8 Reasons Running is Better Than Cycling

By Ryan Light, Running/Anxiety Coach

You will never run out of options when it comes to losing weight and being fit. Among the popular and accessible exercises you can try are running and cycling.

Here’s the thing: there is an ongoing debate on which is better between the two – and both comes with benefits and risks.

If you are into cycling, here are eight reasons you need to know about running that could change your mind:

1. Helps You Live Longer

Your heart plays a crucial role in your health. Thankfully, one of the easiest and most affordable ways to take care of your heart is by running.

Running regularly improves your blood circulation and lowers your blood pressure, thereby reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke. It also gives your immune system a boost to keep you healthy. Running addresses mental issues too by reducing depression, anxiety, and stress.

2. Can Get You High

They say exercise not only affects your physical appearance but also your brain’s biochemical processes. When you run, your brain releases certain chemicals such as endorphins, which make you feel happy and euphoric.

This is the reason why you often feel good about yourself after you exercise, and running can give you that.

3. Does Not Require a Commute

You want to lose weight and say goodbye to unwanted pounds, but the nearest gym in your place is quite far from you. This means you need to drive or commute just to get yourself up and cycling.

It’s different for running. Location is everything, which means you can just get yourself ready and go for a run. Running knows no weather too, since you can also have a workout even if it’s cold. Just don’t forget to suit up.

4. Fights Off Beer Bellies

Admit it. You love to drink beer, especially during special occasions. Apparently, drinking beer could lead to beer belly – and you surely don’t want that to happen.

The good news is you can get rid of beer bellies by running. 45 minutes of running could help you a lot and will stop reminding you of the many bottles you had during every celebration.

5. Helps You Score Vitamin D

Imagine this: the sun is up and you are in the mood to exercise. Instead of worrying about going to the gym or reading reviews on does Nutrisystem work, you can just grab your running shoes and go for a run. It is a great way to get some sunshine vitamin, which is also good for your health. It’s a win-win situation.

6. Burns Crazy Calories

If your primary aim is to shed off pounds, then running is your best bet. It gives you a more intense workout as opposed to cycling where you sit on your bike and pedal. An hour of running helps you burn 755 calories and burns more, plus doubles your energy expenditure compared to cycling.

If you are serious about losing weight, then make sure you reduce your calories as well and running can help you with that.

7. Strengthens Your Bones

Here’s another difference between running and cycling: your feet comes in contact with the ground, thereby strengthening your bones.

Bones are living tissues, which means they can sense any stress as a result of getting in contact with the ground. As a precaution against injuries, your bones activate series of reactions to strengthen your bone and prevent injury to the bone tissues.

Consequently, osteoblasts, cells that your bone develops, are sent to the surface of your affected bones to strengthen them. A matrix of protein then develops between your bone cells, thereby making your bones stronger.

8. You Can Do Anywhere

You can go on and on about cycling, but nothing beats the convenience that comes with running. All you need is your running shoes and you can exercise in the park near your home or even outside your hotel when you are on a vacation. Running knows no boundaries. You can do it anywhere to help you maintain your weight.

This doesn’t mean cycling is not a great workout. Both has its benefits, but if you want to jumpstart your healthy lifestyle, then add running in your list. It is worth it.