Is Spinning better than Running

In laboratory maximal aerobic tests, VO2 max levels reached during cycling average less than those achieved during running -- by an average of 10% or so. This is largely due to the smaller amount of muscle mass involved with cycling and the higher relative resistance which can lead to localized muscle fatigue. From a purely academic standpoint, running is a slightly better aerobic stimulus and has a higher rate of calorie burn. However, in the real world, there are other factors that can render the differences moot.

From a practical standpoint, those difference are less significant. For one, most people do not come close to reaching 100% of their genetic potential, so someone who cycles a lot and does not run much will equal or even exceed the intensity levels they reach during running. That is because of the principle of training specificity.

Two--cycling involves little eccentric contraction and impact, where running has lots of both. So it is possible for most people, with training, to cycle longer and more often than run. So even if running does burn a few higher calories per minute, most people can cycle longer and do it more often, so they can make up the calorie difference and ever exceed it.

To get these benefits, one must train at cycling, not only to build up the muscle strength and endurance to push enough watts, but to perfect one's form in order to work harder and more efficient. Assuming one has the appropriate fitness level to do both, It takes longer to become a good cyclist than it does a good runner. Again, this is not a big deal over the long term.

One thing about spinning claims--the calorie burn claims are often inflated. One, because of the thermal stress of being packed in a hot room with other working bodies; the other is many people do not have their HRMs set up properly.

Just an example: in order to burn 1000 calories in a hour in a spin class, one would not only have to average 250 watts of power for the entire 60 minutes, one would also have to weigh more than 175 lbs. It's not impossible, and certainly top cyclists can achieve that level, but the average person in a spin class is likely not going to come close to that number, nor is the average instructor (not is he or she is teaching a lot).

I am just providing the physiological facts for those who are interested. Ultimately, there is no need to assert that one type of exercise is "better" than the other. The variables of personal motivation and personal preference are strong enough to eliminate any laboratory differences between the activities.

Spinning hurts my knees like HECK. Plus... it's kinda boring to be stuck inside a building while peddling away while in pain.

I prefer running. It doesn't hurt my knees. It gets me outside. It feels FANTASTIC (I am always drenched in sweat when I'm done). Not boring at all.

I LOVE spinning. Running I find very hard and Ive never quite been able to get my breathing right which I believe is my downfall.

I burnt 552 calories in 50 mins yesterday, tracking using my Polar HRM.

I love spinning!!! When I take the class my heart is definitly pumping harder then when I run.