Cycling vs Running: Which Is Better?

Running and cycling are undoubtedly two of the best cardio sports in the world. However, it might be challenging to decide which one to attempt if you want to add more exercise into your life and build some stamina.

Usually, when comparing cycling vs running, running will burn more calories than cycling, but this does not inevitably make it the winner. It is essential to note that running is more difficult on your joints since it is a high-impact activity, whereas cycling is low-impact. Now let us get into some details about both, to decide which is more effective for your lifestyle.

Cycling is a low-impact, healthful sport that may be enjoyed by individuals of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. It is also inexpensive, and environmentally friendly.

Nevertheless, riding your bike to work or the store is among the most time-efficient methods to include regular exercise into your daily routine. Every day, an estimated one billion people around the globe ride bicycles for transportation, entertainment, and sport.

Running is an aerobic fitness activity that raises your heart rate and, when done consistently, can enhance your aerobic ability and cardiovascular health. When you run, your body moves quicker than when you walk. However, you can also jog, which starts at a leisurely pace (is appropriate for a long-distance runner), or you can sprint, which is a means to cover short distances quickly.

Running strengthens your glutes, hip flexors, hamstrings, and other muscles. Some runners also benefit from incorporating high-intensity interval training or other types of cross-training into their running routine.

However, besides these, there are some other in-depth differences between cycling and running. A few of those are explained in detail below –

1. Building Muscle

Your lower body can gain muscle via cycling. On the other hand, running won't result in much mass gain but can assist you in building stronger and better toned muscles.

Leg muscles are primarily developed by resistance training while cycling. Although the muscles in the upper half of your body are likewise active, they are not nearly as tense as those in your lower half.

Additionally, running doesn't use the muscles in a way that will help you gain a lot of bulk because it employs all of them simultaneously. But when you utilise them and strike the ground, your bones and muscles will get stronger.

2. Cardiovascular Health

Running and cycling both have comparable cardiovascular benefits and can make your heart stronger. If you persist with the activity you find more enjoyable, you'll be more inclined to persevere and gain results.

If you're biking or jogging vigorously, you might want to keep your daily activity to no more than 60 minutes. A study revealed that engaging in intense exercise for more than 5 hours per week, or 60 minutes per day, could start to harm your cardiovascular health.

3. Toning Muscle

Since running uses more of your body and burns more calories, it may be preferable for toning muscles. If you want to see results, you'll need to increase your weight training and perhaps alter your diet. Low body fat and general physical fitness are the usual causes of the appearance of lean, toned muscles.

According to a study, exercising four to five times per week helped active older persons retain their muscular tone. Also, exercising for a lengthy period of time without experiencing muscular weariness is essential for toning.

4. Calorie Burning

The intensity and duration of your workout will determine how many calories you burn while cycling or running. Also, your weight, age, gender, and other individual factors can impact the results.

Running employs more muscles than cycling, therefore, it generally burns more calories. Cycling, on the other hand, is easier on the body, and you might be able to go farther or quicker than you can run. Additionally, you'll burn more calories while running or cycling uphill than you would while doing the same workout on a flat surface.

In general, an individual weighing 140 pounds will typically burn 64 calories per 10 minutes on a bike travelling at 10 mph and 132 calories per minute while running.

The benefits of both these exercises are somewhat superficially similar, but you might need to delve into them before choosing. In a general argument of cycling vs running for fitness, it is important to note that there is no single answer to this question as these exercises come with both advantages and disadvantages.

In a nutshell, when the researchers compared the two groups performing cycling and running, it was clear that, despite the completely identical increased workloads and timeframes, the runners' muscles had suffered significantly more damage than those of the cyclists.

Also, when compared to cyclists, runners had 133-404% higher muscle damage. Additionally, inflammation markers were also up to 256% higher in the runners. Furthermore, the runners confirmed a level of DOMS that was 87% higher than the cyclists.

When it came to immunological markers, both groups experienced a similar drop in immunity.

