What is Couch to 5k

Couch to 5k is an NHS training programme that will take you from ‘the couch’ to running 5km. There are 3 exercise session per week of approximately half an hour each. The programme runs for 9 weeks. The sessions start very gently!

It revolves around a phone app that has been downloaded over 5 million times. The app is designed to let people start running for exercise without any help - but we think it’s even better when you go through the programme with others.

We love this programme and have seen many people achieve more than they thought possible. This programme has shown people that they can enjoy making exercise part of their lifestyle - and that’s exactly why Thrive exists.

We would love to help you achieve Couch to 5k by helping you to get set up, answer your questions and accompany you on some of your sessions.

How does it work?

If you sign up for Thrive Couch to 5km, this is what we’ll do to help you:

1. We’ll meet with you and the rest of the group to talk about the programme, make sure you understand what’s going to happen and to answer your questions. Only after this session do you make a decision about going ahead.

2. We’ll then work with the group to find times that everyone is available to exercise together.

3. Each week the group will meet for the first two sessions of the week and do the actvities together

4. For the third session of each week, you will do the activity in your own time (although you’re welcome to join others in the group if you want to)

5. You get fit!

Q&A

• When does it run?

  • We aim to run the programme 2 or 3 times per year. If you’re interested, please let us know and we’ll then know when we have enough people interested to run our next programme

• I think I might be too slow for the group

  • You’re not! No-one gets left behind. It’s completely natural for everyone to have a speed at which they feel comfortable and we’re not all the same. We have various ways to keep the group together and this has NEVER been a problem

• Do I need to use the app?

  • We will have the app running during the two accompanied sessions each week and we will lead you through those sessions. For the third session, on your own, the app makes it MUCH easier so we highly recommend it. If you have an Apple or Android phone then you can get the app. We can help you with it.

• What if I can’t make some of the sessions

  • You should aim to do all the sessions but you don’t have to do every session with the group. If you can’t make the group session sometimes then just do it in your own time. However, you should always aim to do all 3 sessions each week and have at least one day of rest in between sessions.

• Is my underlying health condition a barrier to be trying running?

  • Talk to your GP if you’re in doubt. Doctors love to hear that their patients want to find new ways to be healthy and they’ll be delighted to help you. You might be surprised and find that you can run even if you have an underlying health condition. But DO ask your GP.

     

How to I find out more?

If you’d like to know more about Couch to 5k then have a look at the official web site at:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/running-and-aerobic-exercises/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/

And if you’re interested in joining Thrive on Couch to 5K then speak to Dave or Rachel Hairs or email us at thrive(at)godfirst.church.