Running vs. Obesity?

Okay, So. I currently weigh about 335-350, and a 20 year old male. I want to lose weight, and have begun lifting weights and walking ect. I also do a medieval combat activity thats definitely an aerobic workout.

But...heres my dilhemma. I've run before, and it feels fine, tiring of course, but I want to start doing it on a daily or 3-5 a week atleast basis. Well, i'm afraid that my weight will effect my lower body with all the stress of running. I've even heard of very in shape and skinny people damaging their knees ect. So...is walking as good an alternative done right? I want to do something thats really going to build up the endurance as well, but im not helping my health if im trading my stomache fat for losing my legs or having serious issues. Thank you for your time!

go riding, more enjoyable and far less impact on your knees if any. You dont have to ride fast or even at a decent speed at first, any exercise is good at you're weight.

I think I remember my P.E. teacher saying the running can be one of the worst things for an overweight person because of the stress on the knees, just like you said. I think powerwalking would probably be best, consider swimming because it can be a really tough workout whilst still being easy on the joints. I hope I could be of a little help! =)

Well you're being very sensible about this! I think at that weight you could do yourself some damage. Running is great for weight loss but I found I would get joint pain until I got to a lower weight, then it was OK. I think walking is a great exercise but you need to do a lot more of it to burn the calories. If you can do an hour or so at a good pace that's great but half an hour may not use up too many calories (although 30 minutes is still great for your heart and general health). I do "interval training" - basically run a few minutes, walk a few minutes, run a few minutes etc. Less impact but keeps my heart rate up and burns the fat.

If you can afford it I would talk to a physiotherapist about it, they can probably give you more concrete answers. Some weight bearing exercise is essential, especially for bone density, but you might also want to add some no impact stuff too - like swimming, aqua aerobics (yes - with the grannies!), cycling. The medieval combat sounds awesome!!!

Good for you getting fit, you'll see big results given how motivated you are. But you are right - take care of your joints!

Walking is far better for you than running or jogging.
Knees are a problem for active people of normal weight.
At your weight, if you can afford it, go first to a doctor who specializes in feet, you want to know that your sneakers are exactly right for you or you will be spending you forties in pain and your fifties in therapy. You need to know your stride is just right. No one needs to run or jog, walking is just fine and much easier on your body. You can build up endurance by walking longer or walking uphills. A good many of my friends, in their fifties or sixties are looking at knee replacements for activities they engaged in when they were in their twenties.
Don't laugh at us aquagrannies, at least we are moving.
We are a tough old bunch.

Walking is pretty much just as effective as jogging: as long as you go for nice long walks, at a good hard pace (you find it hard to finish whole sentences without taking a breath), regularly!

I seriously don't understand why people jog: it provides very little additional health benefits to walking, and does terrible things to your hips, knees and feet. If you're carrying extra weight, then the damage is multiplied.

Riding is good too, but walking is a weight-bearing exercise, so that's an added bonus. The main thing is to do something you will KEEP doing: whatever this might be.