Jogging vs Biking

[divingyogini]

Honestly the best one for you is the one you will actually stick with, and if you're just looking for pure cardiovascular fitness, cross-training is the best way to go because it reduces joint wear and tear and it constantly challenges your body and reduces boredom.

Be aware that watching tv while riding the stationary bike will often lower people's cardio output, but listening to fast tempo music tends to increase it.

I would also add in something that uses your upper body as well, such as the rowing machine if you're in a gym, or swimming, tennis, basketball.

But, one of the most important things is to make it enjoyable, because people are far more likely to stick with an activity if they enjoy it. This is why finding a jogging buddy is a great idea. This is also why so many people take a spinning class rather than just ride on their own.

[BobArnold8265]

I think a combination of activities is probably your very best bet. At least that's what they tell the serious runners. Running a few times a week mixed in with some other cardio activity works more muscle groups and gives you better overall fitness.

For all of you folks who have suffered injuries will jogging, it might be wise to check with a good sports doctor before hanging up your shoes. About 5 years ago, my Wife took up running. She was building up to run 5 & 10k races but started to have knee problems. She went to a sports doctor who determined that one of her legs was slightly longer than the other (not that anyone would have ever noticed. A 1/4" lift in her left shoe solved her problem. Now she is training to run her 3rd marathon.

[Mtrewyn]

I've started running. and if you knew me you would see the humor in that.

I started in late may, and am now up to near 7mi 4-5 times a week, and I have had some pain in my joints, but when I get it I stop and don't run till I feel better.

From the Dr's I've talked to that is the advice that they give, if it hurts don't do it, I think it is amazing what we will pay someone to tell us what we already know,

They seem to think that the cardio, far out weighs any of the other problims, so they told me to do what I like and will stick with, the longer you do it the more it pays you back in good ways later in life, so find what you will stick with and do it and do it regulary.

[BobArnold8265]

My more bit of advice. If you need to see a doctor about a running injury, it really pays to see a true sports doctor. I have found that most family doctors give you the old attitude that if it hurts to do something than just stop doing it. That may be good if you're say hitting yourself with a stick but isn't very helpful when you are trying to do something that either you enjoy or is good for you. A true sports doctor should work with you with the ultimate goal of helping you do your excercise without pain or injury.

[jo8243]

Here's a vote for cycling... running is hard on the knees/feet.

[BuzzGA]

If you are having joint pain that says something is wrong, sure the cardio work out is great but how much does that matter when you are spending time in rehab after knee surgery. Go see a sports doc and make sure you are not doing real damage

[franksrq]

Originally Posted by FishFood

What are the benefits for jogging vs riding a stationary bike? Can the cardiovascular workout equal that of jogging?

Also, will jogging a mile and a half every other day catch of with you (in the form of joint pain) later in life?



Im trying to decide which is better...

I have done many triathlons and running races (up to marathons), and here is a little of what i have learned from books, experienced athletes, and coaches.
1. Many people can run injury free for their entire lives if they stretch and warm up/ cool down properly. That being said... i dont, and i deal with overuse injuries frequently.
2. the middle range but long duration energy output that one finds with cycling is best for weight loss (burns fat calories more efficiently than running).
3. the only way to get yourself into better shape is set goals and then attack them. this is only going to be done by doing what you like. if you like cycling better than running, stick with cycling because you are more likely to make it a habit.

[Mtrewyn]

Yes you could find a sports see your Family practice Dr. get a referral after paying that Dr, wait to get in to see the specialist, pay that Dr. their fee, to find out that you need some kind of special thing that is way over priced and your insurance won't pay for it and may or may not work any way, and you'll have to come back for physical therapy, three times a week for the injury that brought to the sports guy in the first place, and pay more each visit for that (don't laugh I work in a hospital, all of the adult members of my family and my in laws, all work in the medical field somehow), just to keep running???, there are too many other ways to get into your target hart rate zone for twenty minutes every day, for one swimming, it works all the major muscle groups, NO impact, and forces you to use the air you have efficiently, sounds like the ideal way to get into and stay in shape for diving, I just prefer to run, I can talk to the people I run with and that makes it a lot easer for me.

[Bill22]

I like using the elliptical machine, I've got some joint problems. I zone out to my ipod... fast tempo music helps as was already mentioned. I increase the intensity by raising the level and the pace. Many machines will tell you how many calories you're burning and that is a good way to measure what kind of workout you're getting. I also swim laps.

The key is being consistent no matter what you do :-)

[ccarter]

I would advise not doing just one of the activities.. I race mountain bikes but still try and run once or twice a week since running works the opposing muscle group. There's also a bit of running/fast hiking at times during mountain biking so it helps. Variety is important IMO. I try and hit the weights once or twice a week as well.. though my running/weights routine is definitely not as regimented as cycling--some weeks I will skip them entirely.

You might also try swimming laps if you have access to a pool or whatever.. I wish I did.