An impossible fitness question ?

"Ian Teelan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

Talking with mates again and the question of cycling or running/jogging as

a

Quoted message said:

means to get fitter in the lead up to Christmas (4 months or so) cropped

up.

Quoted message said:

I feel that half an hours moderate cycling every second evening is likely

to

Quoted message said:

be more beneficial than half an hours moderate running / jogging every second evening.

I know that the base line fitness of the individuals and the intensity of the exercise will play a
part along with diet, rest etc but have the group any opinions as to which is most likely to lead
to the greater fitness benefit?

Regards,

Ian

As a cyclist I am afraid I would have to say jogging. It would improve overall fitness, it is
weight-bearing on muscles as well. 30mins on a bike is not enough to much in terms of improving
fitness but of course it's better than nothing! 30mins running sounds, well, painful! In terms of
heart-rate etc, it is likely that the load-bearing exercise of running will mean a higher
heart-rate and higher calorie burn but its best not to get too hung up on these things and see what
you prefer really.

I'll happily cycle for hours but running, oh no!

Quoted message said:

I know that the base line fitness of the individuals and the intensity of the exercise will play a
part along with diet, rest etc but have the group any opinions as to which is most likely to lead
to the greater fitness benefit?

The one said person is most likely to keep at. Each to their own preferred form of exercise. For me,
it's *definitely* the cycling. Running - oh no - I'd give myself a black eye in no time at all from
all that jogging up and down!

Cheers, helen s

~~~~~~~~~~
This is sent from a redundant email Mail sent to it is dumped My correct one can be gleaned from
h*$el***$$n*$d$ot$**s**i$$m*$m$**on**$s$@*$$a**$*ol*$*.*$$c$om*$ by getting rid of the
overdependence on money and fame
~~~~~~~~~~

In message <[email hidden]>, Ian Teelan <[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

Talking with mates again and the question of cycling or running/jogging as a means to get fitter in
the lead up to Christmas (4 months or so) cropped up.

I feel that half an hours moderate cycling every second evening is likely to be more beneficial
than half an hours moderate running / jogging every second evening.

I know that the base line fitness of the individuals and the intensity of the exercise will play a
part along with diet, rest etc but have the group any opinions as to which is most likely to lead
to the greater fitness benefit?

Regards,

Ian

A recent issue of Runners World discussed this issue. IIRC it said that you need to cycle for
about 25% longer (in time) than you run in order to obtain the same training effect. So 30 mins
running equates to 37.5 mins cycling. In the lead up to Christmas running on pavements might also
be more convenient than cycling on dark roads. However, many people find cycling more enjoyable
than running!
--
Michael MacClancy

www.macclancy.demon.co.uk

Why not go for all round fitness; cycle for the 30 mins then run for about 15 immediately
afterwards; it will definitely feel weird in the legs for the first few hundred yards.
Running,a s already mentioned, will give you a harder workout. It will strengthen bones due to
its impact nature, but be sure to wear proper running shoes to lessen this impact, especially
of you're new to it.

Personally, I stick with the 90 min upwards cycle ride; I hate running but will very occasionally do
a bit. (Shame really, I used to X-country for my school, but that was X years ago, [where X is >
25!], but that was probably because I couldn't cycle for sport at school).

Niv.

Quoted message said:

Talking with mates again and the question of cycling or running/jogging as

a

Quoted message said:

means to get fitter in the lead up to Christmas (4 months or so) cropped

up.

Quoted message said:

I feel that half an hours moderate cycling every second evening is likely

to

Quoted message said:

be more beneficial than half an hours moderate running / jogging every second evening.

"Ian Teelan" <[email hidden]> wrote in :"]news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Talking with mates again and the question of cycling or running/jogging as a means to get fitter
in the lead up to Christmas (4 months or so) cropped up.

I feel that half an hours moderate cycling every second evening is likely to be more beneficial
than half an hours moderate running / jogging every second evening.

An interesting question, and the answer might be complicated:

drmirkin.com8841.htmlOpen ↗

I'm a cyclist and occasionally do a bit of running. The difference is that I use the bike to get to
work, so I have to get out on the bike in January. However, running is just for fitness so it's much
easier to skip it if the weather's bad.

