running or cycling?

varunkapahi · #1 02-14-2010, 08:14 AM

i've noticed i've become very passive and lazy. just keep sitting around and am getting fat where as just a couple of years back i used to run a lot, play stuff and be very active. so now am getting back to it and my stamina is terrible at the moment due to years of no exercising! so what works better to get some stamina back and to loose some fat? running or cycling?

sorry am into swimming and there isnt a decent pool around here and whatever there is costs a lot so meh

nevermind swimming part, you can recommend anything else! am just looking at becoming healthy and fitter again

Commreman · #2 02-14-2010, 08:24 AM

Both. Each works different muscle groups. Alternate days and you should do fine.

WookieeForLife · #3 02-14-2010, 08:28 AM

I like cycling.

Nedmundo · #4 02-14-2010, 08:44 AM

If you really are overweight, start with cycling, which places less stress on your joints. After you've taken some weight off, mix in some running.

A few years ago, I wanted to get back in shape, but I didn't want to run because I was overweight and I've had a history of knee problems (going back to age 14). After I lost some weight via diet changes and cycling, I added occasional running, and it worked out reasonably well.

It's frustrating, because I prefer running, but I have to face reality that cycling is better for joint preservation.

varunkapahi · #5 02-14-2010, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nedmundo

If you really are overweight, start with cycling, which places less stress on your joints. After you've taken some weight off, mix in some running.

A few years ago, I wanted to get back in shape, but I didn't want to run because I was overweight and I've had a history of knee problems (going back to age 14). After I lost some weight via diet changes and cycling, I added occasional running, and it worked out reasonably well.

It's frustrating, because I prefer running, but I have to face reality that cycling is better for joint preservation.

am not over weight at all

i can just see a bit of a tiny belly bulging out now which i hate and over all lack of stamina when i start running or anything

Milky · #6 02-14-2010, 01:42 PM

Do both, combine with swimming and do a triathlon!

elgecko · #7 02-14-2010, 01:43 PM

Cycling...as stated above, it's easier on the knees and feet.

i_got_a_mohawk · #8 02-14-2010, 02:36 PM

Cycling if you must. But neither are that great IMO.

They both just focus on legs more than anything. And running is bad on the knees.

(I'm a big rowing fan, tho granted, not something you can just up and do)

Rowing - non-impact, works the legs, back and arms

sloasdaylight · #9 02-14-2010, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

Cycling if you must. But neither are that great IMO.

They both just focus on legs more than anything. And running is bad on the knees.

(I'm a big rowing fan, tho granted, not something you can just up and do)

Rowing - non-impact, works the legs, back and arms

Rowing can fux with your knees too. At least it did for a girlfriend of mine in HS.

Personally I cycle or swim cause running hurts one of my knees that wasn't rehabbed properly after a really bad sprain.

i_got_a_mohawk · #10 02-14-2010, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sloasdaylight

Rowing can fux with your knees too. At least it did for a girlfriend of mine in HS.

Personally I cycle or swim cause running hurts one of my knees that wasn't rehabbed properly after a really bad sprain.

It's easy for people to row incorrectly. Well, I don't see how, but I see people doing it incorrectly all the time.

You aren't getting that impact jolt that you get from running.

abstractart06 · #11 02-14-2010, 04:41 PM

For me, cycling and swimming are the key to the fountain of youth. I'm 64 and It's cold now , so I haven't been on a bike for some time, but I can still ride 25 miles in a heartbeat. The main thing is to find something you can do that you enjoy all your life.

sloasdaylight · #12 02-14-2010, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

It's easy for people to row incorrectly. Well, I don't see how, but I see people doing it incorrectly all the time.

You aren't getting that impact jolt that you get from running.

I'm not saying that you aren't, I'm just saying that it's possible to fux your knees up with rowing just like running if you don't know what you're doing.

Jefenator · #13 02-14-2010, 04:50 PM

So this is what it's come to... I'm doling out fitness advice.

I never could run worth a crap. It's all about the bicycle for me. I'm overweight for sure but if not for the fairly regular cycling regimen, I'd be way out there.

kserg · #14 02-14-2010, 06:40 PM

If you are a bug guy, swimming - but... never mind that

I am a fat guy... Running and biking messes with my knees... Swimming does not, neither did hiking (hills and such.)

