Whether you are looking for women’s hybrid bikes or men’s bike there is no denying that cycling is a healthy activity. However, there is some debate as to whether cycling or running is better for your weight loss objectives, and the answer to that depends on your goals, current health and level of commitment to the practice. Each exercise is beneficial, and each will contribute to your weight loss as long as you are consistent in your approach. However, when it comes to burning calories, building muscle, heart health and protecting your joints, each aerobic exercise does affect the body somewhat differently.
Burning Calories
The best women’s bike will likely not compare to the short calorie burn of running because when you run, you use more muscles. However, calorie burn depends on duration and intensity while performing the exercise. Therefore, while running may burn more calories in less time, you can ride your bike likely longer than you can run, which means both exercises have the potential to burn an equal amount of calories, just in different ways.
Building and Toning Muscle
For muscle development, you will likely benefit from a combination of both activities. For example, riding a bike can produce muscle growth in the lower half of your body, helping you develop toned and stronger muscles. Running, while it can increase strength, will not result in more bulk because it does not engage the muscles in the same way as cycling.
However, when it comes to toning, your entire body, running may be a better option because it uses the whole body and burns more calories. Cycling does not have the same effect because it focuses on legs and lower body strength rather than the whole.
Contributing to Heart Health
When it comes to heart health, both activities are equally beneficial. The aerobic exercise teaches your heart to pump efficiently, allowing more oxygen into the body during the routine. The benefits are further reaching, however, because the heart will continue this healthy habit even when not going through vigorous aerobic exercise. Although, while aerobic activity is beneficial to your cardiovascular health, there is such a thing as overdoing it. Therefore, limit your vigorous aerobic exercise to 5 hours per week and no more than 60 minutes per day.
Protecting Your Joints
The one area that cycling wins out over running is joint health. Running is brutal on the joints and bones. The pounding of the pavement results in shock absorption that can be abusive to your body. Cycling, on the other hand, is gentle on the joints because it reduces impacts, allowing for an aerobic exercise that does not and likely will not negatively affect joint health.
In terms of weight loss, both cycling and running are beneficial exercises. However, depending on your current weight and physical ability, cycling can be a gentler and more beneficial aerobic option. If you are considering starting any new exercise habit, then it is likely best to speak with your doctor. Also, if you are considering cycling, then it might be worth looking into the best bike to start with by visiting a local bike shop.