Running vs the bike

[basballguy]

hi guys,

So here's deal....I'm 6'0 190ish, looking to get back to the 175ish range. I don't enjoy cardio but i do it because its necesssary. The problem i have is no matter what stretching i do, i get blessed with shin splints (different discussion, so we don't need to talk about that)....

So what i'm looking for is trying to determine the difference in running versus biking if your heart right is the same. I can maintain a heart rate between 175-180 on a bike for 30min+ without any issues. Everytime i reach the point to where i can maintain that heart rate running (over the same period of time), shin splints are back and i have to take 2 weeks off from training and i feel like i'm starting over.

So i guess question is if i just stop running altogether and stricktly use the bike, what sort of differences would i see in cardio and weight loss? (yes i do weights too, but i'm not committed to them.)

[fitoverforty]

I can maintain a heart rate between 175-180 on a bike for 30min+ without any issues. Everytime i reach the point to where i can maintain that heart rate running (over the same period of time), shin splints are back

Running for 30+ minutes while maintaining a HR of 175 - 180 seems to me that you are having to run at a pretty fast pace to sustain that HR level. You may be able to do that aerobically, but physically your body has not caught up yet - hence the shin splints. Running on hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) can contribute as well as worn down, or running shoes without proper cushioning or support.
If you are having issues with shin splints, and if you enjoy riding, then why not stick with just riding for now.
Running obviously takes more of a toll on your body being that it is a weight bearing exercise, and from what I've read it burns more calories (in the same time frame) because you have to support your body weight. But both are great cardio workouts, both build leg muscles, and both can help promote and maintain weight loss - so it really comes down to, what will you stick with? Which one do you enjoy more? An intense cycling speed that keeps your HR at 175 to 180+ for over 30 minutes is a great calorie burn without the injury you are prone to getting with running.
Just thoughts...I am more of a runner than a bike rider, but understand fully how injuries like shin splints can derail a running program in its tracks and frustrate a person.

[ultimatehlth]

Cycling uses about 60% of skeletal muscle compared to about 80% for running. That makes running a more complete exercise and burns more calories. That being said most people can cycle longer. Try adding interval sprints and hill climbs to get the most out of if. Add upper body exercise. Cycling alone for prolonged time periods leaches upper body bone density.

[Noosk]

ok now I'm a (re)newbie to running an had issues with shin splints too.
I did mega reading on technique etc. and have started practicing chi running (mid-foot strike, lean forward from the heels, don't extend leg past hip, faster cadence etc.). Since I changed up running style I haven't had even a niggle of shin splints. Now I don't run barefoot or in fivefingers or fivetoes things or any of that mad stuff, but small tweaks and changes have definitely helped me get back into running (used to run cross country years ago).
Anyway just a suggestion, won't obviously solve the problem entirely if your HR is ahead of your body, but might give you some insight on technique?
would suggest doing the cycling over the running until the shin splints heel definitely and maybe try some short runs with some technique tweaks?
Best of luck!
Noosk

[henry_carlson]

Hi,

Running
This is the most common kind of cardio exercise, enjoyed by people of all ages, especially bythe youngsters. During early mornings, running in fresh air helps to rejuvenate as well as burnthe calories.

Bicycling
Bicycling is another kind of aerobic or cardio exercise that helps in losing oodles of weight. It also magically works on your cardiovascular fitness. Performing it as indoor or outdoor activity entirely depends upon an individual's choice. An alternative to bicycling is Power Walking.

best of luck to you...

[PandorasVise]

You can try and figure which is 'best ' for your body, but it is best for your body to continue to do it. What do you like to do? No sense on comparing biking to running if you don't like one or the other and will wind up finding excuses to not do it. Which would you rather be doing? Maybe it is neither. What about tennis, football, martial arts, or dancing. FitOverForty, likes running, so she runs. I like martial arts, so I would never find an excuse not to work out. I find reasons to go work out, so I can be better. There is all kinds of things to get the heart pumping, find one you like and do it. Try new things that might interest you. Then you may find you want to run, just so you can be better at what you like to do.