Couch to 5K Reviews

I used to love Couchto5K as it’s helped me get back into shape multiple times after falling out of running for a bit. However, since I started using it again this time it’s been no help at all. I’m just staring week 3, and already 4 times it’s just completely crashed on me. When I go to reopen Couchto5K , hoping to have at least an idea where it died, there’s not even anything showing I actually started the workout. This is frustrating for tracking progress I’ve made, which is one reason I really like Couchto5K, but it also totally disrupts my workout. When it crashes I’m not always sure how far I am into my workout, as I don’t watch it while I’m running and just listen to cues. It’s also frustrating because I then have to completely stop the run to try and figure out where I was at and get started again, which completely messes up my pace.

Like I said, I used to completely love Couchto5K and would have gave it 5 stars. But at this point with all the glitching I wish I would have just gone with a different running app.

Cons:
It doesn't send you the voice commands unless it's always active on the screen, while you run you cannot state at the mobile screen instead you keep it in there pocket. It only sends the text notification if the phone is locked.

I bought this because of the Apple watch support, again here Couchto5K on the watch doesn't stay on top of you want to check your progress. You would need to manually press the buttons and switch it.

You can't just use the Apple watch alone, it doesn't work, you still need to carry your phone while running. Think about you keeping your 7" phone in your pocket during workout. If you don't carry the phone while workout it doesn't record anything then you will have to use some other app like Nike+ (free app) to track and manually log there distance and time, BS right?

You cannot start the workout from Apple watch, you should start from phone, carry the phone, keep staring at the screen all the time. I don't know what they meant by saying Apple watch support.

Pros:
Apple watch sends a vibration for every step. However this also sends vibration when you're halfway this confuses if you don't keep unlocking the Apple watch and check what the text says, which is a tedious task during a workout session.

It tracks the GPS, logs the miles, share social but I never let it access my fb though.

Conclusion: Doesn't worth for a paid app.

It's a simple app. So it does the one thing with the parsing of the running workouts. Then it tries to sell you a bunch of stuff you don't need or want and compete with fbook for a "social experience"... Next it wants to compete with LinkedIn and get you a job.

But the real problem is that it doesn't do the one thing it should well. It doesn't gradually ramp you up based upon some responsive algorithm. Nope some guy just came up with some time partitions and told you to deal with it. Finally it doesn't track your gps (per the support email I received) "indoors or in small spaces like tracks...". Well ok so when does it work? Not even outdoors very well, either, bc I have driven my route and the thing came up short vs the car odometer. So it makes you feel really slow when it tells you you ran a 12 min mile pace. Even though you know it's wrong you can't do anything about your stats, like draw in the course on a map. Not worth the money in my opinion when other apps do it better.

I was using this running program through the Active website before it became an app. I absolutely loved the program and app (up until about a year and a half ago) and over the years have told so many people to purchase it because it’s one of the best ones I’ve found in terms of building a base without injuries and for not being intimidating, even for new runners. That said, the last year or so I’ve been thoroughly disappointed with Couchto5K . It’s buggy, shuts down randomly and doesn’t save the run (other apps I’ve tried that are free, you can just reopen Couchto5K if it crashes and the run is still going so you don’t lose everything), and most importantly does not work with the Apple Watch like it claims to (I have a cellular plan and Couchto5K , phone and watch are fully up to date). You have to bring your phone with you if you want to see any of the stats (time, distance, pace, interval) and that defeats the purpose. Also, sometimes it’ll queue me to run or walk with a buzz notification on my watch (when I’ve left my phone at home) but most the time doesn't. There’s no telling when it will or won’t work. The convenience Couchto5K used to provide isn’t there any more because it’s not keeping up to date with modern technology. Until these issues are fixed I would discourage anyone paying for Couchto5K .