I also think you are much more likely to injure yourself running.

Toby

--
Remove spamtrap to reply by mail

"Ian Teelan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

Talking with mates again and the question of cycling or running/jogging as

a

Quoted message said:

means to get fitter in the lead up to Christmas (4 months or so) cropped

up.

Quoted message said:

I feel that half an hours moderate cycling every second evening is likely

to

Quoted message said:

be more beneficial than half an hours moderate running / jogging every second evening.

I know that the base line fitness of the individuals and the intensity of the exercise will play a
part along with diet, rest etc but have the group any opinions as to which is most likely to lead
to the greater fitness benefit?

As others have pointed out -- running is the more intensive exercise.

However, your question is complex.

What do you mean by 'fitter'? Do you have specific targets in mind? Are you training for something
or just to feel better by Xmas (an honourable aim in itself).

Both cycling and running will significantly improve your leg strength and your cardio vascular
system -- and may help (with some diet changes) you lose weight if that is an issue. Both will be
'good' for you -- though a 'moderate' 30 minute cycling 4 times a week might only be 24-30 miles --
better than a poke in the eye but hardly 'much'. Cycling is less intense -- so will have less effect
in a given time -- but is pretty much 'non impact' which might be better if you are very unfit or
have specific injuries or weaknesses.

Neither will do much for your upper body strength.

Why 30 minutes every other day? Government guidelines are 30 minutes light exercise a day -- though
they include walking the dog and probably set the level based on the minimum they thought they
could sell.

A mix of activities is probably better -- incorporate some swimming or other exercise that will help
your upper body strength. Incorporate exercise into daily life (for example cycling or walking as
part or all of a commute).

Whatever you do -- pick what you enjoy. I find running torture by tedium -- 10 minutes & I'm bored
-- but I can happily cycle for several hours and come home refreshed, mentally relaxed and
physically well exercised. You may prefer to run/swim/pump iron.

Basically,

1. find what you enjoy doing and you will stick with it.

2. mix and match to balance upper & lower body strength.

3. have clear goals in mind -- and monitor progress as an excellent motivator.

4. if possible, do it with friends -- again, a great motivator.

5. have fun.

T

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Whatever you do -- pick what you enjoy. I find running torture by tedium -- 10 minutes & I'm bored

That's why I orienteer :-)

Colin

Ian Teelan <[email hidden]> wrote:

: I feel that half an hours moderate cycling every second evening is likely to be more beneficial
: than half an hours moderate running / jogging every second evening.

I fear that 30 mins running will be harder as long as you can run for that period.

That's my experience anyway.

Arthur

"Ian Teelan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

Quoted message said:

I feel that half an hours moderate cycling every second evening is likely to

be more beneficial than half an hours moderate running / jogging every second evening.

I know that the base line fitness of the individuals and the intensity of the exercise will play a
part along with diet, rest etc but have the group any opinions as to which is most likely to lead
to the greater fitness benefit?

Regards,

Ian

The key is, as you say yourself, the intensity of the excercise. If it is the same the training
effect should be the same. On the other hand if motivation is a problem running has the benefit of
there being no hiding place, any reasonable pace is a good workout. Cycling can involve periods of
freewheeling or less intense effort. But rather than choosing why not do both. Run and cycle on
alternate sessions - uses different muscle groups and is more interesting. Another factor is your
build. I,m 15 stone and have found in the past that any more than about 4 hours total running a week
led to problems with injury. With cycling being non weight bearing if you want to build up to longer
sessions of you are less likely to get any injury problems (assuming your bike is a comfortable
fit). cheers Iain C

"Ian Teelan" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

Talking with mates again and the question of cycling or running/jogging as

a

Quoted message said:

means to get fitter in the lead up to Christmas (4 months or so) cropped

up.

Quoted message said:

I feel that half an hours moderate cycling every second evening is likely

to

Quoted message said:

be more beneficial than half an hours moderate running / jogging every second evening.

