Cycling, Running or Gym Training
Discussion
What do people believe is the most efficient method of staying fit?
I raised the question on the 'Chris Boardman' thread that I felt that mile for mile running gives more benfit than cycling and (lets just say politely) there was some strong disagreement. The disagreement was even worse (not family friendly) when the concept of gym membership was mentioned.
So, it would be good to know what other people think without all the insults?
Hol said:
I raised the question on the 'Chris Boardman' thread that I felt that mile for mile running gives more benfit than cycling and (lets just say politely) there was some strong disagreement.
You were correct. When running you're shifting your bodyweight so it's harder, it also benefits your joints in a way cycling never will. As per the thread title see LG's reply.
goldblum said:
Hol said:
I raised the question on the 'Chris Boardman' thread that I felt that mile for mile running gives more benfit than cycling and (lets just say politely) there was some strong disagreement.
You were correct. When running you're shifting your bodyweight so it's harder, it also benefits your joints in a way cycling never will. As per the thread title see LG's reply.
Cycling's designed to be energy efficient through, you know, gearing. And lycra. You want to burn major calories cycling? Wear a tent not f
king slipstreamed clothing and hat. Apparently, cycling is even easier if you have clips rather than old school pedals, so buy a mountain bike with chunky wheels, wear a tent and cycle on the road if you want to get fit cycling. If you want to cover many miles as quickly as possible, do the opposite ie buy a Noble M12. 
I lost 5 stone by running and in the process got fitter 
I have a few road bikes, clip-less pedals Lycra etc but just don't get the time to use it, but the main thing with a bike is you could stop peddling and coast to rest, If i went on a run and had to stop to rest i felt i had failed.
I have to changed over to cross fit and Hiit over the last few months and it is completely different to just doing cardio and a few weights, you really need to do what suites you.
I have a few road bikes, clip-less pedals Lycra etc but just don't get the time to use it, but the main thing with a bike is you could stop peddling and coast to rest, If i went on a run and had to stop to rest i felt i had failed.
I have to changed over to cross fit and Hiit over the last few months and it is completely different to just doing cardio and a few weights, you really need to do what suites you.
Over the years I have been a fit:
1) runner
2) rower
3) gym bunny
4) cyclist
Brief thoughts on the above:
1) I hate running with a passion, I only ever ran out of necessity as my only option, it did the job and kept my weight down but was ultra boring and did for my knees despite ££££ pro level fitted shoes
2) Rowing is great as long as you have enough heavy metal on your ipod. It gives cardio fitess, works your abs/legs/shoulder girdle but is impossible to do for more than 30 mins
3) Gym was superb for perving on young hot bodies in tight gym kit and developing pecs but I eventually got bored until the time I went and proceeded to go straight to the sauna skipping any form of exercise where I unwittingly found myself sitting next to the boss with both of us stark naked
4) Bikes, mmmmmmm. Massive cardio fitness, shiny stuff, carbon fibre, titanium and no matter how much I eat I still look anorexic. Yes I have no upper body strength as I ride road not MTB but Im over the age where I get bullied so why not??
Cheers
1) runner
2) rower
3) gym bunny
4) cyclist
Brief thoughts on the above:
1) I hate running with a passion, I only ever ran out of necessity as my only option, it did the job and kept my weight down but was ultra boring and did for my knees despite ££££ pro level fitted shoes
2) Rowing is great as long as you have enough heavy metal on your ipod. It gives cardio fitess, works your abs/legs/shoulder girdle but is impossible to do for more than 30 mins
3) Gym was superb for perving on young hot bodies in tight gym kit and developing pecs but I eventually got bored until the time I went and proceeded to go straight to the sauna skipping any form of exercise where I unwittingly found myself sitting next to the boss with both of us stark naked
4) Bikes, mmmmmmm. Massive cardio fitness, shiny stuff, carbon fibre, titanium and no matter how much I eat I still look anorexic. Yes I have no upper body strength as I ride road not MTB but Im over the age where I get bullied so why not??
Cheers
How about a combination of all three, with some swimming thrown in? Or would that be too sensible an answer?
It all depends on one's definition of fitness, I suppose. Being reasonable proficient at all of the above, having a healthy spine, reasonable flexibility, being of reasonable weight for one's height....
It all depends on one's definition of fitness, I suppose. Being reasonable proficient at all of the above, having a healthy spine, reasonable flexibility, being of reasonable weight for one's height....
I used to gym and did it for years but I lost motivation and didn't really get anywhere, I just hit a wall I guess, recently I've started Boot Camp training; 45 minutes twice a week outdoors in all weather in a small group and I'm fitter than I've been for years and I really enjoy it too.
Pick something you enjoy and want to push hard at
Running my be the most effective as there is "no hiding" , but it can kill your joints and is prone to injury
Cycling can be brilliant, but all the equipment can be a faff, plus you can coast and sometimes not ride that hard, meaning it can be the equivalent of walking, but if you ride hard/cover big distances it can be very beneficial great as it is low impact (unless you crash)
Gyms are hit and miss IMO, too many people love the notion "of going to the gym" but dont push hard enough, or too hard at first or dont follow a specific training programme. I think to really maximise what you want you need to clearly define your goals, design a realistic plan and follow it. Instead of just doing 15 reps on random machines, resting loads between each like some people do!
Running my be the most effective as there is "no hiding" , but it can kill your joints and is prone to injury
Cycling can be brilliant, but all the equipment can be a faff, plus you can coast and sometimes not ride that hard, meaning it can be the equivalent of walking, but if you ride hard/cover big distances it can be very beneficial great as it is low impact (unless you crash)
Gyms are hit and miss IMO, too many people love the notion "of going to the gym" but dont push hard enough, or too hard at first or dont follow a specific training programme. I think to really maximise what you want you need to clearly define your goals, design a realistic plan and follow it. Instead of just doing 15 reps on random machines, resting loads between each like some people do!
In my opinion being fit is about balance, so why not do all of it? cycle, run, swim, row, resistance train, whatever combination you find most enjoyable and will keep doing.
Diet is important though, if you want to lose weight its diet that matters.
You really have to define 'fit' in your own mind and set yourself a goal, be it lift your own body weight, run 10km, swim a mile, having abs, whatever drives you forward to improve and be 'fit' in your own mind.
Diet is important though, if you want to lose weight its diet that matters.
You really have to define 'fit' in your own mind and set yourself a goal, be it lift your own body weight, run 10km, swim a mile, having abs, whatever drives you forward to improve and be 'fit' in your own mind.
Mile per mile cycling is much more efficient, so is less useful for staying fit. And running is more efficient than swimming.
Think about it: three people exercise every day. One cycles a mile, one runs a mile, one swims a mile. Who's going to be the fittest?
Gym can't be measured on the same scale, because nobody gyms a mile, and the numbers on the aerobic machines are too arbitrary to compare.
The question is "which is the most efficient for staying fit", and that says time to me, not distance. Take four people who exercise every day. One cycles for an hour, one runs, one swims, one gyms. Who's the fittest? Much harder to say...
Isn't this what started ironmans?
Think about it: three people exercise every day. One cycles a mile, one runs a mile, one swims a mile. Who's going to be the fittest?
Gym can't be measured on the same scale, because nobody gyms a mile, and the numbers on the aerobic machines are too arbitrary to compare.
The question is "which is the most efficient for staying fit", and that says time to me, not distance. Take four people who exercise every day. One cycles for an hour, one runs, one swims, one gyms. Who's the fittest? Much harder to say...
Isn't this what started ironmans?
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