running vs cycling?

beerdan
beerdan Posts: 8 Member
edited February 1 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi All,

Anyone know which is best for losing weight - running or cycling? Cycling takes longer but I seem to burn more calories, but running is more cardio vascular?
Have I just answered my own question??

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    If the question is which burns more calories in a shorter amount of time..........running.

    The real question is which do you prefer doing? Even here in frozen tundra you can bike all year 'round (albeit outside if you're insane ....I mean dedicated; or indoors on a trainer in winter).

    The one advantage I can think of the cycling offers is that you can ride every day whereas running every day is likely to lead to an overuse injury. (Having said that, there was an article in a recent Runners World about a runner who just finished a 45 year streak this summer)

    Why not both? They complement each other.
  • griff7809
    griff7809 Posts: 611 Member
    Why not both? They complement each other.


    I do both. I would also offer lap swimming as well. Mix it up, work different combination of muscle groups. Variety is the spice of weight loss.

    just my .02
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Why not both? They complement each other.


    I do both. I would also offer lap swimming as well. Mix it up, work different combination of muscle groups. Variety is the spice of weight loss.

    just my .02

    Swim, bike and run? Another triathlete! :drinker:
  • LearnFromTheRed
    LearnFromTheRed Posts: 294 Member
    I do both. I've just started experimenting with doing some bike work and then going running, which seems to ease my legs into things a bit more effectively.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    Simply for ultimate calorie burn I would say cycling wins - Tour de France riders burn 3,500 to 4,500 calories on a single stage. Guess you would have to compare that to a runner doing an ultra marathon?

    In reality the answer will be down to the individual, I only have about 3 miles of running a week in my injured knees but can cycle 100 miles a week without any pain.

    How much time to you have? Very hard to beat the convenience of slapping on a pair of shoes and running out your front door.

    Bit sad to only focus on calories burns though (IMHO). What do you enjoy? What compliments your sports?
    Why not mix it up?
    My week will typically include a short run, rowing machine, elliptical, spinning bike and outdoor cycling - it keeps me interested and challenged.
  • seepersaud
    seepersaud Posts: 5,759 Member
    I agree with what some of the others posted - pick the activity you like best. Then, you'll be really motivated and will be doing it for fun, not just for weight loss. I like the variety of swimming, biking and running. Biking is my favorite of the three. Each helps build endurance in its own way. My results weren't super-awesome but I was able to complete a half marathon without per se training for a half.
  • moni_tb_192
    moni_tb_192 Posts: 188 Member
    I like doing both, and I enjoy each of them in very different ways. I feel they've helped me become better at both sports. :smile:
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