Running vs. Biking

Bigger Burn: Running vs. Biking

by 16

I love my bike and my running shoes equally. But some days, the open road and the wind in my hair call to me, while other days I just want to feel my feet connected to the Earth. Let's see how these two compare when it comes to burning calories.

Source: Thinkstock
FitnessRunningQuizCalories BurnedFitness QuizCyclingRunning QuizBiking QuizRunning Vs Biking

16 Comments

LeiraElle LeiraElle
Oh, how I wish I could run! I've injured one knee three times, so I simply can't pick up running. Its a shame cycling doesn't provide the same benefits, BUT I love it, and at least my knees will last a lot longer than a runner's!
Vanonymous Vanonymous
I like biking and running and I make a point to do both. For me, biking ends up being a better workout because I can do it for so much longer. I can run 6mph for 30 - 45 min. before I feel beat. However, I can bike at an average of 12mph (on very hilly terrain) for 2 1/2 hours. Obviously, for me, my biking workout burns more calories.
Kellanawida Kellanawida
4/4....I surprised myself, so used to working in kilometres!
mrsld mrsld
Fit- How can I burn off a beer by biking less minutes then running but if I want a work out it is opposite? http://www.fitsugar.com/10-Ways-Work-Off-Summer-Beer-3571679
mrsld mrsld
Fit- How can I burn off a beer by biking less minutes then running but if I want a work out it is opposite? http://www.fitsugar.com/10-Ways-Work-Off-Summer-Beer-3571679
genipher85 genipher85
WOW! I got 4 out of 4 correct! I just guessed for all because I really hadn't a clue. But i figured running burned more than biking...
inlove23 inlove23
I love running. I can defiantly feel it working every muscle in my body =)
katie225 katie225
i hate running because it's extremely painful and boring. cycling is better for your joints all around, and no amount of running could ever match up to the high i get from a great cycle class!EITHER WAY, everyone needs to do what they LOVE, otherwise they're not going to stick with it. so if you love running, keep doing it! if you love cycling, keep doing it! as long as you stay active and have fun doing it, who cares about the calorie burn? :)
katie225 katie225
i hate running because it's extremely painful and boring. cycling is better for your joints all around, and no amount of running could ever match up to the high i get from a great cycle class! EITHER WAY, everyone needs to do what they LOVE, otherwise they're not going to stick with it. so if you love running, keep doing it! if you love cycling, keep doing it! as long as you stay active and have fun doing it, who cares about the calorie burn? :)
I agree that these speeds are kind of pathetic. If you want to lose weight or at least stay the weight you are, you've got to sweat. My mom and I can get up to 30+km/h and we can hold that for tens of kms.
I have a problem with this poll too. 5mph, isn't technically running, as anything slower than a 10 minute mile pace (6mph) is considered jogging or walking. Riding one's bike at 10mph is like getting on a beach cruiser and chilling out. I don't think the values you have picked are truly valid for comparison. Although running burns more calories in a shorter time, the benefits from cycling are endless and i think it's a bit unfair that you sway the poll to favor running. It's not always about how many calories you burn but doing what you enjoy.
valleycycler valleycycler
The problem with this poll is that the speeds listed for cycling and running aren't comparable. Running at 5 mph isn't fast, but it's still a workout. Biking at 10 mph, however, is extremely leisurely. You should really be comparing 6 mph running to 14 mph biking, which are both good but not SUPER intense workouts, and are comparable in calories burned.
valleycycler valleycycler
The problem with this poll is that the speeds listed for cycling and running aren't comparable. Running at 5 mph isn't fast, but it's still a workout. Biking at 10 mph, however, is extremely leisurely. You should really be comparing 6 mph running to 14 mph biking, which are both good but not SUPER intense workouts, and are comparable in calories burned.
spacekatgal spacekatgal
Wanting to get more into biking. Ahh! ^_^
spacekatgal spacekatgal
Hey Fit, I'm wanting to more into biking. I was hoping you'd write an article sometime introducing newbies to the sport. I want to get a good used bike off Craig's List, but don't know what I need to look for. I'd really appreciate any advice.
spacekatgal spacekatgal
Hey Fit, I'm wanting to more into biking. I was hoping you'd write an article sometime introducing newbies to the sport. I want to get a good used bike off Craig's List, but don't know what I need to look for. I'd really appreciate any advice.
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