Joggo vs. Couch to 5K: Which Is Better for Running and Weight Loss?

Starting a running journey with the goal of losing weight is challenging for everyone. While it might be relatively easy to go to the first few short runs, settling into a day-to-day routine is difficult. 

Most people new to running experience hardships in correct breathing, push themselves too much, or fail to show up. Without support and a clear plan, most such running practices become too random to see notable progress.

A workout app designed to help people achieve their fitness goals through running can facilitate these processes by making running enjoyable and results attainable.

In this review, we will compare the two great running apps – Joggo and Couch to 5K. Then, you can decide which app is a better fit based on your current fitness goals. 

Joggo vs. Couch to 5K

Joggo and Couch to 5K are great apps for people who want to begin their running journey. 

Couch to 5K is an app crafted for complete beginner runners who want to lace their running shoes for the first time. It provides a gentle approach, so the workouts are manageable even for physically inactive people. 

This app has a clean interface and is easy to use, so you do not get overwhelmed and can get into a running routine quite effortlessly. 

Joggo is an individualized running and diet app that helps users achieve various fitness goals: start running, lose weight, get fit, improve mental health, etc.

The app’s holistic approach to all stages of a sustainable fitness journey (from workouts to eating healthier to motivation) encourages people to reach lasting results. It is an app that works perfectly for beginners and more advanced athletes.

Comparison Table

Joggo Overview

Joggo is an all-in-one workout app perfectly suitable for people who seek weight loss or aim to reach other running goals. It crafts an individualized running and healthy diet plan, provides you with educational content, and supports you in your fitness journey. 

It is an excellent app for complete beginners (and more advanced runners) who want to change their body shape, get fit, and become mentally and physically strong. The more you follow the meal and workout plan and track progress, the more accurately the app adapts your plan.

Joggo covers all stages relevant to reaching sustainable fitness results: from the kitchen to the running track. Therefore, using Joggo eventually changes the person’s lifestyle.

Couch to 5K Overview

Couch to 5K is a running app designed for complete beginners. If you experience difficulties climbing up the stairs or running for more than 5 minutes, this app can help you hit the 5K target. 

The program is partially individualized. Before using the program, you have to fill in a questionnaire regarding your current running form and weight. The app then builds a running routine that will allow you to reach the finish line of that 5K mark. 

The app provides clear guidance during the runs. Before you begin each run, you can see an overview of what awaits you today. Usually, each workout lasts around 20 to 30 minutes, so you never feel exhausted or overwhelmed. 

The program is based on resting, walking, and running intervals. It is worth mentioning, however, that Couch to 5K is a 9-week walk-run workout program. Therefore, once you reach your running target, you will need to carry on your own or look for other challenge-stimulating apps.

Budget/Price Comparison

Couch to 5K is a very cheap running program – lifetime access costs only $4.99 (when purchased from the App Store or Google Play). Of course, you get what you pay for – you receive a 9-week running program that finishes once you reach this goal.

That being said, although Joggo is a subscription-based app and costs $5.50 per month (when purchased yearly), it offers opportunities for continuous improvement. 

Besides, Joggo offers all the needed guidance, support, and knowledge for you to reach any fitness goal, weight loss, or better mental health included.

Efficiency 

Both apps are very efficient in terms of starting to run. They adapt the training plan to improve your endurance gradually. So, if your goal is to start running, both apps will do the job just fine. 

However, if you have more expectations from your running journey, including weight loss, then Joggo would be a wiser pick in your case. 

If you want to get into running and lose weight simultaneously, Joggo’s individualized plan can help you achieve these goals faster and more sustainably.

Of course, it is critical to mention that while Couch to 5K is not designed to lose weight, you will still get into better physical shape. 

Running is one of the most effective calorie-burning workouts, so you will see some positive results.

Beginner Friendliness

Couch to 5K is an excellent running app for beginners. As the name suggests, the app encourages you to work toward running 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) regardless of your starting point (yes, couch included).

Reachable weekly goals and a clear progression plan can make you gradually strengthen up, increase endurance, and get to a better fitness level. 

Even if you hate running and cannot imagine running for more than a few minutes, this app can help you believe in yourself and achieve fitness goals.

However, Joggo can be considered one of the most effective running apps for people without running experience. This app provides a personalized running plan and constantly adapts workout routines during your fitness journey.

Besides, you receive daily bits of educational content, so you know how to warm up correctly, avoid injuries, and cool down after the workout. 

Therefore, for people who not only want to run but also gain fitness knowledge and boost self-esteem, Joggo might be a better beginner-friendly pick.

Brand Reputation

Both training programs are created by people who know what they are doing. 

Joggo is a revolutionary running program created by runners, coaches, and dietitians, applying science-backed strategies. If you need a consultation, Joggo’s in-house professional runners’ team will help you.  

Couch to 5K was designed by a runner Josh Clark who was looking for ways to make his 50-year-old mother join him in running. 

However, Couch to 5K has some reported in-app bugs that cause extra inconveniences when using the app. You should always check whether the app can stay open in your phone’s background. If you do not do this, the app will stop working during your run, and all your progress will not be tracked.

Premium Version Features

Joggo and Couch to 5K do not offer free trials and free app versions. Once you purchase lifetime access (Couch to 5K) or subscribe (Joggo), you unlock all in-app benefits. 

Couch to 5K crafts a 9-week program based on your answers to the questionnaire. Then, you only need to allocate 20 to 30 minutes three times a week and go on guided running. You can pick the voice of your virtual coach – Johnny Dead, Constance, Billie, or Sergeant Block – and enjoy a smooth-running experience.  

Once you subscribe to Joggo, you receive a custom training and meal plan that adjusts to your age, gender, fitness level, health issues, and other fitness-relevant criteria. 

The app helps you build lasting healthy lifestyle habits – it improves together with your progress and never finishes.  

Final Verdict

Joggo and Couch to 5K are great apps for starting a running journey. They are highly intuitive, provide audio guidance, and encourage you to improve with every workout.

However, the two apps also differ and are more suitable for different use cases. 

If you are searching for an app that could help you head on your first run, Couch to 5K might be a wise choice. The difficulty increases gradually, and the motivating virtual coaches accompany you in every step.

However, if you aim to lose weight, then 20-minute Couch to 5K workouts might not deliver the results you look for. Sustainable weight loss also includes changes in the diet. 

In this case, Joggo might be an all-encompassing solution for lasting results. It helps you reach a variety of fitness goals: from starting running to losing weight, improving mental health, or getting fit. A customized diet and training plan will help you work toward whatever aim you have.

Therefore, choose an app that better satisfies your expectations and helps you reach relevant goals.

Conclusion

Although both Joggo and Couch to 5K apps are designed to help you run, they rely on different training and goal-pursuit tactics.

The Couch to 5K app is finite – it allows you to train up to a certain point. Once you hit the 5K mark, your ability to progress with the app finishes. If your goal is only to run a certain distance, then Couch to 5K might be an excellent pick. 

Otherwise, the Joggo app is continuous, giving you the opportunity to improve even for a lifetime. That means you can always seek various goals: run 5km, 10km, or even a half marathon, lose weight, get fit, etc. 

The program updates weekly, so you can build a fitness and healthcare routine that works for you and lasts a lifetime.

Besides, the Joggo app includes a diet aspect in a fitness journey, making this app an all-encompassing guide that supports you and helps you shift your lifestyle to the one you truly want.

All in all, we believe that the Joggo app is a valuable investment that can not only help you reach your running goals but also assist you in creating an overall healthier, fitter, stronger, and more enjoyable lifestyle.

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