Want to know which is better jogging or cycling?
The decision between different cardiovascular activities can be difficult. It’s not easy to pick and choose while trying to burn fat and look fit.
You don’t want to end up making the wrong choice and ruining your chances of shedding fat.
This guide is going to take a deeper look into the question before providing an answer on what’s best for your cardio needs.
Which is Better Jogging or Cycling?
The average person will want to know which cardio exercise is best.
It’s a great question to have because it shows a commitment to working out. This alone is a step in the right direction and bodes well for your chances of losing weight, getting fitter, and feeling healthier.
So, which is better jogging or cycling?
Well, the question is not as straightforward as you think. There’s no right or wrong answer here. It’s about understanding the pros and cons.
Jogging is a wonderful option for those who prefer to run and like the idea of stepping onto a treadmill. It’s low-intensity and offers a great way to shed fat over a 30-40 minute session.
In comparison, cycling is a nice change as it works the lower body and doesn’t put as much stress on the joints. If you are someone with constant knee pain, this may be a far better fit.
When making a choice, we recommend the following additions to your home gym:
- Best treadmill for jogging – Sunny Health & Fitness (T7643)
- Best bicycle for losing weight – Roadmaster Granite 26″ or
As you try to choose between the different options, it’s best to understand what’s better for your needs. Each person is unique and what they require is going to vary.
Don’t be afraid of choosing the activity that is in line with your expectations and is going to be fun to complete.
In general, jogging on a treadmill is well-regarded as being easier on the joints. It reduces some of the natural traction that comes along with running on concrete or any stationary surface.
However, cycling is a wonderful way to completely eliminate stress on the joints while still reaping the rewards of a good cardio workout. A top bicycle for losing weight can do wonders as long as you make the right choice.
Benefits of Jogging
1. Strengthens Muscles
Jogging is a great cardiovascular activity because it strengthens the muscles. Whether it’s your calves, hamstrings, glutes, or core, everything is going to be working out as soon as you get up to jog.
It’s such a natural movement and that alone makes it an impressive addition to your regimen.
Your muscles are going to grow and strengthen as time goes on. This happens due to the amount of power needed to keep the body going while jogging. It simply demands a lot and that’s what allows you to stay fit.
2. Improves Bone Quality
A lot of people don’t think about this when it comes to jogging.
Whether you are using the best treadmill for jogging or simply heading outdoors for a 30-minute session, it can lead to a long-term improvement in bone quality.
Your bones aren’t going to start to age as rapidly when you go down this path. Jogging starts to strengthen the bones because the body needs to adapt. It won’t maintain the status quo because that can increase the risk of injury. As a result, it continues to strengthen.
This is increasingly valuable for those looking to stay strong from top to bottom.
3. It’s a Natural Activity
Jogging is a natural cardiovascular activity that’s been around as long as the first humans.
Being able to get from point A to point B quickly meant having to pick up the speed. This included jogging from spot to spot in a bid to reduce the time spent traveling.
While the needs were different and more organic back then, jogging still has a real purpose. It’s something that’s innate for functional human beings and it should come naturally to you.
This is what makes it such a useful exercise to keep up your sleeve while building a workout plan.
Benefits of Cycling
1. Low-Impact for Your Joints
The joints can take a beating when it comes to jogging or sprinting.
It’s not easy to stay fit when you can’t spend enough time on the treadmill due to pain. While this isn’t an issue for everyone, it’s still something to keep in mind.
If you want to reduce the stress on your joints, there’s nothing better than a low-impact activity such as cycling.
While it’s going to deliver all the benefits you want, it’s still going to keep your joints as healthy as necessary.
This is a plus point for anyone that is hoping to stay fit and continue to see results over the long-term.
2. Easier to Manage Longer Distances
Do you plan on working out for longer periods without taking a break?
This is something cyclists tend to do as they plan out a detailed route from one part of town to another. While jogging allows you to do this, it may not be as reasonable because there’s no “coasting” while jogging.
You are either moving or you are not.
The same doesn’t apply to bicycles because you can allow the energy to move you forward.
This is a great way to rest up and cover longer distances without having to take extended breaks.
Yes, you shouldn’t be coasting all the time but it does allow you to exert more effort on the break each session.
3. Strengthens the Lower Body
Your lower body is going to feel amazing as soon as a session is done on the bike.
The best bike for losing weight is all about strengthening the lower body. Your calves are going to feel amazing and that’s what a great bicycle does. It allows you to feel confident and stronger.
The reason your lower body gets stronger while biking has to do with the amount of pedaling that’s done.
You are going to be pumping away at the pedals and that requires force. This force is going to strengthen your legs.
Over time, you are going to find the movement easier.
Tips for Choosing the Best Cardio Exercise
1. Understand Your Body’s Requirements
As you plan to choose the best exercise for cardio, it’s all about understanding your body’s requirements.
What do you need to lose weight? What is going to work best as you hope to lose fat?
There’s no magic formula when it comes to shedding fat. You have to set up a good workout program to lose weight. This is the only way or you are always going to be a step behind.
Take the time to learn about your body. Are you dealing with joint pain? Do you find jogging to be tough on the shins?
These details are critical as you make a choice one way or the other.
2. Go with Your Favorite
What is your favorite cardio exercise? Do you prefer jogging or biking?
This is something people don’t think about as they’re deciding even though it’s just as important as anything else.
If you don’t like an activity then don’t do it!
You should look towards doing something that is in line with your interests. This is a lot better for those who want to feel healthier and stronger. Otherwise, you are going to remain a step behind.
The goal should be to go with your favorite and then remain consistent.
This is when the results start to pour in and you lose weight quickly.
If you prefer running on a treadmill or cycling to lose weight, it’s all about what you like. This alone is going to make you a better, fitter human being.
3. Why Not Both?
In the end, you have to think about both options seriously but sometimes it’s all about making use of each exercise in your routine.
Don’t choose between then.
Simply take advantage of both and see where that takes you. The results will be impressive and you’re going to see incredible results.
Final Thoughts
So, which is better jogging or cycling?
In the end, it’s all about preference and going with what you love most. If you prefer cycling through town for miles then that’s the direction you should take.
There are pros and cons to each exercise but nothing is more important than your preference.
