13 episodes

This is a running plan designed to get complete beginners from couch potato to running 5k (or 30 minutes) in nine weeks.
It is:
- Achievable - starting with a mix of running and walking and building up slowly
- Virtually free - all you need is a decent pair of trainers and an MP3 player (a regular mobile phone will do)
- Easy - a motivating 'personal trainer' tells you exactly when to stop and start.
The plan sets three runs per week with a day of rest between each run.

NHS Couch to 5K NHS Choices

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.7 • 88 Ratings

This is a running plan designed to get complete beginners from couch potato to running 5k (or 30 minutes) in nine weeks.
It is:
- Achievable - starting with a mix of running and walking and building up slowly
- Virtually free - all you need is a decent pair of trainers and an MP3 player (a regular mobile phone will do)
- Easy - a motivating 'personal trainer' tells you exactly when to stop and start.
The plan sets three runs per week with a day of rest between each run.

    Couch to 5K - Week 1

    Couch to 5K - Week 1

    Couch to 5k is a running plan designed to get complete beginners from being a couch potato to running 5k (or 30 minutes) in nine weeks. It is: - Achievable - starting with a mix of running and walking and building up slowly - Virtually free - all you need

    Couch to 5K - Week 2

    Couch to 5K - Week 2

    Couch to 5k is a running plan designed to get complete beginners from being a couch potato to running 5k (or 30 minutes) in nine weeks. It is: - Achievable - starting with a mix of running and walking and building up slowly - Virtually free - all you need

    Couch to 5K - Week 3

    Couch to 5K - Week 3

    Couch to 5k is a running plan designed to get complete beginners from being a couch potato to running 5k (or 30 minutes) in nine weeks. It is: - Achievable - starting with a mix of running and walking and building up slowly - Virtually free - all you need

    Couch to 5K - Week 4

    Couch to 5K - Week 4

    Couch to 5k is a running plan designed to get complete beginners from being a couch potato to running 5k (or 30 minutes) in nine weeks. It is: - Achievable - starting with a mix of running and walking and building up slowly - Virtually free - all you need

    Couch to 5K - Week 5 run 1

    Couch to 5K - Week 5 run 1

    Couch to 5k is a running plan designed to get complete beginners from being a couch potato to running 5k (or 30 minutes) in nine weeks. It is: - Achievable - starting with a mix of running and walking and building up slowly - Virtually free - all you need

    Couch to 5K - Week 5 run 2

    Couch to 5K - Week 5 run 2

    Couch to 5k is a running plan designed to get complete beginners from being a couch potato to running 5k (or 30 minutes) in nine weeks. It is: - Achievable - starting with a mix of running and walking and building up slowly - Virtually free - all you need

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
88 Ratings

88 Ratings

Dylbie2 ,

Encouraging app for beginners

I have done this app before. I am in week 5. It’s a great plan for building endurance and stamina. I recommend it!!

Char Holly ,

Success again!

I’ve done this programme a few times. I’ve been a runner for over 25 years with some breaks due to injury and, well, life. But in recent years, I’ve used this programme to return after significant times away. It’s always hard starting back but Laura’s gentle encouragement is like a warm blanket. Completed the 30 minutes this morning with a big smile!

Greeblegronk ,

Thank you Laura!

Anytime I started a new exercise regimen I'd always over do it and injure myself. After going through physio I never thought I'd be able to run 5k let alone enjoy it. This program carefully manages your progress to avoid injury and help build stamina over time. Last but not least there's Laura - a REAL person who keeps you going. At 45 years old I've now completed this program and am working on extending my distances.
Thank you Laura!

Top Podcasts In Health & Fitness

Huberman Lab
Scicomm Media
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
iHeartPodcasts
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Ten Percent Happier
Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee
Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author
Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep
iHeartPodcasts
Sexe Oral
Studio SF

You Might Also Like

Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware
Jessie Ware
How To Fail With Elizabeth Day
Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment
Postcards From Midlife
Lorraine Candy & Trish Halpin
Happy Place
Fearne Cotton
The Liz Earle Wellbeing Show
Liz Earle
ZOE Science & Nutrition
ZOE

More by NHS Choices