define "get off the couch". Some people walk moderate amounts already and for those starting running makes a lot of sense, while others move so little in their life that walking is the best first step. It is also perfectly fine if walking is the only step, but at least in my case I felt huge health benefits from going from walking moderate amounts to running (I still walk, but a bit less).