Running or biking?

[STLRamsFan]

Can't wait to run today.. For the past several days I've been out with allergies and haven't really been able to run.. So I decided to do some biking so I could at least get some work in on my legs. And I'll tell you what, I hated every second of it. Thanks in part to my hearing, my balance is pretty inconsistent so it makes it a bit difficult for me to stay straight consistently. On top of that, I find it more of a pain (having to worry about the gear, seat, ect) and that I don't really feel the rush from it that I do with my running (no matter how intense the workouts are).

So with that being said, which one you prefer and why?

-via blackberry

[Ganon]

My bike got stolen, so running. I do it all the time actually. Never really rode my bike unless I needed to get somewhere quickly.

[StankBacon]

biking by far, i can't run for more than a few houses.. but i can bike for miles.

also rams, anyone ever tell you you're obsessed with fitness?

there was a guy on Intervention the other week about a guy prolly alot like you who had to work out like 9 times a day, and it basically ruined his life.

[STLRamsFan]

Oh believe me I keep my social life and fitness life in check. I would be pretty depressed without having a social life... And 9 times a day, are you serious? :gonk:

[StankBacon]

yah he even had a workout thing in his office at work lol.

[n00b1n8R]

Biking by far.
I'm not a fast runner, but I can go for miles on a bike and go sooo much faster.

The speed, the smoothness of the ride, the road, it's all so much more fun than fucking running (hate running :sick:)

[Reaper Man]

Biking, it's how I get around here in Hong Kong, and it's how I'll get around when I go to Savannah.

The speed of a bike is great, as is the reward of a downhill ride after working your way to the top of a hill. Also, biking can actually get you places, running usually doesn't. I bike around the island where I love sometimes, I'd never run that far.

[Llama Juice]

Skateboard.

I feel too safe on a bike, there's no small challenges along your path like "Oh shi... how am I going to get past that crater in the sidewalk" and.. I like those little challenges lol

Right now, I can't do any of that though... had surgery on my toe last week.

[Alwin Roth]

i can run, but i rather bike.

[Syuusuke]

Running is cool but I love to bike. I just want to have the same work output as sprinting a mile (and going to far places while I'm at it)

It's all about the places I get to go without having to actually run 20 miles, but instead pedal there and going further.

Quick question n terms of the workout results, running and biking-good for cardio, but are there other differences (there definitely should be)?

[killer9856]

Id rather run. Its more fun than sitting on a bike.

[Sel]

runnin runnin, an runnin runnin, an runnin runnin


used to run cross country, and I still find running preferable to biking.

[PopeAK49]

I don't have legs so.....

[L0d3x]

Running, preferably interval training!

[rossmum]

Running. I literally cannot ride a bike; I gave up bothering with them after I fell off one too many times as a kid.

Suits me just fine, I'm in the infantry after all

[Bodzilla]

Running. I literally cannot ride a bike; I gave up bothering with them after I fell off one too many times as a kid.

Suits me just fine, I'm in the infantry after all
the japs used bikes in world war 2 to move forces quickly didnt they?

start pedalling biatch

[annihilation]

Running is more of a workout but I like biking because I can go farther and I like the breeze. Biking is hard only when you have weak legs or a hill. However Running as it's advantages too.
With running you get:
More of a workout, walking over curbs rather than busting your balls trying to ride over it.
You can turn whenever the hell you want and you can go into smaller places and don't have to worry about getting a flat tire.

[LesserOf2Evils]

I tried both and decided I like running better mainly because its so much more time efficient. A hour running for me is more work than two hours biking.

[Reaper Man]

Uh, it's easy to get over curbs. Lift your front tire. Also, you get more of a breeze on a bike. You can tire yourself out on a bike just as much as you can from running, just ride fast. Both are mostly cardio exercises, so I don't really see what you mean by getting a workout from running vOv

[annihilation]

Uh, it's easy to get over curbs. Lift your front tire. Also, you get more of a breeze on a bike. You can tire yourself out on a bike just as much as you can from running, just ride fast. Both are mostly cardio exercises, so I don't really see what you mean by getting a workout from running vOv

You would have to stop to lift your tire unless you have pegs. It's a bitch.
And biking isn't much of a cardio excerise seeing as htough your sitting down.
But if you sit up it's a different story.