Hunting season i lost 36 pounds in a month... 10 days of hunting, walking the hills everyday all day then 2 more weekends of doing the same. Didn't hurt me (noticeably) as i was just walking up and down hills with a rifle and a backpack. After 6 hours of hiking nothing was hurting... 1 hour of running or biking and i could feel my joints pop.

I am not suggestion you should go out killing stuff... Just saying, Hiking worked for me pretty well as the stress on knees was not as bad as running or biking but the effect was decent. There is less jerking...

crockpot2001 · #15 02-14-2010, 08:17 PM

I've been riding and racing bikes for 26 years. BMX, then MTB, then road, then back to MTB.

Riding allows for more total time in motion and potentially more kcal burned. With proper set up by a good shop, cycling can be largley pain and injury free. However, I've found that if time is limited, running rules. I just can't motivate myself to flail hard on the bike anymore. I also don't live someplace nice to ride anymore. The simplicty of running is nice too. Shoes, sweats adn not much more. With cycling the sky can be the limit with gear (shoes, helmet, gloves, shorts, jerseys, water bottles, food, pump tires,....)

This last point may help you make your mind. If you live in a heavily populated area with intollerant drivers (East coast, midwest, Southeast, etc), road riding may be tough. I can follow the rules to the letter, ride at off hours by myself, wear a neon pink tutu and still have people roll down the window and yell or throw stuff. Maybe I should rethink my pink tutu kit. Regardless, I've come to accept that you can't change people's mind or perspective and once again found peace in riding MTB trails. I miss road racing and 4-6 hour rides but it's not worth the suffering I put myself and my family through when I was run over (literally) and spent weeks in the body shop.

PLEASE: Don't make this into a reason to hijack this into a "get off the road" thread. I am merely stating why I don't ride the road much which is on topic for the OP.

varunkapahi · #16 02-14-2010, 11:09 PM

there is no water around here really, no natural water bodies.
i am cool with running, i have always been into long distance running when i was in school. am gonna do both i guess

BassXgirl · #17 02-15-2010, 03:01 AM

Skating!

Skating (if done correctly) has VERY similar cardio and calorie burning benefits to running with virtually no impact to joints. It builds muscle and you get great looking skater legs! I've known several long distance cyclists who crosstrain with speedskating and vice versa.
Skating also works the abs and back. It is a very precise and graceful movement, when done correctly, that requires many muscle groups to maintain balance and form.
I alternate between cycling, walking trails, and speedskating (speedskating is where my heart's at

). Walking trails (preferably up hill) is also very good for building endurance. The key is to try and maintain a swift/steady pace and keep your heart rate up for a minimum 20 minutes every other day. Its ok to skip a day, but in order to build endurance, you need to be very consistant. Its also a good idea to mix up your routines/exercises, i.e., running,trails,skating. Just as we see muscle memory in action playing bass, it also affects your workouts. Mixing things up will help prevent your muscles from going into auto pilot and slowing your progress.

Febs · #18 02-15-2010, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kserg

Hunting season i lost 36 pounds in a month... 10 days of hunting, walking the hills everyday all day then 2 more weekends of doing the same. Didn't hurt me (noticeably) as i was just walking up and down hills with a rifle and a backpack. After 6 hours of hiking nothing was hurting... 1 hour of running or biking and i could feel my joints pop.

If your knees hurt after an hour of biking, your bike is probably not a good fit for you. More likely than not, your seat is too low, putting too much strain on the knees.

kserg · #19 02-15-2010, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Febs

If your knees hurt after an hour of biking, your bike is probably not a good fit for you. More likely than not, your seat is too low, putting too much strain on the knees.

Interesting... yeah, as of not i am just talking about bike at a gym... and yes, it's too small for me.

I think a real mountain bike is on my list for perches... Right after maybe a bed and maybe a dehydrator...

**smperry** · #20 02-15-2010, 09:55 AM

I love cycling, but I've found running to be much more efficient. By that, I mean I can get a better workout running for 40 minutes (5 minutes warm up & cool down) than I would riding my bike the same amount of time. I'm going to try to get back to doing both, but as a busy person/parent I'm currently focused on running. I don't particularly enjoy it, but it's working for me.

I'd love to incorporate swimming since it's low impact...but I can't really swim and need to take lessons.