[GohJHM9k]

I have been biking a lot lately instead of running. I really don't enjoy running and only do it to get exercise. Sometimes I will run the occasional 5K. The thing is, now that I am biking, I am afraid that I won't get a sufficient workout and will get soft and no longer be able to run as far. Does bking produce a sufficient cardio workout or do I really need to run/jog to maintain myself? I know that it probably depends on distance and speed biked, but I am just asking in general whether biking provides sufficient cardio workout.

When biking, I feel like my limitation is more in the strength of my legs. While running, I definitely feel like I have heavy lungs and can feel my heart pounding.

[quack!]

Well there's no reason that biking can't be just as grueling as running, it just depends on your pace. Now granted, if you're going the same distance, biking will get you there faster and be less of a workout, but simply extend your distance and speed, and you'll get an incredible workout.

[cristmiff]

Jogging is really not all that good for you. All of that running really wears on your body, and while it does burn calories, it doesn't build muscle. IMO, you would be much better off running a series of 40yd sprints than jogging 5 miles a day. Those spirints will build muscle, which in turn burns more calories...while the sprints themselves will burn more calories too. As to bike riding, it does build muscle, burn calories, and is a lot more forgiving on your joints.

+1 bike riding

[quack!]

Jogging is really not all that good for you. All of that running really wears on your body, and while it does burn calories, it doesn't build muscle. IMO, you would be much better off running a series of 40yd sprints than jogging 5 miles a day. Those spirints will build muscle, which in turn burns more calories...while the sprints themselves will burn more calories too. As to bike riding, it does build muscle, burn calories, and is a lot more forgiving on your joints.

+1 bike riding

I agree with the impact that running has on your overall joints and bones, but if you already lift weights you do not really need the extra muscle, and sprinting alone does not provide enough cardio. Your heartrate needs to be in the "Fat Burning Zone" for a considerable amount of time for it to be useful exercise. I do agree, however, that bike riding is better than running.

[movlabz]

Hey Lord P---in regards to running vs. Biking...both can be very beneficial and really comes down to the intensity of a workout. As a marathoner and triathlete (just hobbies and I am not a pro)---just stick with what you enjoy most and yet mix up your cycling routine. I was a Cat. 3 Road Racer while living in Ohio and that required more than a simple bike ride, but a thorough training schedule throughout the week that had sprints, distance, and speed in mind. Same thing with running...I run 8-10 miles a day and yet with a marathon coming around I crank up the mileage to 11-15 miles a day.

I do a variety of training programs to help increase speed and distance, plus increasing cardio. Due to the abuse on ankles, knees and even hips---I do a lot on treadmill and get out 2-3 days a week on the road. This has allowed me to be virtually injury free (so far so good). I have had my share of people doubting treadmills (primarily because they get bored) but I have ran 5 marathons (6th one in October) and my fastest has been 3 hr. 19 mins. Again I am more of a distance fan than a speed guy so I focus more on distance.

Cycling helped open a door into the world of triathlons and completing my Half-Ironman was amazing, but I still like to get out and ride and if you want to really get some intensity to your training then begin with an investment into a trainer or roller (trainers are things that you can attach the back of tour bike to) and develop a variety of methods of training---increasing cadence is a good way of developing a strong cardio as well as finding a ride group in your area...typically there are those that have experienced as well as beginners and hang with those that match your level...when I would go out with my team we did sprints and a lot of distance and doing these rides in a very very quick amount of time, but it really developed my endurance and cardio.

Personally I have been able to help a lot of people over the years as back in 2001 (Feb.) I weighed 320 pounds and through cycling I found something that helped me change my life and I lost 160 pounds and have maintained the new life for over 8 years. Cycling also opened the door to become a marathoner---which I enjoy, but it's not for everyone and really people need to find something they enjoy doing and do not mind doing it a lot, so if you enjoy cycling---then do that---just mix it up---casual rides, quick rides, sprints (basically hammering the peddles to reach a high velocity in 100m and 200m sprints and then mix it up with weekend longer sessions on the bike.

Just trying to encourage you to enjoy and stick 2 it