Episode 17 - Running and Walking After Hip Replacement - Part 1

August 29, 2025

Can you run after hip replacement surgery—or is walking the smarter long-term choice for protecting your new hips?

Running After Hip Replacement Surgery: Can You Run, Should You Run, or Should You Walk Instead?

Running after hip replacement surgery is one of the most searched—and most controversial—topics among hip replacement patients.

In this episode of The Hip Replacement Podcast, double hip replacement patient and endurance athlete Chris Bystriansky tackles the real question most doctors won’t fully answer:

Can you run after a hip replacement… and more importantly, should you?

If you’re recovering from hip replacement surgery, planning your life after hip replacement, or wondering whether running vs walking after hip replacement is the right choice for your body, this episode is for you.

Chris breaks down the conversation honestly—without fear, guilt, or blanket rules—by explaining why running after hip replacement is not a simple yes-or-no decision. Instead, it depends on multiple factors including your age, body weight, implant longevity, leg length differences, gait mechanics, personal goals, and overall quality of life.

This episode explores:

Whether running damages hip replacement implants
Why some people safely return to running after hip replacement surgery
Why others are better served by walking, cycling, or swimming
How ego, identity, and fear can influence recovery decisions
The long-term wear-and-tear considerations of high-impact exercise
Why walking after hip replacement surgery is often underestimated
How endurance athletes can stay competitive without constant running

Chris also explains the sliding scale approach to running—ranging from lifelong runners to people who never want to run again—and why most hip replacement patients fall somewhere in the middle.

Importantly, this is Part 1 of a two-part series. In this episode, the focus is on making the right decision. In Part 2, Chris will assume you do want to run and will share proven strategies to:

Reduce impact on hip implants
Walk faster and cover more distance
Use run/walk methods effectively
Train smarter—not harder—after hip replacement

If you’re searching for answers about exercise after hip replacement, returning to running, or how to protect your new hips while staying active, this episode provides clarity, perspective, and real-world experience.

This podcast does not provide medical advice. Always consult your surgeon or healthcare provider before making changes to your activity level.

New hips. New you. Let’s go.

Thanks for joining THE HIP REPLACEMENT PODCAST.

-Chris

LINKS & RESOURCES

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Episode Transcript

Episode 17 – Running and Walking After Hip Replacement – Part 1 - Transcript

Welcome to The Hip Replacement Podcast, where recovery meets motivation and healing leads to a whole new lifestyle. I’m Chris Bystriansky, your host—author, athlete, and double hip replacement patient. I’ve been through the surgeries, the setbacks, and the comebacks, and I’m here to help you do the same.

Each week, I bring you tips, tools, expert advice, and inspiring stories to help you take back your life one step at a time. Thanks for joining The Hip Replacement Podcast. New hips, new you. Let’s go.
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Welcome back to The Hip Replacement Podcast. I’m Chris Bystriansky, your host. I’ve had both of my hips replaced—one more than 10 years ago and the other more than 12 years ago—and I’m here to share my experiences with you.
In this episode, we’re going to talk about that age-old question: to run or not to run after hip replacement surgery. This is a huge topic. I’ve read countless articles, talked to doctors and patients, and experimented myself. Running after hip replacement surgery is a massive subject.
Because of that, I’m splitting this into two episodes. In this episode, we’ll focus on whether you should run or not. In the next episode, we’ll assume you are going to run—and talk about how to do it in a way that minimizes impact on your hips, whether that’s a 5K, marathon, Ironman triathlon, or even longer events.
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So let’s start with the big question: Can you run after hip replacement surgery?

Generally speaking, the answer is yes—you can run. But the better question is: should you run?

I think of this like riding a motorcycle. I think motorcycles are awesome—but they’re not for me.

The same applies to running after hip replacement. Some people will always run. Others will never run. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle.

Imagine a sliding scale. On one end are people who say, “I’ve always run. I’ll always run. I’ll run to my grave.” On the other end are people who say, “I’ve never run, and I never will—even if chased by a bear.” Most of us are in between, and that’s where careful consideration matters.
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Here are key factors to consider before deciding whether running is right for you after hip replacement:
• Your running history – Have you always run? Is it part of who you are?
• Your weight – The impact on hip implants is very different at 120 pounds versus 220 pounds.
• Your age – Younger patients may want implants to last longer; older patients may prioritize enjoyment now.
• What running means to you – Is it your escape, your community, your sense of freedom?
• Quality of life – If not running dramatically reduces your happiness, that matters.
• Alternatives – Cycling, swimming, walking, and other endurance sports may offer similar benefits with less impact.

If running is your identity or your joy, that’s important. But if pride or ego is the main driver, it may be worth reconsidering—especially when lower-impact alternatives exist.
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Why do people want to run in the first place?

I ran a lot in my teens, 20s, and early 30s. I loved the feeling—the air, the movement, the speed.

Running made me feel alive and healthy. For many people, it provides fulfillment, freedom, stress relief, and pride.
But there are also reasons not to run. Running increases wear on hip components. Leg length differences, gait changes, or other joint issues can create problems. And if you don’t have a strong “why,” running may not be worth the trade-off.
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If you’re looking for alternatives to running, consider:
• Cycling – Huge community, incredible events, low impact
• Swimming – Surprisingly social, excellent conditioning
• Walking – Many events allow walking; it’s legitimate and effective
• Run/walk combinations – Often faster and far easier on the body

Running does not define you. You are more than a runner.
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If you do decide to run occasionally, here are ways to reduce impact:
1. Avoid concrete—run on grass, dirt, or gravel
2. Consider trail or cross-country runs
3. Adjust running form—land more on the midfoot than the heel
4. Use a run/walk strategy instead of continuous running
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The decision to run after hip replacement surgery is deeply personal. Doctors’ opinions vary. My approach is moderation—I run occasionally, thoughtfully, and with intention.
In the next episode, I’ll share strategies for covering more distance, walking faster, and training smarter with minimal impact on your hips.

Thanks so much for tuning in to The Hip Replacement Podcast.

Until next time, I wish you the best recovery possible. Take care.

Episode 17 - Running and Walking After Hip Replacement - Part 1

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