[Jean-Luc]

You would have to stop to lift your tire unless you have pegs. It's a bitch.
And biking isn't much of a cardio excerise seeing as htough your sitting down.
But if you sit up it's a different story.

Which is why biking for an hour at high speeds can burn up to 700 calories, and is medically known to be a cardiovascular exercise. You sir, have lost all validity in your argument.

[annihilation]

I never said it wasn't a cardiovascular excercise I said it wasn't much of an excercise and I mean compared to running.

[Reaper Man]

You would have to stop to lift your tire unless you have pegs. It's a bitch.
And biking isn't much of a cardio excerise seeing as htough your sitting down.
But if you sit up it's a different story.
That's how I usually ride, I like to go as fast as I can.

[Jean-Luc]

I never said it wasn't a cardiovascular excercise I said it wasn't much of an excercise and I mean compared to running.
My bad for misreading, however you're still wrong. Biking is a very good exercise, and can burn at least as many calories as running can. Another benefit is that biking is easier on the body, especially the knees.

[annihilation]

Suck your stomach in while runnig, feel the burn.

[LesserOf2Evils]

My bad for misreading, however you're still wrong. Biking is a very good exercise, and can burn at least as many calories as running can. Another benefit is that biking is easier on the body, especially the knees.

Biking can burn as many calories but running burns more in a shorter time for the same amount of work (No gear system to make you effort more efficient). I have to agree that biking is better for the legs though as between soccer and running I've been to the hospital more than my fair share of times.

[SGWraith]

I used to run cross country and it was great. However, I haven't run in years now and don't think my knees would take too kindly to it. Should fix my bike and try that sometime this summer.

[Hotrod]

I prefer biking as well, not much of a runner. I can run fast enough, but not for long at all. Biking, however, I find much more entertaining, and I can last a hell of a lot longer. In plus, I get to go faster. :)

[Rorschach]

Biking is quicker and smoother (especially if you ride for miles on end completely hands-free, like I do), and you can potentially go farther given the same time constraint as a runner. I did the 42 mile NYC Bike Tour last year in something like three hours flat. And when you ride freehand and you're guiding the bicycle by equilibrium and intuition, the experience is like floating through a dream.

However, running is more versatile. Once you're able to carry yourself, you can go as fast as you want for as far as you want, and you aren't bogged down or drawn back by toting around a vehicle. You can climb over shit and go wherever you want without having to leave something behind or check up on it later. Also, you get a ton more exercise from running than you ever could with biking, that's a promise from a man who knows what the fuck he's talking about.

However, if you want to get some real exercise, try running fifteen miles in a pair of jumping stilts. Shit, for those things you use muscles you didn't even know you had. You need muscles in your feet and calves to be on constant tension to keep balance, you need the muscles in front of your shins and in your quads tugging endlessly to lift the extra weight for every stride, but after all that it's still worth it. For the extra effort you need to exert to keep your legs going, the leaf springs pump out strides that are like ten feet long at minimum once you set a good pace. I've taken my pair to the Verrazanno Bridge and back a few times at around 2:00 AM. Regardless, I've gotta give it to regular running, because just as with the bicycle, jumping stilts aren't nearly as versatile as feet. Sure, you can jump or vault most obstacles, but the ones you can't you ain't going to be able to climb over.


I tried both and decided I like running better mainly because its so much more time efficient.
That's like saying the Navy's prototype railguns have less firepower than a crossbow. What in god's name are you talking about?

[n00b1n8R]

(I think he meant time efficient for excersise/hour, not miles/hour)

[rossmum]

the japs used bikes in world war 2 to move forces quickly didnt they?

start pedalling biatch
The guys in East Timor have a bike patrol set up, doesn't mean they'll expect all members of the RAIC to go about on pushbikes conducting pedal-by raids on the Taliban...

(Although I'll be damned if that wouldn't look hilariously awesome)

[Rob Oplawar]

Biking, cause it's easier on my knees. The downside to learning to do all sorts of awesome flippy jumpy kicks is that it destroys your knees. D:

[STLRamsFan]

Yea I really believe I should be a coach or trainer some day, especially after this post.... :rolleyes::
__________________________________________________ _

When people say that running is "unkind" to their knees, a lot of times I often advise them to run on a trail. Running on a trail is WAY easier on your knees and plus feels more refreshing (least in my opinion) than the same ol' sidewalk, street, or whatever.