So, in cycling vs running, you can choose either of these exercises, depending on your requirements. Luckily, both of them have mental and physical benefits and, if consistently performed, can provide significant health benefits.

Weight Loss

Biking is frequently regarded as one of the best low-impact aerobic exercise options. When compared to running or jogging, it allows you to raise your pulse rate while putting less strain on your ankles, knees, and other joints. Many individuals who focus on the perks of cycling regularly do so in order to reap the weight-loss advantages of cycling exercise.

Experts recommend that people who focus on the gains of cycling workouts for weight loss also include sprinting and strength training. These activities aid in muscle development and metabolism improvement. This burns calories quickly even while resting, adding to the gains of cycling exercise for losing weight.

Can Help People With Cancer

There is ample evidence that exercising can help prevent cancer, but some research has found that cycling is especially beneficial for maintaining your cells in excellent operating order.

A 2015 research looked at the advantages of cycling for men. It found that among the 14,000 males who took part, those who were physically active had a lower incidence of colorectal and lung cancer. Cycling aids in the maintenance of healthy cell proliferation, providing them with the required support to combat cancer cells.

Furthermore, new research from the University of Glasgow shows that, when compared to a non-active commute, cycling to work is connected with a 45% lower chance of acquiring cancer and a 46% lower risk of heart disease. Most importantly, a 41% decreased risk of early mortality was observed overall among commuting cyclists, according to the study.

Develops Muscle

Cycling has a resistance component, which means that in addition to burning fat, it also develops muscle, especially in the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Numerous muscles in the body are worked and toned by cycling.

Even though the lower body muscles are the main ones addressed, the arm and core muscles also receive a tremendous workout. The lower body, more especially the legs, is where it is most visible that muscles are being added when riding a bike.

The upper body is also strengthened by cycling. Furthermore, cycling can have a positive impact on the arms and shoulders, even if it is less frequently associated with success in this part of the body.

Improves Cardiovascular Health Conditions

Stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure are examples of cardiovascular illnesses. Your lungs, heart, and circulation are stimulated and can be improved by regular cycling, which might also lower your risk of cardiovascular disorders.

Moreover, cycling helps lower your resting pulse, makes your cardiac muscles stronger, and lowers blood fat levels. Additionally, riders who bike to work usually have lung function two to three times better than those who travel by automobile.

Helps Against Bone Injuries and Arthritis

Strength, balance, and coordination can be enhanced by cycling. Additionally, it could also aid in avoiding fractures and falls. Moreover, due to its low-impact nature and little strain on joints, biking is a great type of exercise for those with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, as cycling is not a weight-bearing activity, it also does not directly aid osteoporosis.

Builds Your Core

Cycling also exercises your core muscles, such as your back and abs. Keeping your body straight and the bike in place necessitates a certain degree of core strength. It is important to note that while cycling, a strong stomach and rear muscles support your spine, and it promotes stability and fitness. Beginning your day with healthy exercises, such as cycling, wakes you up by increasing blood circulation and gives you a sense of purpose.

Nerve Injury

One of the most frequently reported injuries among riders is neuropathy of the bike seats. The cyclist's body weight is supported by a small seat, resulting in ailments and symptoms that are thought to be related to either vascular or neurological pudendal nerve injury.

Road Hazards

Road accidents are particularly likely to happen with inattentive and rapid changes on the road surface. It can be dangerous for bikes because of their weaker construction than cars and their thin tyres, which can cause even the most diligent and experienced rider to lose control.

Moreover, cycling injuries are most frequently brought on by road hazards like sewer grates, potholes, and rail and trolley tracks.

Pollution

It is well known that cyclists are exposed to a lot of the air pollution brought on by automobiles. Additionally, exposure to traffic-related hazards and traffic-related air pollutants are significant variables affecting the decision to cycle.

Improves Sleep Quality

Morning exercises can encourage a better quality of sleep than afternoon or late workouts. The researchers of a 2014 study published in Vascular Health and Risk Management indicated that early morning physical activity might be the most advantageous time to indulge in.

