Running vs cycling or swimming
 

What are the benefits of running vs cycling or swimming?

I do swimming and cycling but do not do running because of saving the knees (it will have consequences in old age).
But seeing other do running I am wondering, maybe I am missing something and my POV is incorrect.

Walking fast is so same as running

Swimming, done properly, will provide a better overall workout than running or cycling although running or cycling will probably burn more calories than swimming.

So, it kind of depends on what you are after in your workout.

Both swimming and cycling are lower impact than running so they cause less stress to the joints, etc. but running is probably the best at burning the calories.

imho of course.

.

So you are saying that people will sacrifice their joints for "probably" better calorie burning?

Ps: I know that some people could also enjoy running as more fun way than cycling/swimming.
Also it is more accessible (no need for bike or pool) and cheaper.

Seems spot on.

I cycle because I have bad news, and cycling is low impact.

same here - cycling, swimming and lifting in the gym, of course switching from each to another from time to time.

instead of running i do elliptical training which turns to be pretty good substitute.

The evidence is actually conflicting whether running damages knees, especially if you are not overweight or don't have any existing knee issues. Some evidence even suggests that running may improve joint health. So I wouldn't just assume that running will fuck up your knees.

It's best to mix up your activities, or just do what you enjoy. Some of the benefits of running is that you can do it pretty much anywhere/anytime, that it's easy to track your progress, it's an important component of many sports so if you get good at it you automatically become better at those sports, and it lets you push your body to the limits.

They made a "soft concrete" running track right next to me about a month ago...always worried it would stress my knees but now I think I'll give it a shot...

What's the bad news? :(

Ha :)

Ray
Hardlinks.org

Yes we now you only watch bad news but you could just turn off CNN. Not sure how cycling helps.

I do cycling and swimming, too. Running - not as much. :)

whoever runs or plans to start to, try it barefooted on grass

I love all 3, and my vote goes for doing them all.

Did you ever see a happy runner ?

:thumbsup:1orglaugh

I cycle daily 5 miles

Sounds like a commute as this is nothing much at all :)

^^ This. Most people who end up with wonky knees or hips are running on sidewalks or streets for long distance (and possibly in the wrong shoes). My old trainer had to get his hip replaced due to marathon training on regular roads. He runs now, but not not at the same distance, and always on a track.

If you are going to start running, I would suggest doing it on a track that's designed for it (or try trail running, which is also a little more spongy). And pay a visit to your local running store to get evaluated to see if you have a neutral gait or pronate at all. Pronation will cause issues if it's not addressed - and a good pair of inserts (or shoes designed to compensate for it) will go a long way.

you can't compare running to stay fit to marathon training. Running marathons regularly and seriously is bad for your health, period: Look how the top marathon runners look.

Everything you overdo is bad for you, running is not an exception.

I run once a week & do strength training 2 times per week which seems to be the perfect schedule for me. Just run outside, the scenery changes, not like a rat in a wheel.

PS - i used to cycle (and swim), but to get a good cardio training doing that you gotta sit on the bike for hours until you're beat. Running gets this result 4 to 5 times faster.
Swimming got very boring to me, very fast. Running outside no matter the weather is by far the best option for me

That is what you get for living in the land of flats :winkwink::1orglaugh

When I run it's on the beach. Puts very little stress on my joints and is a great workout. :thumbsup

These days I cycle since I developed a condition that has prevented me from jogging. I've also picked up roller blading which is nice with all these cycling paths around me. ;-)

nope, plenty of fat swimmers... you can go super slow and eat like a fat ass and be chubby and broken the whole time

i'm 40, i ran 20k this sunday and i'm fine.. how's your knees?

None of those according to your god chump

"Other than golf, he considers exercise misguided, arguing that a person, like a battery, is born with a finite amount of energy,"

exactly. A 2hr walk will use more energy as a half hour run or more. It´s also better for you as it´s a long intensity work out :thumbsup

or the beach, barefooted is great, I prefer this too :thumbsup

Walking and wandering works for me ...

:thumbsup for swimming and cycling

both activities go better with a waterproof music device! And I find I burn more calories and enjoy it more if the water is close to 78 degrees when swimming, probably cause the body is working to keep you at 98.6

Swimming with music device, sounds like an interesting idea. :winkwink:

I have a number of runner friends on facebook. It's pretty much a regular thing one of them getting some sort of major medical treatment because of it. And they can't wait to get back out and do it again.

Swim for the win.

running slims me down faster then anything