Any type of exercise
will help you burn calories and improve your cardiovascular health. The
easy accessibility of cycling and running make these two activities
very popular. However, people often ask which of the two is healthier.
Here are some of the points that will help you decide which activity
suits you better.
If your main aim is to lose all those extra kilos and get back into shape, then running should be your obvious option. Running will give you a more intense workout in less time compared to cycling, as you are just sitting down on your bike, after all. At 755 calories per hour, a 5-mph run more than doubles the energy expenditure of a leisurely cycle ride, which burns just 364 calories per hour for a 90-kg man. Also, the calories burned in both these activities will depend on the weight of the man.
Cycling is less jarring to the body compared to running. It is more comfortable and as long as you don't fall off the cycle or crash into someone, your body doesn't go through any major wear and tear. However, running certainly stresses weight-bearing joints. Your knees support up to seven times your weight while running. It leads to muscle soreness and damage. Running won't cause arthritis of the knees, but it may hasten or worsen the condition, once it has started.
You may enjoy running but it requires a lot of stamina and is painful after a certain point of time. Cycling is sustained stamina training and you can go on for a longer time. If you are someone who loves speed and adventure, then you should choose cycling over running. For overweight people, running could frequently cause pain in the knees, ankles and back, making the exercise less enjoyable and cumbersome. Thus, these people should start with cycling and then go on to running once they have built their stamina.
Both cycling and running have equal health benefits. Running is one of the best ways to give your heart muscle an effective workout. By running regularly you can improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of a heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke. It also helps you build a stronger immune system. Cycling is a non-weight bearing activity and regular cycling leads to improved muscle strength and improved mobility and coordination. It reduces the risk of diabetes and cancer. They both help in reducing anxiety, depression and stress.
Cycling and Running both have their set of pros and cons. You should pick one on the basis of which activity suits your body type and what your final fitness goal is.
Weight Loss
If your main aim is to lose all those extra kilos and get back into shape, then running should be your obvious option. Running will give you a more intense workout in less time compared to cycling, as you are just sitting down on your bike, after all. At 755 calories per hour, a 5-mph run more than doubles the energy expenditure of a leisurely cycle ride, which burns just 364 calories per hour for a 90-kg man. Also, the calories burned in both these activities will depend on the weight of the man.
Wear And Tear
Cycling is less jarring to the body compared to running. It is more comfortable and as long as you don't fall off the cycle or crash into someone, your body doesn't go through any major wear and tear. However, running certainly stresses weight-bearing joints. Your knees support up to seven times your weight while running. It leads to muscle soreness and damage. Running won't cause arthritis of the knees, but it may hasten or worsen the condition, once it has started.
Seeking Pleasure
You may enjoy running but it requires a lot of stamina and is painful after a certain point of time. Cycling is sustained stamina training and you can go on for a longer time. If you are someone who loves speed and adventure, then you should choose cycling over running. For overweight people, running could frequently cause pain in the knees, ankles and back, making the exercise less enjoyable and cumbersome. Thus, these people should start with cycling and then go on to running once they have built their stamina.
Health Benefits
Both cycling and running have equal health benefits. Running is one of the best ways to give your heart muscle an effective workout. By running regularly you can improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of a heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke. It also helps you build a stronger immune system. Cycling is a non-weight bearing activity and regular cycling leads to improved muscle strength and improved mobility and coordination. It reduces the risk of diabetes and cancer. They both help in reducing anxiety, depression and stress.
The Final Verdict
Cycling and Running both have their set of pros and cons. You should pick one on the basis of which activity suits your body type and what your final fitness goal is.
No comments:
Post a Comment