As far as what burns more calories and all that crap: Running typically burns more calories. However (and this is especially to those to are currently doing the Tour De France), cycling does have the potiental to burn more calories than running since they are able to go longer and further than running. However, let's compare running 4 miles and biking the same 4 miles. Running takes more effort than biking to complete those 4 miles, so you end up burning more. However, with biking you don't burn as much with those 4 miles. Ever wonder why some runners can look like such sticks while bikers usually tend to have a bigger build?

Biking just takes a bit longer to burn as much as what running can do in a shorter distance. However, anyone who says biking isn't a cardio activity is incorrect. If you put in the effort and go long enough, that biking experience will end up burning more than the 4 miles we just discussed.

And for those wondering if it works different muscle groups, the answer is yes. Running works the lower body (such as your knees, ankles, and hips). Although what running really focuses on is your hip flexors, quads, hamstrings, calfs, the gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles (had to look these two up). And depending on your posture it can also work on your core ab muscles.

Biking on the other hand works mostly the hip, quads, hamstring, and gluts. Some people claim that biking works out the calfs but personally I have yet to really see that. I think it does work them out a bit but running works them a lot more. Another thing to keep in mind is that biking doesn't really workout your core abs as well. Another thing about biking is it also (although not much) works your arms a bit since you're controlling the bike's directions and steadiness with the handles.

Another thing to keep in mind is the impact. Running has A LOT more impact on your legs than biking. So yes you will be putting a lot of strain on your body when running so that is why it is wish to always do your running on softer surfaces. You can do your running on harder surfaces but be sure to be careful and only run on harder surfaces every now and then.

With that being said I'm done. You can't really go wrong with either one. It just depends on what person. However, personally I would recommend anyone doing both. While I dislike biking, I sometimes will do some cycling at the gym (not the same but my balance sucks...) to allow my legs to heal on off days. They both have their pluses and minuses so pick one that makes you happy.

[TheGhost]

I didn't answer because I like doing both, depending on the day.

[m13120]

I prefer running.
(Show spoiler to read how running has changed my life.)
As being a year round runner for my school (Cross Country in the fall, Indoor Track during the winter, Outdoor Track during the spring, and Recreational Track during the summer) I am absolutely devoted to running. I'm so glad that I started running because it basically changed my lifestyle in a positive way. Before I started running, I had a basically bland and unexciting life. I had an unchanging routine everyday that would consist of me waking up, going to school, going home, using the computer, doing homework, and going to sleep. This was literally my routine everyday. Don't get me wrong, I had friends and occasionally hung out with them but not that often.

After I realized that I had an unintentional set routine, I also realized I was basically no different from the average people at my school. There was nothing unique enough about me that I could distinguish myself from the majority of students at my school. I didn't want to be average. I was never good at any sports that required skill or technique so I didn't do any. The best thing I was probably good at was playing Halo. Could I use that as an answer if I was asked what was unique about me or something that changed my life or something that had a big influence on my life? I wanted there to be something about myself I could be proud of, something that not everyone could claim for themselves, something that not everyone could do.

But again, I wasn't ever any good (and I'm still not any good) at sports where skill or technique is a major factor. So sports such as soccer, baseball, wrestling, football, etc. were out of the question. However my brother did track when he was in high school and he told me I should try Cross Country since it was in the fall. And so I did.

Basically I wasn't any good at first but I stuck with it and started making new friends that were on the team. After this I started doing track.

Now I am part of the running community at my school, and most of my friends are also runners. Not only do I enjoy running with them, but I also hang out with them every week. It also feels great to be committed to a team and to hang out with them at meets. Besides the obvious physical benefits of running, the mental and social benefits makes the effort of getting up every morning to run worth it. I enjoy running because all you need to do it is motivation. It doesn't require any skill, technique, or talent to start.

Running has also given me goals that I want to achieve. And since running is so precious to me, I have devoted most of my time and effort to improving myself to try and reach those goals. It just feels amazing knowing that I work hard for something. Running has also given me confidence in myself that I didn't have before. Whether I'm actually any good at running or not does not matter to me, because winning or losing does not matter to me either. Don't get me wrong, I am always doing my best to win but if it's not good enough, it doesn't bother me as long as I know I did my best, it's just more motivation to get better.

