Question:
I walk 4 miles daily; is walking or bicycling better for you physically? 168 lbs lost

   — sudio45 (posted on September 15, 2003)

September 15, 2003
I'm far from an expert on exercise, so perhaps you'll get better answers than I have. My understanding is that walking is a nearly optimal exercise because it is weight-bearing and uses a large muscle group. Weight-bearing means that with each step you are lifting your entire body weight. That's supposed to help ward off osteoporosis, and continuous repetitions of it (about two miles worth of walking at a time) will eventually kick the big muscle group in our legs/buttocks over to burning fat for the next four to eight hours. I think bicycling doesn't do that for you. However, bicycling is more of a cardio work out. So, perhaps it depends on what you're trying to get out of the exercise...
   — Vespa R.

September 15, 2003
They both are great exercises. They both get your heart rate up and work major muscle groups. All that matters is which you enjoy so that you can keep it up long term. You will likely use the same muscles differently so there would be benefit in alternating between the. <p>You have done wonderful and obviously have embraced your new healthy life! Keep up the great work!
   — zoedogcbr

September 15, 2003
They're both good. You will get tired of just one, and your body will get used to the same exercise over and over and it will become harder to get a good work out. If you vary, you'll have more fun and success.
   — mrsmyranow

September 15, 2003
I'm certainly no expert on exercise, just a dedicated amateur, and I would have to say that each has it's own merits, and a combination of both could be a good thing. While the only way that I would ever run would be if I were being chased by a big ill tempered dog, just riding my bike (liesurely) dosen't get my heart rate up. But on short spurts I can accellerate up to 25-35 mph on the bike and really get my heart rate up there, and then cool down by coasting. Running would just be too much of a strain on these 'delicate' 350 lbs! Never have run, don't intend to take it up, the way I look at it, if the good Lord wanted me to run, he would've given me a pair of Nikes at birth. Throw in some swimming and light weight lifting and you will find yourself in prime physical condition. Every sport has it's own attributes, learn to use them to your advantage!
   — track