I have been using Couchto5K on my IPhone 5 for a couple of years with no problems. Simple, easy to use and accurate. I just upgraded to iOS 11 and have had nothing but problems since then. I’ve gone on 2 runs and 10 minutes in the timer gets wonky. The seconds get tripped up, move slowly or the timer stops altogether. Yesterday I was in the cool down and the timer stopped. Then Couchto5K closed and all my data for that run was lost. Super frustrating. I tried resetting Couchto5K and also deleted and reloaded it, to no avail. I even ran the timer against a stopwatch for accuracy and the same problem occurred. I love Couchto5K and want to continue to use it, but will have to look elsewhere if they can’t fix this bug. I emailed them today so we’ll see what happens. Like other reviewers, I also have experienced the same issue with the music volume dropping way down after the first voice prompt. Not nearly as big of an issue as inaccurate / buggy timing, but a nuisance just the same. I hope they can fix these issues.

I downloaded Couchto5K a few years ago and LOVED it. This latest version though is left wanting. First off, I had to purchase it again because it didn’t remember that I had already bought Couchto5K . Then it has been pretty glitchy. This morning it skipped a full walking section and went from run to run. The other day it froze on the warm up and wouldn’t go into a run. Also, the audio cues are difficult to hear with my music playing so I have to listen really closely to know what I need to do. I turned on the vibrate to see if that would help and it barely made a difference. I used to be able to look at what the intervals were so I could mentally prepare myself for the run and now I can’t. I have to keep hitting “skip” then redo the exercise just to see what is expected of me that day. I am not impressed with Couchto5K and it has been sooooo frustrating to us. I go jogging for my mental health and it doesn’t help that Couchto5K gets me all wound up because it’s not operating as it should. Finally, skipping tracks when the exercise starts and shutting of my music after cool down is super annoying. I get my music ready before I go and like to listen to my music after I stretch and it shuts my music off or skips tracks.

Overall: Couchto5K will help you get through an interval running program in order to be able to run a 5k or at least 20-30mins of consistent jog. I’ve had Couchto5K for years (like pre Fitbit) and it really hasn’t adapted to new wearable technologies. Pros: Variety of trainers/motivators, alerts audible over music, alerts push to watch most of the time, breaks out weeks and allows repeats and keeps all the data.
Cons: No way to have an indoor/treadmill run so it vastly underestimates pace. Not sure what the watch version does as it just tells me to open Couchto5K on the phone. No way to see timer on watch or lock screen without opening app. Can only “share” results with Facebook or Couchto5K community- can’t send in text or use one of the 50 social media programs out there. Race data is significantly lacking - only one run shows in my area under all search parameters and it’s not even the largest race in town.
There’s definitely ways this program can improve but I’m not sure the developers are still interested in doing so, also not sure there’s a market since you can just modify basic workout apps to do the same thing.

I used Couchto5K before this update last year around this time. It worked so well, and I was even able to finish it and run my first 5K! Well through the year, I started slacking and wanted to get back into running because I love doing it. I knew right where to go to help me start training. This Couch to 5K app! Downloading it and opening up and seeing the beautiful new redesign was a nice surprise, and I was so excited to run. I went to my normal spots where I used to run where I never had an issue tracking my speed, distance, or placement on a map. After my run, I went to check how I did, and I couldn’t see any info. It said I ran/walked a distance of 0.07 miles, when I actually did about 1.75 miles, and it had no information of my speed. It didn’t start tracking me until I was in my cool down. I’ve tried turning my location services on and off, clearing my workout history, going to a different place I used to run, starting a new account, and nothing!! I used to have no problem with it tracking me, and now I don’t really understand what the issue is.

I restarted this program recently after being out of the game with running for a while. I used Couchto5K the first time I started running and it helped me get into 5k shape (I'm definitely not much of a natural runner).

After using Couchto5K for the first time in a while, I'm finding a couple of issues that I don't remember having before. The coach is way too quiet in the background of my music (though my music is not very loud and the coach starts off at a great volume when you first begin). I find myself often missing cues to walk or run. Also, it is not taking my distance or pace as it did before, even though GPS is active. I also think that it would be helpful if there was a bar on the lock screen of my phone when Couchto5K is running, I have to unlock my phone every time I need to check if I missed a cue to walk or run, which is inconvenient while running.

