Jogging Vs Cycling: Which Cardio Exercise Is Better For Weight Loss?

Staying in shape is a worldwide obsession that appeals to both the young and the middle aged. In recent times, people are taking time out of their busy schedule to fit in an hour of exercise at the gym or at home. While lifting weights to build muscle is not a goal that everyone goes with, cardiovascular exercises like running or cycling to burn calories is integrated into almost every workout plan to lose weight. Cycling and running are traditional pastimes and forms of exercise that people all over the world love. These are two outdoor aerobic workout options that can be done on city streets or natural paths.

Cycling generally burns fewer calories than jogging. It also has a greater effect and is more taxing on the joints and muscles. Which one is better for you? That relies on your objectives and the process you use to reach them. Whether cycling or jogging is better can be analysed based on aspects including calorie reduction and muscle growth. A 70 kg person can burn around 300 calories by jogging for 30 minutes. The same person can burn 240 calories if they cycle for 30 minutes.

Cycling, apart from making you lose calories, works out the leg muscles; primarily whereas during jogging, most of the body muscles get a workout. If you have knee or ankle problems, we recommend going cycling. Knees, ankles and hips may feel a little sore while jogging. While cycling, we do not have direct contact with the ground, so there is no such effect.

Whether it’s cycling or a run, you’re doing cardio. Any exercise that quickens your heartbeat and raises your blood pressure qualifies as a cardio workout. Cardio maintains your heart health and improves the efficiency with which blood and oxygen are pumped throughout your body. Cardio increases your ability to breathe in oxygen, which benefits your lung function. As your heart finds it easier to pump more blood with each beat, your cardiac output increases as well. Cardio is therefore advised for people in all health conditions.

Keeping these in mind, you can choose between cycling or jogging or implement a hybrid between the two. If you have certain health conditions, it is recommended to see a doctor first and then decide.