What are some benefits of bike riding vs other forms of cardio activity?

Question

I am riding my bike to work now and am curious if this is the best form of cardio activity, say vs running.

My round trip is about 9 miles a day and I am boing it four times a week, along with some weight training on the side during the weekends.
Will this help me get in killer shape?

Answer 1

1st bike riding does not give one cancer (like you would believe that anyway) Cycling can be an extremely great cardio and leg strengthening exercise. With cycling you can ride very hard or easy if you wish. To compare running with cycling:
1. Both can be excellent cardio depending on effort.
2. Both tone, build and work your legs well.
3. Cycling is much easier on your joints.
4. Running requires less equipment.
5. Cycling gets you somewhere while you exercise.
6. Cycling keeps you cooler with the wind blowing on you

Cycling (or running) with some core and upper body workout is a great fitness program. (I've done this many years) I cycle as my knees can't take the pounding and most important: I love to cycle and hate to run. If you like it you'll do it more.

Answer 2

Riding a bike - especially for commuting - is great because:

1. You get your workouts done during time that would otherwise be devoted to driving - so you have more time in your day for other stuff. 15 minute drive becomes a half hour bike ride - in fifteen extra minutes, you get in your half hour workout - great!!!

2. Doesn't work the knees as badly as running. And, running takes time (see number 1).

3. Biking is better than gym cardio - because you are outside seeing the world - even if it is the same damn commute every day - you see birds, blue sky, feel the wind against your face - all better than a treadmill or aerobics studio. And all of those take time (see number 1).

Answer 3

I enjoy riding my bike, its one of my favorite things to go a long distance in a short amount of time. That's great that you have the opportunity to ride to work, I think you will get in shape, though 4.5 miles at a stretch is a little short, if you're having fun take a long route home.

Also watch out for cars, drivers tend to be clueless, they're not watching for bikes. I had some close calls when I was certain a driver saw me, mostly when pulling out of a side street, don't assume a driver can see, even if you are convinced they can.

Also the other poster is wrong, you can't get cancer from riding a bike, but you can physically damage yourself by riding too much. I have a soft seat and a cusion on top, you shouldnt be in pain when riding.

Answer 4

I have to disagree with the first answer here. Cycling is inherently safer for the body than both running on a treadmill or elliptical machines. Running is very aerobically efficient, however it does damage the body over the long terms. Many runners have impact related knee and joint problems as they progress. I can't tell you how many runners need to ice joints after or before a run. These are not issues inherent to cycling which is less jarring and more fluid on joints.

Elliptical machines might seem like a low impact version of running, however they apply a constant pressure to the bottom of the foot for the entire workout. Podiatrists actually do not recommend them.

Answer 5

One of the major benefits to bike riding as opposed to running is that you don't have that high impact on your knees. Riding a bike and doing elliptical is more of a fluid motion so there's no extreme shock placed on your knees, feet & ankles.

Also, bike riding gives you more of a complete workout because you're using your legs to pedal and your upper body to control and steer the bike. Depending on where you live, I would say look for bike lanes if you're riding on busy streets.

Answer 6

Don't believe for a second that riding a bicycle/your bicycle seat can potentially cause testicular cancer.

But, yes, brisk running for the same amount of time as riding a bicycle will yield about the same cardio results. However, running is much more harder on your joints.

Answer 7

I tried running or jogging and it hurt my joints. Cycling is exceptionally good for your cardio and 4.5 miles is a nice distance for a beginner rider, and after you get used to it you will want to find longer rides. If the bicycle fits you and is properly adjusted you will find that it strengthens the knees and helps everything feel better. Have fun with it!

Answer 8

in my opinion cycling is the best. it is low impact, and people that are out of shape like i was when i first started riding again, can compensate for lacking fitness with gears as they get started. combined with diet, cycling is a very good way to get in shape, but you must remember it takes time and work. those gears that help when you are unfit can also be used to cause you to level out. fitness comes from raising your heartrate and going into oxygen debt. if you want, you can actually just kind of spin along and that wont work your body well. you will reach a point where you wont improve unless you continue to push yourself further and harder.

Answer 9

9 miles a day 4 times a week isn't going to do much to be honest.

Try and plan out a long route, say 30 miles to begin with and do this every weekend. Eventually you will be able to step this up. I'm currently doing 54 miles about twice a week with a few 15 mile runs to fill in the gaps.

I'm very fortunate however to be positioned very near a coast to coast track so i'm never bothered by traffic.

Answer 10

if you want a killer shape then head for the gym with proper instructor to properly exercise your different muscles around your body and mold you into perfect shape.