Couch to 5K – Does it Really Work?

Man running
Photo by Jenny Hill on Unsplash

Couch to 5K is a free program created in the United Kingdom that gets people off their couch and running a 5K in 9 weeks. It’s designed for absolute beginners but can also be good for getting you back into the swing of running after a long break. But does it really work?

Interval Training

Every Couch to 5K program uses interval training, where you run for x amount of time, followed by walking for x amount of time. Gradually, the running segments get longer and the walking segments get shorter. This is a proven and successful way to get your body used to higher-intensity training.

Great Motivation

Choose a Couch to 5K with audio. This way, you get to have your running coach in your ears on all your runs, cheering you on. This provides excellent motivation to keep going.

Clear Instructions

It’s easy to feel defeated when our fitness plan is too vague. Couch to 5K is super clear and direct, so you know exactly what you need to do for each session. New runners will find this especially helpful.

Commitment

While Couch to 5K provides an excellent training framework to get you off the couch, it’s up to you to stick to that framework. Couch to 5K will only succeed if you really commit to it, and make sure you follow each step to the letter. We’re rooting for you!