How much cycling is equivalent to running

The main reason is not the runner, but rather the bike used by the runner. A skinny-tired bike might be twice as fast as a fat-tired bike. A muscular cyclist might have an easier time pushing up the hills than a skinny runner, who in turn might be faster on the flat. So was your mile ride better than, or at least equal to, your missed mile run? Consider also that training is sports-specific. Doing cardio exercise, such as running and biking, teaches your heart to pump even more efficiently the rest of the time.

According to an overview of multiple studies , vigorous exercise more than 5 hours a week, or 60 minutes a day, can actually begin to have a negative effect on your cardiovascular health. The number of calories you burn in either exercise depends on the intensity and length of time you do it.

In general, running burns more calories than cycling because it uses more muscles. However, cycling is gentler on the body, and you may be able to do it longer or faster than you can run. Your age, weight, gender, and other factors determine your own baseline of calorie burning. Talk with your doctor to learn how many calories you should burn while exercising to reach your personal health goals. Cycling can help you build muscle in your lower half.

Pushing pedals while biking is resistance training that builds leg muscles. However, your muscles and bones will get stronger from use and the impact of hitting the ground. Running may be better for toning muscles since it works your whole body and burns more calories.

The look of lean, toned muscles usually results from overall body fitness and low body fat. You cannot pick where your body gains or loses fat, but you can pick which muscles you build. One study found that working out four to five times per week was effective at maintaining muscle tone among active, aging adults.

The key with toning is to exercise for a long amount of time without reaching muscle fatigue. To lose weight, you need to find the correct balance of calories in not too many or too few to calories out burned through exercise and regular bodily functions.

You may be able to lose weight more quickly by running. But if you cycle for long amounts of time, the calorie loss can eventually meet and exceed that of running. Because it involves movement of all extremities, there is a higher rate of injury. Please discuss with your fitness trainer or physical therapist about proper grades and interval training.

Biking is much easier on the joints or for anyone getting back into an exercise following an injury. Pr ogressions are similar to running and based on your level of exertion and symptom management; gradually increase by minute increments as long as you are not experiencing any pain.

Considering both, it is best to choose the one that does not bring on symptoms or cause any pain. Someone who has iliotibial band syndrome may have a harder time cycling compared to running and someone who has knee arthritis may not tolerate loading forces during running.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends getting at least minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week regardless of whether it is made of cycling or running. So get on out there! Enter your email address to subscribe to our blog and receive new posts via email, or View the Feed for additional subscription options. Home » Blog » Running vs.

Subscribe Enter your email address to subscribe to our blog and receive new posts via email, or View the Feed for additional subscription options. What Our Patients Are Saying Renew Physical Therapy Steve I. I had been suffering from a series of soccer related injuries for over a year or so before seeing a Sports Medicine Dr.

Renew Physical Therapy Jill G. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Site USA. Answer: The Truth About Running vs. Cycling Is … Yes and no. Coach Jenny Hadfield Image.