The program is great and I recommend it to anyone who wants to get into shape without burning themselves out, but Couchto5K needs some work.

I have only been using Couchto5K for three days so far, so I guess my review is limited right now.
So far the pace is decent (for someone totally out of shape), and hopefully I can keep up as it progresses. I like the different display pages, and how it shows yours your progress a lot.
My only complaint is the limited input by the “coach”, and that I barely hear it when it wants me to switch between intervals (not a phone volume issue). I run to music, and when Couchto5K wants me to switch between walking and running, it says about 2-4 words that I barely catch over the music. At the beginning the coach sounds good (voice going over the music), but while running it is lacking. I would also like the coach to throw in more words of wisdom and updates to keep me motivated while working out.
I definitely plan on using Couchto5K through to the 5k, and will try and update as I progress.
That’s it for now.

I’ve always loved running but I have always been overweight and out of shape. I’d start running but never stuck with it because I never learned how to prepare for or actually run a long distance. Couchto5K has solved all those problems. Couchto5K guides you, quite literally, from couch to 5K. It is well worth the $5.
Along my running journey, I’ve tried lots of apps. This is by far the best app to guide you through how much time you should run and how to split that with walking. The only reason why I wouldn’t give Couchto5K 5 stars is because I wish that there were more trainers to choose from and that they talked to you through the run (kind of like Nike Run Club) to give you tips on your breathing and your form.
I would 100% recommend this to anyone who wants to get into running but doesn’t know where to start.

I’m a 49 year old woman who has gotten painfully out of shape and haven’t been exercised regularly in at least 5 years. It’s taken me about 10 weeks to get to week 5 on Couchto5K but that is ok as I paused a couple times when I injured my calf. I generally like Couchto5K , including the very conservative pace, but Couchto5K has 3 main flaws. First, I can’t stand the trainers and it’s annoying that you have to start the trainer anew each and every time. Second, I really wish Couchto5K would keep tracking distance/pace after the workout ends — sometimes I’m not quite home and I’d like to know the total distance of my workout. And third, I really wish I could preview the walk/run schedule of each week beforehand instead of while actually doing the run.

I am not a person who likes to exercise nor am I a person who has exercised their entire life. I am a chubby girl who got more chubby during the pandemic. My all time high was 204 which is quite a bit considering my height. I purchased the Couch to 5K app years ago and never used it. A test i took told me I was a high risk for a stroke. It’s time to use Couchto5K . I freaking love it. If I don’t jog (I am not a runner) 3 times a week my body yells at me to get back to it. The only issue I have is during the first week it tells you to run/jog for 1 minute. If you are a person who is carrying a lot of weight this is hard to do. I started off where I was comfortable and worked my way up to 1 minute. I am not a long distance runner/jogger so whenever I get to the week that has me running for 4 minutes straight I have to do what is comfortable to me. I love that I want to get up and jog. Forgive any typos! I am literally on the treadmill as I type this because I just finished my week of jogging ❤️. To all the people who think they can’t, trust me you CAN!!

I've run several 5k and even a 10k prior to Couchto5K . I was "out of the game" for a while and decided to use Couchto5K to get back into it. Building up and focusing on time spent running rather than distance really helped me learn to better pace myself. I like that none of the runs are incredibly long either, the longest toward the end is around 40 mins including warm up/ cool down. I recommend to friends often.

However, I'm not giving 5 stars because I've encountered SO many glitches. Several times Couchto5K has shut down on me without warning, and when it does that none of the run is recorded (this usually happens to me toward the end of the run). The distance and time recorded in Couchto5K also include warm up and cool down, which I hate. I want to know my pace and time spent during the actual workout only. For those two reasons, I always keep a second running app recording on my phone with running to give me better data and reliability.