Whenever I get on a bike, it doesn't do any of this for me except give me a slight relaxation of just cruising down the street. But I can also get this relaxation of doing a long, easy run either by myself or with friends. I just can't imagine my life how it was before, without running. It was like I didn't have any purpose or reason to live. If my life continued like that, I feel that I would've just been a person waiting around waiting for my time to die. When I have something I am dedicated to, it makes me want to do more with my life and get as much done as I can with the time I'm given.

[DrunkenSamus]

Running. Balance problems on bike = running wins.

[Atty]

Biking. Preferably on a trail.


also rams, anyone ever tell you you're obsessed with fitness?

there was a guy on Intervention the other week about a guy prolly alot like you who had to work out like 9 times a day, and it basically ruined his life.I'm just as bad, if not worse, then he is. Just I don't run or do a lot of cardio exercise, mine is all weight training.

I mold my school/work schedule around my lifting needs >_>

[Jean-Luc]

@m13120

Great to hear that running has changed your life so much, however your argument feels a little one-sided imo. Biking is a very social activity as well, and you'll often see pairs and small groups of bikers cruising the streets of California at almost all hours of the day.

And, to be fair, biking doesn't take a particularly large amount of skill to do. Balance is the only tricky problem, but is, at least in my experience, incredibly easy to overcome. I personally prefer biking to running as I'm able to see some very beautiful sights when covering long distances (20 miles or so), and I find that while I do ache afterwards, it is not from putting too much stress on the joints, but rather a physical remniscence of the job well done.

I can understand both sides here, and personally, I feel you should just go with whatever feels best on a particular day. For example, oftentimes I'll intersperse biking with surfing, not only to mix up the muscle groups worked, but to add some variety in the scenery.

[m13120]

@m13120

Great to hear that running has changed your life so much, however your argument feels a little one-sided imo. Biking is a very social activity as well, and you'll often see pairs and small groups of bikers cruising the streets of California at almost all hours of the day.

And, to be fair, biking doesn't take a particularly large amount of skill to do. Balance is the only tricky problem, but is, at least in my experience, incredibly easy to overcome. I personally prefer biking to running as I'm able to see some very beautiful sights when covering long distances (20 miles or so), and I find that while I do ache afterwards, it is not from putting too much stress on the joints, but rather a physical remniscence of the job well done.

I can understand both sides here, and personally, I feel you should just go with whatever feels best on a particular day. For example, oftentimes I'll intersperse biking with surfing, not only to mix up the muscle groups worked, but to add some variety in the scenery.

Ah sorry if my story sounded like an argument for why running is better, it wasn't meant to be one, it was just meant to explain why I find running more enjoyable. I'm sure biking too has it's positive sides, it's just I probably haven't experienced them. Biking (or any other sport) I'm sure could also be as life influencing for another person as running is for me. The times that I have biked, I did it alone and through my neighborhood so it wasn't very exciting even though I'm sure there are other places that I haven't found that would make it an enjoyable experience. I bet also if I got my friends to go out one day with our bikes down a trail somewhere it would be just as socially satisfying as running :)

[STLRamsFan]

Biking. Preferably on a trail.

I'm just as bad, if not worse, then he is.

Well let's see then just for kicks. ;)

Here's some stuff I got from my log:

All of the following include a .5 warm-up, 1 mile cool-down, and 8 100-200 meter strides (comfortable sprints and I count them as 1/2 mile) unless otherwise noted.

Monday- 8 miles total

Tuesday- 1.5 warm-up, drills, strides. Track workout in meters: 1600, 1200, 800, 600, 400, and 4x200. 15 min cool

Wednesday- 8.5 miles, 10 biking for cool down (due to storm), lifting

Thursday- 10 min warm up, drills, strides, 10x300, 15 min cool, core

Friday- 8 miles total (moved lifting till Saturday)

Saturday- .5 warm-up, 10 min easy- 15 min hard- 10 min easy tempo, strides, mile cool down, lifting.

Sunday- 30 minutes easy, strides, core.
_____________________________________

What's your log like man?