Jogging vs Biking

[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...

[Tableleg]

I can't say for sure, because I don't ever use the stationary bike, but before I started running/jogging, I used an elliptical. And I could last much longer on that than I can actually running because of the lack of impact. So that's where I'm getting my opinion from.

I seem to get more out of running than I ever did with the low/no impact machine as far as a cardio workout goes. I couldn't tell you why, (I'm sure smarter people than I will eventually explain) but I don't see me using those machines anymore.

[DLXM Cayman]

jogging on conrete, asphalt, roads etc can be damaging to joints in the long term depending upon how you run. Jogging on grass, sand etc will help. Alternatively, use a treadmill. Either way, actually cycling or jogging is definitely better than using machines in terms of fitness but that does not mean you won't get a good deal of fitness from machines too if you use them properly. To get the best results, spend half your time cycling and half jogging and try to do a short (keep it very short to start) sprint at some point during the jog as it has be shown that changing the speed of the jog helps a lot. In terms of cardio workout, it depends on the speed of jog/cycle.

[BobArnold8265]

Jogging and biking are both equal from a cardiovascular standpoint (assuming that you do each with the same level of intensity). As far as running and joint pain, unless you have previous injuries, than you should be able to run your entire life with no problems. However, there are some things you should do to ease the impact that running has.

First, be sure to get good shoes. This does not necessarily mean expensive shoes but ones that fit your body type and running style and provide good padding.

Second, run on earth instead of pavement whenever possible. Running on a trail really lowers the impact on your joints versus concrete or pavement.

Third, don't run everyday. This point is constantly under debate but I think running 2 days and then taking a day off is a good way to let your body recover and rebuild itself. I have found this to be even more important as I have gotten older.

Fourth, from a cardiovascular standpoint, most experts seem to believe that you should exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 to 4 times per week.

I'm 46 and have been running since I was 16. I can honestly say that I have never had a running injury worse than a little tendonitis (which I experienced when I was 17). I run 4 to 5 times per week and go between 3 to 6 miles per outing.

[zahgurim]

Cardio-wise, jogging and biking are both great for you.

Drawbacks?
Jogging is one of the worst things you can do to your knees. Sure, you can decrease the risk with good shoes and watching where you jog, but, the impact is still bad.
Cranking mileage on a stationary bike in a room is boring as hell.
I'd much rather get onto an XC or road bike for stacking miles. Cycling is one of the best low-impact excercises you can do. Just watch out for trees...

[BuzzGA]

I know jogging is what works best for me. Of course the problem is impact. My knees just can't take more than 2 miles or so three days a week so I spend time on an eliptical at the gym 2-3 days a week before I hit the weights. The machines don't give me quite the cardio workout but when me knees are really bothering me it certainly gives them some time off.

[quarkuud]

I'm not capable of doing cardio on machines because if I know I can just get off the machine, I will. It's much easier for me to make myself keep going if I'm already 2k from home.

I jog 2x per week, usually Saturday and Sunday. I've gotten shin splints, but not in the last two years. Hopefully I've fixed my mechanics. Definitely get good shoes and change them often if you're going to go this route. Also don't ignore the little pains, if your knees are a bit sore, do something else for a week or two before you go back to jogging.

I'm a huge fan of cycling, though. What's been great about it for me is that I can use it to replace some of my driving, which is not only better for the environment but also allows me to get a longer workout with a shorter time investment. I cycle to work a couple times a week, which takes me about 45 minutes, but if I were driving it would still take me 25, so I get a 45 minute workout for the price of only 20 minutes, if that makes sense. If you live somewhere that's reasonably cycle-friendly, you can replace a lot of your driving errands with cycling. It's not as high-intensity as mountain biking or anything, but it's a lot better than driving.

[ScubaJenn81]

If you are training to do something special, like a road race, no matter how much bike riding you do, it will not help your running time. The same going the other way as well. But if you just want to strenthen your heart, you want to do what you like and feel good doing.

[thesmoothdome]

I mt. bike (well, the tires are flat now, but I used to mt. bike regularly) and I'll go through long periods where I believe my surgically repaired knee can stand up to the pain of jogging. In terms of fitness levels and weight loss, I prefer jogging. It's easier for me to get my heart rate up and keep it elevated for an extended period time. Sure, climbing hills on the mt. bike will about kill me, but truth is, it's too easy to push through that aerobic stage and push the body into an anerobic situation, where you know you're going to be walking the bike in a few minutes. Couple that with what goes up, must come down, and I get a much steadier work out by jogging. I know you're asking about a stationary bike, but although I've used them, I haven't been too successful with them. I get bored too easily.

For the record, I've been running again for the last month, getting in about 4 miles a day at least a few days a week. There are still short walk breaks in there, but it's nice to be out there. Unfortunately, something popped in my knee last weekend and I've limping around the house and at work. Coupled with the arch problems in my right foot, and I'm struggling to get back out there. So it might be back to biking for me. Sigh....getting older is rough.

[greyzen]

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