Some types of exercise are more popular than others, and cycling and running are both up near the top of the list. They’re effective, relatively accessible and can be adapted to suit your needs and lifestyle. That means there’s plenty of debate over which should be the activity of choice when you’re trying to get fit and healthy (https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/cycling-vs-running-which-is-better-for-weight-loss/).
One reason people might choose cycling over running is that it’s comparatively low impact. Running puts a lot of strain on the joints that isn’t present in the circular movements of pedaling (although it is higher-impact than some other sports, like swimming). This can aggravate existing injuries or even create new ones. Another advantage of cycling is the ability to travel longer distances in a shorter period of time.
Running is one of the most effective forms of cardiovascular exercise out there. It also burns a lot of calories, probably even more than cycling. The intensity of running can be so high that the calories continue to burn even after the exercise finishes. Placing increased stress on your bones may raise the injury risk, but it can also help improve your bone density in the long term. Running also engages more muscles than cycling, which is more focused on the lower body.
There are also some obvious practical advantages to running, such as not needing to purchase specialized equipment beforehand. You can run pretty much anywhere at any time, whereas cycling requires more preparation and planning. Not all routes are accessible to bikes.
For the best overall fitness outcomes, it’s best to practice multiple types of exercise so you can engage different muscles in different ways. If it works for you, you may want to try cycling and running as well as swimming, yoga, weightlifting and other activities. This will have the most effective overall impact on your whole body. Interspersing intense exercise with more low-impact options will also reduce your injury risk.
Exercise also comes with an element of personal preference. You won’t get the most out of your session unless you enjoy it, so you may want to choose the activity that you find most enjoyable. Your enjoyment may also be influenced by where you train (cycling and running can both get you outside and closer to nature) and whether you have friends to train with you.
