Running v's cycling

[LeedsRhinos]

If I were to run a circuit of a mile, how many laps of the same circuit would I have to cycle to achieve the same benefit?

[bluedolphin]

It depends on how intense u run or cycle..I find that being on a cycle tenses me up and when I get off it it takes a few minutes to walk myself back into shape....just watch some of the triathloners they all look like stiff as a board after they get off the bike...also running has the benifits ofthumping the ground which is good for the skeletal frame...

[IggyB]

its not the distance that you should be thinking about but the time - how long does it take you to run a mile? If you cycle for this time at the same intensity you will be achieving the same benefit.

[thekraut]

Sorry, bluedolphin, but the thumping-the-ground part is bUllsh** (not true, in case this gets edited)! In fact running can become very unhealthy exactly because of the thumping, as it continuously overstresses your knees, hips and ankles every time you hit the ground. cycling on the other hand has the disadvantage that you basically stay in the same position all the time, causing the stiffness. so stretching before and after cycling (espc. legs and hips) is vital, if you want to avoid problems with your back. as for the question: the enrgy doesn't depend on the number of laps, but on the power you put into it. so if you run extremely slow and cycle very fast, the same numbr of laps might be enough. but its really hard to tell

[IggyB]

thekraut - its not ********, admittitly there can be problems attached to running - but if you increase your level of intensity slowly (e.g. from a brisk walk to a jog) and do not over exert yourself the impact can be very beneficial for increasing bone density, as can skipping, aerobics, tennis, weight-training.