Running or Cycling

[Steeevestar]

Hi, just wondering wish is the best type of road exercise for losing weight. I know that both are very good but I'm just wondering what other peoples views are, running or cycling? Thanks Steve

[Bradman]

Running - it uses more calories than cycling when running at a moderate pace or above.

[Zenette]

I don't think one is better than the other; each one has its own benefits. You also have to look at what you enjoy and what fits in with your lifestyle. Maybe a bit of both?

Running may burn more calories, but it is all relative to the calories you consume.

[LadyP33]

Both, I have signed up for 3 triathlons next year, so woul recommend throwing in core conditioning and swimming lol

For me, running seems to tone better!

[fenbadger]

Cycling is non weight bearing so may be less painful early on. Distance is less important than time, it's the amount of time you burn calories. Either way you burn calories. And with cycling you coast for at least some of the time. This makes it more enjoyable for me. I couldn't run anyway with my gammy knee

There are figures for calorie consumption, try NHS choices website.

Whatever you do it wont help if you see it as a punishment or chore.

[GoogleMe]

Yes, whichever one you will actually do.

Have a look at the NHS Couch to 5K programme for a safe way to getting into running 30 minutes continuously. Running is high impact so you need a non-running day between each session. Cue a cycling day!

(Although personally I would stay off road for running if at all possible, easier on the joints)

[Nilzed in reply to GoogleMe]

Another vote for this. They have a support group here on Health Unlocked which is super.

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

[kirsty72]

I can't comment as such, as I can't run to save my life, nor can I ride a bike as it hurts my bottom, but I have been told that running is not particularly good for people, as the pounding oon the feet creates back/spine problems later in life. My GP told me the best possible sport to do is swimming. Hope that helps

x

[Steeevestar in reply to kirsty72]

Hi Kirsty72, swimming has been recommended but I get bored going backwards and fourth so many times. However saying that they do say swimming is one of the best forms of exercise so I think I will give it another try. Thanks

[GoogleMe in reply to Steeevestar]

Swimming is also rarely free on top of the cost of equipment whereas running usually is. I am sure there are unhealthy ways to run but it doesn't have to be.

[kirsty72 in reply to GoogleMe]

Very true that swimming is rarely free, but like running, it still has it's costs. For example, you have to buy the correct running shoes, followed on by a supporting bra if you are a woman of course, and running clothes etc etc.

[kirsty72 in reply to Steeevestar]

What about yoga or pilates? It's great for core strength, you can do it in your own home regardless of the weather, and you only have to pay £3 for a dvd, so no expensive shoes or clothes to buy!

[GoogleMe in reply to kirsty72]

Yoga is great (wish I'd started long ago) But it fulfils a different set of functions in a healthy lifestyle (and you still need suitable clothing) especially when you need to lose weight, so it isn't an 'alternative' to running, swimming or cycling. You can do it for free though - Ekhart Yoga have some great stuff on YouTube and some of their website videos are free too

I started NHS C25K wearing normal clothes and lightweight walking boots - in fact I ran in a long knitted skirt, on narrow woodland paths on occasion. Not of which I especially recommend but I just wanted to get out there and make it happen. I still mainly run in cotton leggings and t shirts I had already, just like yoga (yes, I did buy sports bras - sale at M&S - and support knickers) and shoes eventually.

[Nilzed in reply to kirsty72]

The ideal exercise is one you actually do.

Swimming requires access to a pool, probably for a fee, and you must workout when their timetable allows. You also need a transportation plan, which will continually cost you. Trying to keep to a workout schedule when travelling will be problematic and involve more expense.

If you own trainers, you can begin something like the NHS couch to 5k program as soon as you put them on, and be back home and showered in less than an hour. You can run whenever your schedule allows and whereever you feel comfortable doing so.

[GoogleMe in reply to Nilzed]

Well said.

And as to running not being good for you... the clue is in the name of the programme to get people who can't run to save their lives running continuously for 30 minutes - *NHS* C25K. It certainly is possible to mess yourself up by running but that is most likely to happen to gung-ho types. And it is safer than sitting on the couch and being overweight.

[kirsty72 in reply to Nilzed]

Of course swimming requires access to a pool, probably for a fee, and of course to work around their timetable, but for running, if you do not possess running shoes, they are a cost (quite a high one for the correct running shoe). That in turn getting the correct running equipment also involves transportation costs. Keeping to a workout schedule is hard enough in todays stressful lives, trying to fit everything in. The couch to 5k is very good, and if you can't manage it, keep going over the lessons until you do get it, but when the weather starts taking a turn for the worse, no-one wants to go out!

[Reevespg]

If you can I would do both. I have done 2 of the 12 week sessions now and lost 17kg. The first one I had a injured knee and so did quite a bit of cycling to work. The weight loss and cycling has helped the knee recover and i've started running again.

With running you definitely burn more calories per session, but with cycling you are generally in the fat burning zone of your HR so you can sustain longer periods.

Swimming is also good but there is less control on your joints so not so good if recovering from injury.

[kirsty72 in reply to Reevespg]

I agree with what you say to a point, because running can cause shin splints, blisters, ligament damage due to potholes etc. Swimming is far more safer, so in fact swimming is the best for of physiotherapy.

[TheFudgester]

I would recommend cycling as it is less damaging to your feet and legs from running

[Steeevestar]

Thought I'd update you all on my desicion regarding running or cycling. I decided to cycle to my first Zumba class tonight and thought i wouldn't enjoy it. I have to say, I have not laughed nor enjoyed exercises so much as I did through Zumba and now have the Zumba bug. Also I didn't have to buy a sports bra, kept transportation costs low and met new people. Many thanks to everyones comments and recommedations on my above question. Steve

[bear30]

Running is most definitely the best excercise to burn fat quickly. If you run 2-3 times per week, running about 5 miles each run you will lose weight quickly as long as your eating the right foods.slow releasing carbohydrates are best like pasta, to give you more energy on your run. Its not true when people say pasta is fattening, it gives you the energy to burn more calories as a runner.x

[bear30 in reply to bear30]

Ps, I went from not being able to run 5k to running a marathon. So ive tried ,and proven this works. X

[HRHGaby]

Couch to 20k cycling programme for beginners: plus.google.com/11312403452...