Running is better than cycling! Love or loth cycling, it has a raft of benefits. It’s my go-to activity when I’m injured but I just can’t get away from my core passion of running. Why is that?
Cyclists can go much faster and if you’re not careful will run you over. Just be careful of the angry ones who don’t have a bell or shout to let you know they’re behind you! 🚴♀️
I may be generalising, as I try to do both regularly. Having also taken part in triathlon events, I consider myself a fairly experienced cyclist and enjoy the health benefits it brings.
That being said, here are the reasons why I would rather throw on my running shoes. 😎
1. Running is a full-body exercise.
The greater the muscle mass used during an activity, the more oxygen running requires in relation to cycling. This is because running is a full-body exercise that requires the use of more muscles in comparison to cycling. Therefore, runners will typically consume more oxygen during a recreational bout of exercise in comparison to cycling.
2. Running burns more calories.
Moving on from using more oxygen, in turn, running requires more energy. In a 30-minute run, a runner will burn more calories than a cyclist will for a 30-minute cycle. There are many factors at play here, like duration and intensity. However, like for like session intensity, running will stimulate more fat oxidation than cycling.
Note. Running is just more time-efficient!
3. Running increases bone health
Bone shape and density are largely dependent on the forces acting on the bone. As running is a high-impact weight-bearing exercise that places mechanical stress on the skeleton it stimulates osteogenic activity, like bone formation and resorption. Cycling, however, is non-weight-bearing and exerts very little force on the skeleton. Remember, cycling requires a longer period of time to gain health benefits so spending long hours sitting in the saddle, so impacts bone health even more!
4. Get off the beaten track
If I want to run on the beach or jump on to a trail then no problem I will just head in that direction. If I want to do that on a bike I’m more limited based on the bike I”m riding! No way I’m taking my road bike on the beach. Running provides more freedom. End of.
5. Fashion and faff
Running shoes, shorts and top then get out the door! If cycling, it can often feel like a fashion parade making sure you have the right gear and different types of gear for different bikes. You can avoid all the clothing drama by just getting out for a run. 🏃♂️
Additionally, the faffing! Heading out on the bike? You’re guaranteed to spend at least twice as long getting yourself and your trusty stead ready! Finished your ride? Then you’ll need to make time to maintain and clean your bike. 🚴♀️
If you want a laugh, just look at some of these cycling lycra tops here!
Running is better than cycling!
In summary, both running and cycling are beneficial for you. I do (and enjoy) both, but injuries aside, I would always opt to run!
See my recent posts on cross-training (Coping with an injury) and Zwift guide for cycling.
