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Created page with 'The biggest factor in deciding between running and cycling should be based on which you believe you can keep up for years to come. * Do you enjoy cycling or running more? * If …'
The biggest factor in deciding between running and cycling should be based on which you believe you can keep up for years to come.
* Do you enjoy cycling or running more?
* If you're limited to indoor exercise for some of the year due to climate, most people seem to prefer stationary cycling to a treadmill. A treadmill requires constant attention so you stay on the belt and forces you to run at a particular pace. These factors tend to make treadmill running unpleasant.
* Cycling with traffic poses much higher risk than running on a path. Even cycling away from traffic has a higher risk of trauma than running. These long term safety concerns should factor into your choice.
* Running requires less expense than a bike, and is easier to transport the required equipment. If you are travelling, it's easy to bring running shoes, but a bike may be impractical.
* Poor form can lead to a number of running injuries, especially with overly cushioned shoes and/or a poor \[\[Cadence\]\]. If you are significantly overweight, cycling may be a better choice than running until your weight reaches a reasonable level.
Other factors to consider
* Running is a higher intensity exercise than cycling for most people. The higher intensity tends to help with weight loss by improving the muscle's sensitivity to insulin. Though higher intensity tends to burn less fat during the exercise, the actual amount of fat burned is relatively small for many athletes and appetite tends to rise to compensate. The improved sensitivity to insulin appears to be the major source of weight loss from exercise.
* Running uses more muscles than seated cycling, which leads to improved insulin sensitivity across those muscles.
* Because running is load bearing exercise, it tends to improve bone strength. However, this also means that running must be started carefully to prevent overload and injury.
* Cycling tends to be easier on the digestive system than running. This is partly due to the lower intensity and partly due to the jogging motion involved in running.
* Do you enjoy cycling or running more?
* If you're limited to indoor exercise for some of the year due to climate, most people seem to prefer stationary cycling to a treadmill. A treadmill requires constant attention so you stay on the belt and forces you to run at a particular pace. These factors tend to make treadmill running unpleasant.
* Cycling with traffic poses much higher risk than running on a path. Even cycling away from traffic has a higher risk of trauma than running. These long term safety concerns should factor into your choice.
* Running requires less expense than a bike, and is easier to transport the required equipment. If you are travelling, it's easy to bring running shoes, but a bike may be impractical.
* Poor form can lead to a number of running injuries, especially with overly cushioned shoes and/or a poor \[\[Cadence\]\]. If you are significantly overweight, cycling may be a better choice than running until your weight reaches a reasonable level.
Other factors to consider
* Running is a higher intensity exercise than cycling for most people. The higher intensity tends to help with weight loss by improving the muscle's sensitivity to insulin. Though higher intensity tends to burn less fat during the exercise, the actual amount of fat burned is relatively small for many athletes and appetite tends to rise to compensate. The improved sensitivity to insulin appears to be the major source of weight loss from exercise.
* Running uses more muscles than seated cycling, which leads to improved insulin sensitivity across those muscles.
* Because running is load bearing exercise, it tends to improve bone strength. However, this also means that running must be started carefully to prevent overload and injury.
* Cycling tends to be easier on the digestive system than running. This is partly due to the lower intensity and partly due to the jogging motion involved in running.