I know that the base line fitness of the individuals and the intensity of the exercise will play a
part along with diet, rest etc but have the group any opinions as to which is most likely to lead
to the greater fitness benefit?

Regards,

Ian

=============
Consider 'Fartlek' training instead of plain 'jogging'. Many people find it much more enjoyable.
Find details by googling for 'fartlek'.

Cic.

"Colin Blackburn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:MPG.19abf6177208aae3989b99@localhost...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Whatever you do -- pick what you enjoy. I find running torture by

tedium --

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

10 minutes & I'm bored

That's why I orienteer :-)

Tedium interspersed with being lost!!

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

"Colin Blackburn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:MPG.19abf6177208aae3989b99@localhost...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Whatever you do -- pick what you enjoy. I find running torture by

tedium --

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

10 minutes & I'm bored

That's why I orienteer :-)

Tedium interspersed with being lost!!

Ah, but finding yourself again is always a bonus!

Colin

"Colin Blackburn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:MPG.19abff25321cf87c989b9d@localhost...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

That's why I orienteer :-)

Tedium interspersed with being lost!!

Ah, but finding yourself again is always a bonus!

Finding the tea & cake shop is even better.

T

Tony W must be edykated coz e writed:

Quoted message said:

"Colin Blackburn" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:MPG.19abff25321cf87c989b9d@localhost...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>
> That's why I orienteer :-)

Tedium interspersed with being lost!!

Ah, but finding yourself again is always a bonus!

Finding the tea & cake shop is even better.

T

As an orthopaedic surgeon I know is so fond of saying, jogging is a high impact exercise, today's
joggers are tomorrows zimmer frame users.

--
Ian

catrike.co.ukcatrike.co.ukOpen ↗

"Ian" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Finding the tea & cake shop is even better.

As an orthopaedic surgeon I know is so fond of saying, jogging is a high impact exercise, today's
joggers are tomorrows zimmer frame users.

Not if the cakes are high in calcium ;o

Quoted message said:

I feel that half an hours moderate cycling every second evening is likely to be more beneficial
than half an hours moderate running / jogging every second evening.

Quoted message said:

I know that the base line fitness of the individuals and the intensity of the exercise will play a
part along with diet, rest etc but have the group any opinions as to which is most likely to lead
to the greater fitness benefit?

I used to run quite a bit 'til some serious back problems forced me to quit (at least for now) this
year. I'd agree with some other posts that 30min running would probably get you fitter than 30min
cycling. However it would also depend on whether there are any hills/descents, etc. Running uphill
was much easier for me than cycling uphill. Running a descent is still work wheareas you're coasting
on a bike.

Having said that it also depends on what you prefer. Running uses different muscles than cycling so
I can't directly compare the two.

Also I find cycling much less likely to result in non-accidental injuries. I've had lots of problems
with running - knees, ankles, back...

--
...meandering mule...

Tony W must be edykated coz e writed:

Quoted message said:

"Ian" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Finding the tea & cake shop is even better.

As an orthopaedic surgeon I know is so fond of saying, jogging is a high impact exercise, today's
joggers are tomorrows zimmer frame users.

Not if the cakes are high in calcium ;o

Cartilage is not a calcium rich material :-P

--
Ian

catrike.co.ukcatrike.co.ukOpen ↗

"Tony W" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

Whatever you do -- pick what you enjoy. I find running torture by

tedium --

Quoted message said:

10 minutes & I'm bored -- but I can happily cycle for several hours and

come

Quoted message said:

home refreshed, mentally relaxed and physically well exercised. You may prefer to
run/swim/pump iron.

Depends where you run. I can't see why people do the same run every time or stick to a flat route on
tarmac. For me running through the woods with the early morning sun breaking through the trees,
birds singing, deer, squirrels & maybe the odd fox on the path up ahead or running up a hill to look
down on the valleys still filled with mist is as much just a way of experiencing the outdoors from a
different perspective as it is exercise.

I just want to add that my back problems had nothing to do with running. Running might give you
slightly increased chance of injuries - but I've been doing it for over 10 years without anything
serious - mostly nagging problems that go away with rest. Running is much better than doing nothing.

--
...meandering mule...