I’ve tried quite a few of these, and this one is the best. I like my cheery coach, Runicorn, and I wish he was in the other Active apps. Some of my older runs have lost the comments I wrote. It was a little better before some of the updates. I can’t read the workout descriptions anymore, because they have gotten so small. They didn’t make all these changes to the 5k to 10K app, but that thing is still too hard for me. But, after all that it is still the best I have tried, by far. The gps seems to be pretty accurate in my area. It doesn’t work you to death, and all the stats are a good motivator. I especially like the graphs in the log. Well done. I didn’t think I could do it, but it looks like I will actually finish the whole app this time. Here we go, week 8!

I’ve been working on the Cto5K for about a year now, starting at being able to barely run for a minute at a time. I’ve tried a few different times and always ended up stopping because I would pop something in my calf - which is obviously my error. Then I learned how to actually prepare my body before runs, and now I’m nearly complete with the program. Today I ran past my week 8 day 1 queue for a cool down (I didn’t hear it!) and actually ended up clearing the distance for a 5K. I know this sounds like a paid review but it isn’t, I swear. I’m so grateful for Couchto5K. I’m happier, healthier, and recommending it to all my friends who are trying to get themselves to where they want to be too. Small steps turn into big progress if you stick to it, and I’m so glad that I have. Can’t wait to register for a 5K once the ‘Rona is clears up!

Couchto5K is a great, gradual build-up to running for 30 minutes. I say 30 minutes, because it’s a little misleading as far as distance. The 10 minutes of walking during the warm ups and cool downs does add a small but significant distance to your total. I’ve thought that I’ve surpassed 5k in distance, but after subtracting my walking distance, I still had about 0.6 miles to go. With my pace, I’ll need to work up to running for longer than 30 min so I’m actually hitting 5k running alone. A little annoying, but because it’s been such a gradual build in running time, I think I’ll have no problem adding another 6 or so minutes on my own over the course of a few weeks.

In general, I have very much enjoyed this process and I believe that I’ll continue to run using Couchto5K with the free run option!

Let me preface this by saying I am a person who enjoys fitness and started Couch to 5K at a decent base level of cardio fitness. Not amazing, but I’m not a couch potato either. I’ve never been great at distance running, but it’s been on my list for a few years to run a 5K so this year is the year. Highly recommend paying money and signing up for one so you’re motivated to stick with it. The first 4 weeks of this program make sense and work you up in sensible intervals. Then week 5-7 are madness. Like I looked at them and I was like HOW!? Who came up with this?? But surprise of all surprises... I did it! I actually was ready for those crazy hard weeks. So needless to say, I’ve been very impressed with Couchto5K as far as fitness programming. Couchto5K itself has also worked well for me. Once in a while I think it may not be playing the “walk” or “jog” bits but that might be because my phone is on silent.

I originally got Couchto5K 6 years ago when my mom (a full-time stay at home mom who has never been too active) and I decided to run a 5K. We both trained together using Couchto5K and we successful ran our 5k! Because of that, every year when I want to reboot my cardio and running, I turn to Couchto5K and it has thankfully never disappointed. I train with my iPhone and iWatch while listening to music and the cues come in clearly over my earbuds while listening to music and it simultaneously vibrates on my iWatch with the cues as well. I also love that it keeps track of my pace and distance for each walk/jog portion. Overall great app that I highly recommend to new or returning runners.

I’ve had Couchto5K as long as it’s been out. I’m in my 40s and have had 2 kids and several moves and then of course COVID hit the world. So I’ve started and stopped running many, many times. Each time I want to restart running I try a new app to help me pace myself so it doesn’t feel too hard and I give up. But I already go back to Couchto5K. It just works for me - easy at the beginning and it gets harder slowly so you always feel like you can do it and you’re making progress. HOWEVER - I beg that you update Couchto5K so that it syncs with your Apple Watch. I run mainly on a treadmill now - easier on the knees and the rest of the joints. And I can never blame weather for skipping. But since it only tracks your phone, which sits stable on the shelf, there is no tracking. It doesn’t track my distance or improvement or HeartRate… and it could, so easily. So please please please upgrade!