Cyclists and runners both like to think that their preferred mode of exercise is the best. However, a recent study offers support that cycling is the optimal way to invest your exercise time.
According to principal investigator Professor David Nieman at the ASU HPL the results showed that cycling allows the body to exercise for longer because it causes less damage than its impact-heavy counterpart.
He said: “Runners just can’t put in the same volume of exercise as cyclists without experiencing more inflammation, soreness and muscle damage.
I don’t think that there is any question that cycling is, on the whole, easier on the body. It is one of the reasons why injured runners are often encouraged to cross train by riding a bike.
However, if you live in a big city, you know that riding a bike in a busy street carries its own risks. While runners can avoid bad drivers by staying on the sidewalk, cyclists are forced to be ready for anything.
Therefore, unless a cyclist is able to find a paved trail or a deserted road, I still think running carries its own safety benefits over cycling. What do you think?
