is biking just a good of a workout as jogging?

Answer 1

Better in some ways, not as good in others.

Biking good:
-lower impact, less wear and tear on joints.
-you can do it longer without stopping
-less boring

Biking bad:
-burns fewer calories per hour
-harder to find a safe place to do it
-requires equipment


Running good
-minimum equipment
-do it anywhere
-highest calorie burn per hour (except for xc skiing)

Running bad:
-tough on the joints
-boring, unless you make a serious effort to use varying routes.

Why not do both?

Answer 2

Hi Elaine

The answer to this question depends on your meaning of the term "workout". Cycling or jogging both increase heart rate, burn fat, work your lungs, breathing, and ultimately develop your efficiency of oxygen consumption. Obviously, how far these two types of activity go to contributing to your fitness and/or health goals depends upon the frequency, duration, and intensity of the activity.

However, if you find that your chosen activity eventually starts to feel a little too easy, and you have to, for example, jog for longer periods to make the same demands on your body, then try changing over to cycling or vice versa. Doing this if only for a couple of sessions will work different muscles and in doing so will require your body to adjust to the new demands placed upon it, making your cardiovascular system and lungs work harder, providing a very good workout. Variety is key. Also, different activities carry different health benefits too.

The thing to remember is, if you're starting out, start slowly and gradually, running or cycling for any distance as a beginner is a large adjustment from a more sedentary lifestyle.

Just one note. Others who've answered your question have pointed out the detrimental effect of jogging on the joints. If possible you should opt for jogging either on a tread mill or soft ground, like a flat and level playing field. This will help absorb some of the shock placed upon the joint impact when jogging. If you haven't done so, I'd suggest investing some money into a suitable pair of running shoes.

Craig

Answer 3

Considering I am currently recovering from a severe knee injury caused by jogging/running, I'd have to say that biking is the better choice. I used to run 10+ miles every other day until I suffered from pulled and torn ligaments and multiple stress fractures down my leg. I was told by my doctor that it was a "runner's" injury and caused by repetition and the consistent stress I put on my knee as I ran. Once I am healed, he suggested that I switch to biking or an elliptical machine for my future workouts.

Answer 4

Biking is better.

First, it is much easier on your knees and back.

Second, you have a better chance of keeping your heart rate at an even point in order to get a better workout from your exercise.

Personally, I believe biking is a much healthier, safer form of exercise.
It is, however, a personal choice....but to the best of my knowledge, biking is actually better for you than jogging...physically at least.

Answer 5

Biking is actually better since the jarring of jogging may have an adverse impact in the long term on your joints.

Answer 6

Yeah, if not better! It's harder to peddal a bike than it is to make your legs run. Especially if you have to go up any hills-even small ones.

Answer 7

It can be depending on how much effort you put into it. Clipless shoes and pedals can help you get a better workout.

Answer 8

In some ways it is better. It causes much less damage on your joints and feet and you can still expend the same amount of calories, though not in the same amount of time.

Answer 9

definitely! because there's a less perceived exhaustion when biking. Also, there is more core, and leg involvement.

Answer 10

it can differ. though its easier to bike than jog i can assure you.