Is cycling a good cardio exercise for weight loss?

Summerxxs

Hi all, I have initially started out with jogging 35 mins every other day and have lost 6 lbs in about a month with the incorporation of a healthy diet(I don't really restrict myself to a calorie goal). I tried out cycling two weeks ago and found it much easier to do for extended periods of time(50 mins+ everyday), but some have told me it is not as effective as running when it comes to losing weight. I have 8 more lbs to lose to get to my target weight, and I want to achieve it asap(in a healthy way) by working out effectively. Sooo I'm wondering if cycling is just as good as running or is running better for me to slim down? Thanks in advance )

Merkavar

Honestly I don't see the difference. How many calories are you burning doing each activity on average per minute.

Also would a bike be less jarring on the knees than running?

I think the only thing with actual bikes and a little bit with stationary bikes is they continue to move while you have stopped. Coasting or down hills.

Stationary bikes I have used continue "moving" after I have stopped so it looks like I rode 3km but only really done 2.5km.

LisaTcan

I'm a cyclist and ride about 100km a week. I think you really need to push your self more with cycling in order to burn the same about of calories you would running. For instance I will either to a long ride, a hilly ride or a fast ride. By long I mean I'm biking for 4 hours. You could consider getting a heart rate monitor, if your heart rate isn't going up you probably aren't burning too many calories.

Hope that helps!

Summerxxs

Thanks guys! Just to be more specific, I always do at least 11 miles and at most 17 miles at the rate of 15 mph on my stationary bike everyday. Since it is actually much more fun than running on the treadmill I think I can push myself to get at least 15 miles in everyday so I'm really hoping that it would at least burn the same amount of calories as jogging at 5mph for 35 mins??(i hate running so 35 is usually my max)

sarainfusino

Hi!
I am by no means an expert but I love to workout and will be running my 3rd half marathon on Saturday. I would suggest doing some of both (even training for a half, I only run 3 days and spin 2 days a week along with weights) Your body gets used to things very quickly so if you can continue to shock it by changing up your activities you will have greater success with weight loss and getting more fit. In addition don't spin or run in the same fashion either -mix it up with intervals and distance, etc. Also, do you strength train? The more muscle you have the more efficiently you will lose and be in better overall shape. One last thing, I think the "lose weight in the kitchen, get fit in the gym" is really important. Find some ways of exercise that you love. Work hard at whatever you do. A heart rate monitor is eye opening. But remember that no matter what you do you can't exercise off eating too much so if your loss stall evaluate your calories. Sorry for the really long response. Hope that helps:)

dramaqueen45

Do whichever one you like the most and the one that you will stick with the longest.

Giolis

It's a little hard to compare. With jogging you're moving your entire body weight and engaging a lot more muscles. With a stationary bike you're basically sitting and the only thing moving are your legs. You have to have enough resistance to make up for the fact that you're no longer supporting your body weight. How much more resistance or how much longer/faster you need to ride to make up that difference is the unknown. If you have a heart rate monitor you'll be able to estimate the calorie burn for each. It won't be 100% accurate but it will be a good guideline.

Summerxxs

Thank you all for the solid advice! I will certainly try to ride faster with higher resistance for better results

Machka9

I am also a cyclist, and cycling works for me because I enjoy it. It is something I want to do ... look forward to doing.

atypicalsmith

The handles as well as the pedals move on my stationery bike, but it's a cheapie and there is no option resistance. But I like that it's more of a "whole body" workout than the ones I see at the Y with a comfortable cushioned regular sized seat. Mine does have a monitor which gives speed, mileage, and calories burned, but there's no way it can possibly assess how many calories were burned since there's no way to input your stats. Like I said, it's a cheapie, but it works great!