Getting Fit: Running or Cycling?

So, you want to get fit? You have made the decision that round is out, that the clothes you see people wear on TV are the ones you want to get into, and your significant other made 'a comment,' about your appearance.

Successful fitness programs revolve around choice and compliance. You decide you want to get fit and you decide to comply. So now -- WHAT DO I DO?

Get basic … pick a sport, one that is available and popular and of some interest. "I used to run in high school," "I do have a bike-it isn't beautiful, but with some new tires, it will work."

Cyclists and runners rank amongst the world's most fit people. Seen the Tour de France or the New York Marathon? Yes, these people are fit AND those people are thin, meaning "I CAN get into those clothes!"

Running (also called jogging)
A sport that has been around a long time, and popular since we were hunters and gatherers. As a training tool, jogging and running can produce excellent aerobic fitness. It is also an inexpensive and convenient sport requiring only running shoes, some simple apparel and your time.

The idea is to run off more calories than you put while working your arms and legs. Adding hills and intervals will increase the work. Using a heart rate monitor will give you an accurate idea of your heart zone so you can "zone in" on fat expenditure and avoid over-training. You can avoid climate problems using a treadmill while also getting the same or better workout by adjusting the grade or resistance.

By the way, running is the faster version of jogging and it comes in different flavors-distances, terrains, and speeds. I suggest starting with a reasonable goal and training period. For instance, start with a local 5K event and finish it even if you walk across the finish line. Then, proudly wear your commemorative T-shirt.

Make sure you recover from your runs or jogs by drinking enough water, eating nutritiously, and getting enough rest. Any fitness program will fail if you do not get enough rest and recuperation, eat properly, and take care of yourself (vitamins, sleep, etc). You CAN do this.

Cycling
Bicycles are everywhere -- clubs, homes, on the road and on the trails. This sport is a bit more complicated than running and more expensive -- requiring a functional and safe bike, clothing, gloves and a helmet. Other issues include bike maintenance, flat repair, comfort upgrades and glasses. In a city environment, outdoor cycling may be limited to closed parks on certain days, but with an indoor trainer, your computer, and NetAthlon software, you can even change that and live in downtown New York, but be cycling the back roads of China! Generally, it takes longer to get fit with cycling because you are using the machine's efficiency to help you cover distance, and its momentum overcomes gravity during the workout. The usual energy conversion is one mile running to approximately 5 miles of cycling. Practically speaking, then, you need to stay on the bike longer to burn the same number of calories.

But cycling does take you outdoors so that you can tour the countryside while getting fit. You get to go up hills and then enjoy the downhill. It is easier to carry food while cycling, so it can become an all day affair and lead to greater weight loss (remember the clothes) and improved fitness (remember the doctor talk).

Cycling also lends itself to group activity (remember the significant other). In the last few years, Spinning, indoor group cycling using special trainers with an instructor, has gained popularity and has, in some cases, replaced aerobics classes. This can be a motivating way to get into cycling and improve fitness while meeting many new fitness minded people. Known for its "high energy," Spinning will definitely help you lose weight.

Cycling has other advantages over running: it is non-impact (as long as you don't fall off your bike or get run over) so if your knees are a problem and your doctor prefers you stay away from running, cycling is the better option. You can use cycling as a tour vehicle to visit the French countryside, etc. Cycling events are held all over the world and are often well organized with various levels of energy commitment - you finish when you finish, and if you are too slow, a van will sweep you off the course and get you home! Cycling is a low-injury sport and can be enjoyed life-long.

Whatever sport you choose, give it "the full shot," meaning stick with it for at least 3 months before you think that this is not for you. Both sports have an enormous fun factor and the fitness rewards cannot be overstated.