One of the most popular aerobic exercises is running, which is why you’ve probably at least considered giving it a try, if not tried. There are a lot of options out there when it comes to incorporating more cardio into your daily routine and increasing your stamina. In the end, only one of these options will prevail.
Let’s compare cycling and running and see which one comes out on top.
Cycling vs Running
In terms of cardio, cycling and running are very similar: You can do both indoors on a bike or outdoors in any weather.
Both are heart-pumping experiences.
They both have the ability to help you relax and burn calories at the same time.
Although running burns more calories than cycling, this does not necessarily mean that it is the best option. Cycling is less taxing on your joints than running, which is more of a high-impact activity.
See which one works best for your fitness regimen by delving deeper into each.
The benefits of both cycling and running
Each of these workouts has its advantages and disadvantages.
Calorie burning
Running or cycling burns calories depending on the intensity and duration of your workout.
Your weight, age, gender, and other personal characteristics also play a role.
Running burns more calories than cycling, according to this table:
Compared to cycling, running typically burns more calories. When you ride a bike, your weight is supported by the bike, which means you’re moving less.
As a result of the increased movement that occurs while running, a higher number of calories are burned.
While cycling at 10 miles per hour, a 140-pound person will expend 132 calories per 10 minutes of running.
Weight loss
Exercise alone won’t help you slim down. It’s also important to maintain a precise ratio between calories consumed and calories expelled. The best way to lose weight is to eat healthily and exercise regularly.
Running burns more calories than cycling, so it follows that running is better for weight loss…right?? It’s not as simple as that.
Cyclists are far more likely to go on longer bike rides than joggers. After that, the calorie loss from a vigorous pedalling session is on par with or even better than that of a run.
There are many variables to take into account. The intensity, frequency, and safe practise of any exercise you enjoy are among the most important aspects of your overall health.
Running burns more calories, but cycling is less taxing on your joints. For the same or even more calories burned, you could cycle for longer periods of time than you could run for shorter periods of time.
Running and cycling may both help young men lose weight, according to a small study published in 2013. If you’re trying to control your weight by limiting your food intake, then either type of exercise could be beneficial.
Heart health
When it comes to cardiovascular health, running and cycling are in a dead heat.
They’re both beneficial to your health. It is possible to build a stronger heart by engaging in both physical and mental activities. You’re more likely to stick with and see results if you focus on the one you enjoy the most.
You should, however, not go overboard. Heart health can be negatively impacted if you exercise for more than 5 hours per week or 1 hour per day, according to a 2014 review of studies.
Maintaining lean muscle mass
While running isn’t a muscle-building exercise, it can help you maintain muscle mass and shed fat, making your muscles appear more defined.
Even if you run every day, you won’t notice much of a difference in the strength of your muscles. Weight training should also be a part of your regimen.
Endurance exercise and calorie restriction were compared in a study in 2018 to see how they affected the muscle mass of sedentary adults.
As a whole, these findings suggest that regular physical activity can help to prevent the loss of lean mass and aerobic capacity that comes with losing weight.
So, if you want to look leaner, run slower for longer periods of time.
Other factors to think about
People don’t just get into cycling or running to lose weight or gain muscle. In addition to these, bear in mind when making a decision: (if you have to choose at all).
Money, money, money…
Interested in a workout that is nearly free? For the most part, it’s working. There is no need to spend money on a treadmill if you have running shoes. Running gear for the colder months is a good investment.
Running does have a monetary cost associated with it. It’s possible that you’ll need to spend money on good running shoes at some point.
A lot of money can be spent on high-end running equipment as well. Buying a treadmill or joining a gym will set you back a few hundred dollars if you ever decide you can’t run outside.
In comparison to running, cycling requires an upfront investment.
Either a road bike or a high-tech stationary bike (like a Peloton or a similar model) is required for indoor cycling. Costs such as helmets, special shoes and clothing aren’t even factored in.
When deciding whether to cycle indoors or outdoors, keep in mind that both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
When it comes down to it, cycling can be a more expensive option than running.
Underlying chronic conditions
Everyone can benefit from even a small amount of exercise. However, if you have a long-term medical condition, you should consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen.
Excessive exercise, for example, may raise your risk of low blood sugar and the potentially fatal condition known as ketoacidosis if you have diabetes.
Certain health conditions may increase your risk of injury as a result of the additional stress running places on your joints. Cycling is a low-impact activity, but it can cause lower back pain if you overdo it.
Cyclists also need a greater degree of coordination. There’s also the possibility of falling off a bike, of course.
What you like matters
Cycling and running both have advantages and disadvantages. In the end, there is no clear winner.
If you have a specific fitness goal in mind, it’s important to choose an activity that will help you achieve it.
You’re not going to run as much if you despise it. You may, however, enjoy cycling every day if your bike is your #bae. Choose the option that makes you the happiest and work with it.
Takeaway
Running, on the whole, may burn more calories than cycling, according to some studies. There is, however, an increased risk of injury because it is a high-impact workout.
Running may burn more calories per hour than cycling does. On the other hand, it’s a low-impact exercise that’s less taxing on your system.
