Latest news with #TheCouchto5KPodcast
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Q&A: Couch to 5k
As BBC Sport launches its new The Couch to 5K Podcast - presented by Giovanna Fletcher - we have the answers to some frequently asked questions to help you get than seven million people have downloaded NHS Couch to 5K - the ground-breaking free fitness app developed in partnership with BBC out how to get started below. What is Couch to 5k? A free running plan for plan has you running three times a week and provides a fresh schedule each week. How did Couch to 5k begin? The Couch to 5K running plan was created by Josh Clark in wanted to get his mother - who was over 50 - to start running. Can you do Couch to 5k on a treadmill? If running outside isn't your thing, you can use a treadmill instead. How long does Couch to 5k take? You can complete the initial programme in nine weeks or longer, depending on the pace you wish to users graduate from the nine-week programme, they can unlock access to Beyond Couch to 5K. Is Couch to 5k free? Yes, the NHS Couch to 5k app is free and accessible to anyone. How do I get started? Download the app (details below).Pick a start a comfortable clothing and safe and be aware of your surroundings. Where can I find a Couch to 5k plan? You can join the seven million people who have already downloaded the app by clicking the links below:Apple, externalAndroid, external What are the benefits? Running can improve your heart and lung help you manage your weight (when paired with a healthy diet)...And strengthen your bones and reduce the risk of boost your mood, ease stress, and give you more confidence
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
What is Couch to 5k and how do I start?
Couch to 5K is a free beginner-friendly running plan from BBC Sport and the government's Department of Health and Social nine-week structured programme has got hundreds of thousands of people from being non-runners to be able to complete Couch to 5K - the ground-breaking free fitness app developed in partnership with BBC Sport - has had more than seven million downloads since its launch in are ways to download the NHS Couch to 5K app:Apple, externalAndroid, externalThe app assists newcomers to run three times a week, guiding beginners through a gradual transition from couch-bound spectators to confident users graduate from the nine-week programme, they can unlock access to Beyond Couch to 5K. This new feature will help motivate people to make running habitual, and aid them to improve further on speed, stamina and Department of Health and Social Care says regular running has been shown to reduce the risk of long-term illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke, as well as helping to maintain a healthier weight and improve mood and wellbeing. The Couch to 5K Podcast BBC Sport has also launched a new podcast on BBC Sounds - The Couch to 5K Podcast - presented by Giovanna the opening episodes, Fletcher is joined by BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley, TikTok star Charley Marlowe, and Lindsey Burrow - the widow of rugby legend said: "Being part of The Couch to 5K Podcast has been such a joy. Running can do wonders for your mind and body, and this podcast is all about offering support, motivation and a friendly voice to keep you going - no matter where you are on your journey."MP Ashley Dalton, minister for public health and prevention, said: "As part of our Plan for Change, we are committed to preventing ill health before it starts, including breaking down barriers to exercise and getting the nation fitter."The NHS Couch to 5K App is a brilliant example of this - it offers exactly what we all need: support, encouragement and a friendly voice cheering you on at every step."Whiley, who features in episode one of the new podcast, once disliked running but is now a coach for the Couch to 5K app."It's one of the best things I've ever done in my career - 100%," said Whiley."I have been at so many different festivals where such a variety of people of all different shapes and sizes and fitness abilities come over to me and saying 'Couch to 5K! It's changed my life!'"The first episode of The Couch to 5K Podcast is available on BBC Sounds now. Further episodes will be released weekly from 5 article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team. More questions answered... Why is snooker played in silence?How do the NBA play-offs work?What is the Crucible curse?What is a tifo banner? What questions would you ask? We're looking for your questions for the Ask Me Anything team. Post them in the comments section and we'll look to answer the best of them in the future.
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Giovanna Fletcher brings star power and inspiration to new BBC Sport Couch to 5K Podcast
Best-selling author, actress, presenter, and beloved podcast host Giovanna Fletcher is fronting a brand-new Couch to 5K podcast, launching exclusively on BBC Sounds from Friday, 25 April. Created by BBC Sport in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care, this fresh audio companion to the popular NHS Couch to 5K app is designed to inspire the nation to get moving. Each week, Giovanna is joined by special guests – including Jo Whiley, Charley Marlowe, and Lindsey Burrow – who share powerful, personal stories to keep you motivated with every step. Whether you're lacing up for your first run or getting back into the rhythm, the podcast brings warmth, encouragement, and real-life inspiration to help you stay on track. Giovanna Fletcher said: 'Being part of The Couch to 5K Podcast has been such a joy. Running can do wonders for your mind and body, and this podcast is all about offering support, motivation and a friendly voice to keep you going—no matter where you are on your journey.' Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention said: "Getting active isn't just good for your body – it works wonders for your mental wellbeing too, clearing your mind and boosting your motivation. And that's true for every single one of us, regardless of our starting point. 'As part of our Plan for Change, we are committed to preventing ill health before it starts, including breaking down barriers to exercise and getting the nation fitter. 'The NHS Couch to 5K App is a brilliant example of this– it offers exactly what we all need: support, encouragement and a friendly voice cheering you on at every step.' BBC Radio 2 presenter, Jo Whiley, who once disliked running, reflects on how coaching for the Couch to 5K app has been one of the best experiences of her life. Jo Whiley says: 'It's one of the best things I've ever done in my career. 100 per cent.' 'I have been at so many different festivals where such a variety of people of all different shapes and sizes and fitness abilities coming over to me and saying 'Couch to 5K! It's changed my life!' Also set to join Giovanna in upcoming episodes are Dr Punam Krishnan, a GP who shares insight into the health benefits of running, Coronation Street star Colson Smith who talks about how running helped him with weight loss and Olympic champion Dame Laura Kenny. With more guests to be announced, Giovanna's podcast brings humour, heart and real talk to support and keep you company on your Couch to 5K journey one step at a time. BBC Sport has long been at the heart of the nation's most iconic sporting moments, from global tournaments to local triumphs. With a huge summer ahead, including the Women's EURO and the Women's Rugby World Cup, The Couch to 5K Podcast reflects BBC Sport's commitment to not just covering sport, but encouraging participation, by making movement feel accessible, inclusive, and something that brings people together. Listen to the first episode of The Couch to 5K Podcast on BBC Sounds, Friday 25 April. Further episodes will be released weekly from 5 May. CF About NHS Couch to 5K NHS Couch to 5K is a running plan for absolute beginners. It is based on the plan designed by Josh Clark in 1996, who wanted to help his 50-something mum get off the couch and start running. The plan involves 3 runs a week, with a day of rest in between, and a different schedule for each of the 9 weeks. The idea behind the programme was to gradually build endurance and stamina over the course of several weeks, starting with short intervals of running interspersed with walking.