These conclusions have been validated by other investigations. Research on elderly people released in Sleep Medicine indicated that morning exercises might be especially beneficial for those who struggle to fall asleep. Another study found that strenuous evening exercises (performed within an hour of sleeping) may interfere with sleep.

Promotes Adherence and Consistency

The interference of distractions with your dedication at any moment of the day can come in the way of your health. These might arise due to workload or family obligations, or other responsibilities.

Research published in the journal Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews in 2020 discovered that a consistent morning exercise regimen could improve both exercise adherence and weight reduction in those who are overweight.

Can Manage Blood Pressure Levels

A few studies have shown that a morning workout may help individuals control their hypertension. For instance, the authors of the previously cited 2014 Vascular Health and Risk Management research focused on people with prehypertension. They discovered that morning exercisers' helped research participants reduce blood pressure and enhanced sleep at night, which they believe supports a restorative physiological process.

Enhances Mental Focus and Productivity

A morning workout might help you perform better psychologically. Researchers discovered that two hours after exercise, you are more likely to have increased executive functions such as decision-making, memory, cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, verbal fluency, and inhibitory control.

Additionally, research has shown that exercise can also help you keep your focus when you're weary. Studies have shown that combining early exercise with breakfast might help teenagers do better on academic assessments.

Enhances Weight Management

The American Council on Exercise estimates that a 68 kg person will expend roughly 362 calories during a 40-minute run at a pace of 12 minutes per mile. The same person would burn 521 calories at a pace of 8:30 minutes per mile and a staggering 725 calories at a rate of six minutes per mile. Hence, it is evident that running promotes burning calories and weight loss and helps maintain optimum body weight.

Additionally, in accordance with a 2016 research published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism revealed that running in the morning after an overnight fast can enhance fat oxidation and help reduce food intake for 24 hours after the workout.

Overuse Injuries

Runners are prone to several injuries, and these are often neglected. A few particular conditions that runners frequently experience are plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, shin splints, and runners’ knee. These injuries result from long-distance training, skipping rest days, and pushing through pain.

Weight Gain

Unexpectedly, a lot of runners are prone to put on weight when they start jogging or when preparing for a long-distance race. This is the result of an increased muscle mass and gains in muscle glycogen.

Additionally, many individuals notice an increase in hunger as their weekly mileage rises. So, it is common for them to consume excessive amounts of unhealthy calories while trying to sate this hunger.

Increase Risk of Heart Attack

Running can actually increase your risk of having a heart attack if you're new to working out or have previously been diagnosed with heart disease. A heart attack can happen when the heart is unable to keep up with the increased need for blood flow during a run because of clogged or hardened arteries.

So, before beginning a new jogging regimen, seek the advice of a qualified cardiologist to assure your safety.

Damage to Weight-Bearing Joints

One of the most severe drawbacks of running, according to the American College of Sports Medicine, is an injury to weight-bearing joints. Running is particularly risky for people who already have joint damage since the force on joints during such a jog is four times larger than the force that exists at rest.

Moreover, a person may also be at risk for harm to their weight-bearing joints during a run if they are obese, overweight, or have problems with their joints' alignment.

Increase the Risk of Skin Cancer

While many joggers prefer to work out on a treadmill (or indoors), others choose to indulge in outdoor physical exercise, which exposes them to more sun. Runners, those who prefer to stay outdoors, may be more susceptible to some forms of skin cancer, not just because of higher sun exposure but also due to their decline in immune system function.

So, if you ask which is better cycling or running, neither running nor cycling jumps out as a significantly superior choice to the other. Choose the one that best meets your needs to be sure you'll like it and continue with it. To get the most out of each pastime and stave off monotony, you may alternate between the two as well.

But when accessing cycling vs running, running could burn more calories. However, it's a high-impact exercise that puts a greater strain on your joints and might raise your chance of injury. Running may result in a greater calorie burn from cycling. However, it is a low-impact exercise that is less taxing on your body.