Injured From Years of Running? You Can Derive the Same Benefits From Cycling
According to a USA Track & Field report, running continues to be one of the most popular of pastimes for Americans. Their figures indicate that during 2002, for instance, an estimated 10.5 million Americans ran for a minimum of 100 days. Compare this to the U.S. Department of Transportation's statistics on cycling-a mere 30 percent of the population-and it is clear that most Americans love to run.
Or do they?
While some people speak of the "runners high" that they cannot live without, others reference the simplicity of running; indication their willingness to explore an alternative (that is, if such alternative was included an effective and efficient method to strengthen the cardiovascular system, trim the legs and buttocks, burn calories and lose weight).
For runners in the latter camp, cycling may provide an enjoyable alternative. In fact, according to experts, cycling may provide enhanced benefits as compared to running, at least for certain individuals. Clearly those with preexising hip, knee or ankle injuries or those who suffer from osteoporosis may prefer the lower-impact benefits derived from cycling as opposed to running.
Cycling vs Running-Which One is Best?
Whether cycling or running is the better choice for you is a matter of personal opinion. However, science has shown that the benefits of running can be realized equally as well by cycling. Below is a list of just a few of the confirmed health benefits of both running and cycling.
Improved cardiovascular performance. Studies have shown certain exercises are better than others at strengthening cardiovascular performance. The most effective such exercises for this purpose, research has shown, falls into the category of aerobic or cardiovascular exercises. These exercises increase the heart rate and the breathing pattern and, in doing so, strengthen the heart. In the cycling vs running wars, there are no winners for cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that both are effective aerobic exercises. (One such study by the US Department of Transport concluded that cycling increased aerobic fitness by 11 percent for those who cycled short distances 4 times a week for 6 weeks.)
Increased caloric burn and weight loss. As aerobic exercises, both cycling and running are effective tools for burning calories and losing weight. However, the calories burned while running do not equate to the calories burned while cycling the same distance. Because running is a weight bearing exercise, the number of calories burned in a given amount of time depends upon the runner's weight and the number of miles he or she runs. In cycling, however, the caloric burn is calculated with the added factor of wind resistance. Thus, the faster a cyclist travels, the more calories he or she burns.
Or do they?
While some people speak of the "runners high" that they cannot live without, others reference the simplicity of running; indication their willingness to explore an alternative (that is, if such alternative was included an effective and efficient method to strengthen the cardiovascular system, trim the legs and buttocks, burn calories and lose weight).
For runners in the latter camp, cycling may provide an enjoyable alternative. In fact, according to experts, cycling may provide enhanced benefits as compared to running, at least for certain individuals. Clearly those with preexising hip, knee or ankle injuries or those who suffer from osteoporosis may prefer the lower-impact benefits derived from cycling as opposed to running.
Cycling vs Running-Which One is Best?
Whether cycling or running is the better choice for you is a matter of personal opinion. However, science has shown that the benefits of running can be realized equally as well by cycling. Below is a list of just a few of the confirmed health benefits of both running and cycling.
Improved cardiovascular performance. Studies have shown certain exercises are better than others at strengthening cardiovascular performance. The most effective such exercises for this purpose, research has shown, falls into the category of aerobic or cardiovascular exercises. These exercises increase the heart rate and the breathing pattern and, in doing so, strengthen the heart. In the cycling vs running wars, there are no winners for cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that both are effective aerobic exercises. (One such study by the US Department of Transport concluded that cycling increased aerobic fitness by 11 percent for those who cycled short distances 4 times a week for 6 weeks.)
Increased caloric burn and weight loss. As aerobic exercises, both cycling and running are effective tools for burning calories and losing weight. However, the calories burned while running do not equate to the calories burned while cycling the same distance. Because running is a weight bearing exercise, the number of calories burned in a given amount of time depends upon the runner's weight and the number of miles he or she runs. In cycling, however, the caloric burn is calculated with the added factor of wind resistance. Thus, the faster a cyclist travels, the more calories he or she burns.
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