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Cardio: Shorter Runs Versus Longer On Exercise Bike

finnishpirate
finnishpirate Posts: 1 Member
edited February 6 in Health and Weight Loss
Hello. New to all of this. Looking to shed around 20 pounds or so to get to my weight in college when I exercised more frequently. I read about the whole TDEE thing and have a caloric goal in mind.

My question is, regardless of just calories burned, is it a better workout overall to do a longer session on the exercise bike or a shorter run? Right now I've been alternating running around 2.5 miles (at a pace of about 10 min/mile for now) or doing 45-50 minutes on the bike. I am definitely way more winded after running; my legs are a little more sore after the bike because I can do it at a higher intensity.

But overall, I've always felt that running was just a better exercise for general health, etc. Any thoughts? I'm thinking to stick with running more frequently so I can build up endurance and hopefully be able to do 45-50 minute runs in not too long.

TLDR: What is better for weight loss/overall health: longer cardio sessions on exercise bike or shorter runs?

Replies

  • Mr_Knight
    Mr_Knight Posts: 9,532 Member
    TLDR: What is better for weight loss/overall health: longer cardio sessions on exercise bike or shorter runs?

    As a VERY rough guideline, running for X miles is approximately equivalent to cycling for 3X miles.
  • Hestion
    Hestion Posts: 740 Member
    Do what you enjoy the most!! Then you'll stick to.it.

    For me i prefer running, but due to injury can't now so bike it is, i burn more on the bike, but its not the same sort of cardio as running, if you aim to run distances you'll need to run, if its just a bit of running for fun then either will probably work for you.
  • mortuseon
    mortuseon Posts: 579 Member
    Depends on your goals! If it's just to lose weight, then either will create a caloric deficit hence they are equally valuable. Agree with the above poster, though - you'll stick to the one you enjoy more. Personally, I'd mix it up and do both just to have some variety
  • tonyajohn
    tonyajohn Posts: 46
    My weight loss totally stalled once I started running. I think it was just too hard on my poor body. Went back to my stationary bike, threw in a little bit of step aerobics, and bam! the weight started coming off again.
  • Ejourneys
    Ejourneys Posts: 1,603 Member
    IMHO, follow your motivation.
    I think working to build your running endurance is a great driver. I was amazed at how fast my body could train when I did that.
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    TBH, in my opinion, the exercise that is the best is the one that you enjoy. It's more likely that you'll stick with an exercise program if you love what you're doing. Beyond that, though I haven't ever seen studies comparing them, I'd guess that there aren't great benefits to one exercise vs another (comparing cardio to cardio, at least)
  • Hestion
    Hestion Posts: 740 Member
    Although must add I'm starting to love spin class :-)

    And if running please realise the importance of proper stretching and core strength
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    Stick with whatever you enjoy and remember that weight loss is 90% diet. You really shouldn't run every day so you could run one day and bike the next. Throw in some strength training and you have a well rounded fitness program.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    even if i have to do it three times as long, i'd rather go outside to ride my bike, because i like cycling. it's easier on my joints, i can go further and for longer than running.

    now if you were to ask me based on indoor machines, then i'd chose the treadmill, because to be on an exercise bike for 45 minutes would be mind numbing.
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member

    now if you were to ask me based on indoor machines, then i'd chose the treadmill, because to be on an exercise bike for 45 minutes would be mind numbing.

    Being on a treadmill isn't mind numbing?
  • Hestion
    Hestion Posts: 740 Member

    now if you were to ask me based on indoor machines, then i'd chose the treadmill, because to be on an exercise bike for 45 minutes would be mind numbing.

    Being on a treadmill isn't mind numbing?

    Actually i can go on the treadmill and run for an hr and its ok, 20 minutes on a bike and I'm ready to doze off!
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