general fitness question

Semantic. The harder you work out the better the results. Its all aerobic activity so just think something is better than nothing. If i were you though id run 3 times a week which leaves ample time for the body to rest. Rest is importance as well as recuperation when working out. In your case just do what best fits you're day to day regime.

 

First thing not an expert! But im ok at running. I would do the latter if i was just starting out start with 2-3 miles (or the 4 if they can do it!) 3 times a week lots of resting especially if they are road running as its hard on the joints. Even if they are not doing it serious invest in some decent running shoes.

See how they go for a month or 2 then think about increasing it. When i think that i started running with my mate and before i hit a mile i would almost be collapsing, and now i run regularly 5/6 times a week 3 mile , 4 mile, 5 mile and 9 mile runs. It just shows what you can do as i was the most unatural runner ever lol
:good

 

Well start off slow, try to do atleast 1 mile and if you can't then don't force it the force time around. Gradually build up and you'll be on your way

 

I'd suggest they start off with a mile or 2 every day for a week, then in the 2nd week try 3 or 4 miles for just 3 days. see which suits them best and stick with it for a month then start mixing it up, sprints, hill sprints, steps etc, cos runnings **** and it gets boring. i hate it, **** knows why i do so much of it.

 

To me, its never been about the distance but the time that was most important in running when starting out.

IMO, Your body doesn't really start to kick into building up your overall cardio levels until after you've been at your target heart rate for atleast 15 mins. Then whatever you do from there is where your making it count. So to start, I usually run 30 mins without stopping and just keep going till the time is up. Then as I get stronger, I'll increase the time and my speed which produces more distance at a faster pace.

Worry more about distance and speed once you've got your lungs back.

 

They shouldnt worry to much on distance just focus on doing minimum of 3 x 20 minutes a week..

If they cant manage a full 20 minutes spilt it up into 4x5 minutes or even if they cant manage that, 7x3 minutes untill they can build up to a full 20 minutes... then gradually increase the time or effort level each week until there at the level they want to be....