Walking vs. Cycling – Which One Is Better?

Exercise is the very cornerstone of a healthy happy life. But to get started on imbibing exercise as your daily routine you first need to choose which form of exercise suits you. The easiest and the most natural form of exercise is walking and running with cycling cutting a close second. The Walking vs. cycling debate is decades old. They both involve your full body and get that blood pumping through your veins. But the million-dollar question is which one is better or specifically better for you? This guide will help you clarify the depths of this debate and choose which is better for you.

Walking and Cycling Distinguished

Walking needs no clarification. It is the most natural thing in the world. Your body is designed for walking. Cycling, on the other hand, has to be learned. You have to train yourself to balance on that bike. But all in all, it is a very easy technique to master.

Walking Vs. Cycling – Which One to Choose?

Sure, exercise helps in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, mental fitness, and overall happiness. But for most of the people exercising is all about burning your calories and losing weight. Below is a list of the areas of focus when deciding on exercise options and walking vs. cycling discussion on these areas:

• Weight Loss: You are not alone in wanting to trim that waistline. When it comes to walking vs. cycling in weight loss as per American Council of Exercise cycling burns 7.3 calories per minute at 10mph as opposed to walking which burns 8.7 calories.

But the question is can you walk at 10mph? And the answer is No, you cannot. This makes cycling the better option.

• Appetite: One of the surprising benefits of walking vs. cycling is that cycling leads to appetite suppression. A study on women revealed that where cycling led to decreased appetite walking led to increasing. Walkers typically end up consuming 40 more calories when given buffet access than bikers.
• Diabetes: Cardiovascular exercise is an amazing way of mitigating the effects of diabetes. Moderate cycling as per the University of South Australia cuts blood sugar levels by nearly 20% making it a better form of exercise for type 2 diabetics.
• Blood pressure: For those of you suffering from blood pressure problems cycling is the better option since cycling has been known to reduce blood pressure in the feet by keeping the pressure off your toes.
• Cardio: When it comes to getting your blood pumping and accelerating your heart rate cycling wins hands down. This is because cycling is intense and at a faster pace than walking even if you indulge in power walking.

Also, cycling gives you an interval workout since you can peddle hard then just coast for a bit. Walking is more consistent requiring the same level of energy throughout.

• Muscle Use: Walking uses a different set of muscles than cycling. Walking focuses on calves and gluteus medius whereas cycling focuses on glutes and quadriceps.
• Toning of the Legs: Walking does not tone your leg muscle. This is because walking is a very natural exercise that your body is naturally meant to do. It takes advantage of gravity and does not stress the leg muscles. Cycling, on the other hand, strains your body and tones those muscles.
• Risk Management: The risk of injuries is low with both cycling and walking but between them, the risk is even lower with walking.
• Time Factor: Cycling is a more efficient form of exercise when you are watching the clock since it burns more calories faster.

Think About Cost

One major shortcoming of cycling is that it requires equipment. Cycling is not possible without a cycle. And a cycle can be expensive. But then again it is a one-off cost. However, walking doesn’t require anything. You can just lace up and you are good to go.

General Questions

Below are the common doubts that you might have:

Which Is Better for Fat Loss – Walking Or Cycling?

Fat loss and calorie burn depend on the intensity and duration of your workout. Cycling is a more intense activity and hence results in more fat loss than walking even power walking.

Which Is A Better Cardio Workout?

Cycling is a better cardio workout since it involves a lot more intensity.

Will Cycling Lead to Reduced Belly Fat?

Cycling is a very effective form of belly fat reduction over time.

How Does Cycling Affect Your Knees?

Cycling is termed as a low impact exercise. This means that it typically has less impact on joints like knees, hips, and ankles.

Conclusion

Both walking and cycling are excellent forms of exercise with their benefits and shortcomings. You have to decide which ones work better for you. Remember you can either walk your way to heath or cycle your way to heath but you have to lead yourself to the doors of health.