How does biking compare to running when it comes to calories burned?
The question is a little difficult to answer because although running is a continuous activity, biking (unless you consciously force yourself not too) usually involves some coasting, as when you go down a slight hill. You also will burn more calories when working to go UP a hill, and go for longer distances. So a lot depends on how you approach your cycling, the distance you go, and the terrain you ride on. For this reason, you would likely get a better overall workout from using an exercise bike at the gym instead of a recreational bicycle. Furthermore, you use different muscles to bike instead of run. I had the chance to do a lot of biking one summer, but when I tried running in the fall, I was slower than molasses! So one doesn’t perfectly “substitute” for the other, if that makes any sense. I think what’s most important is that you are engaged in some sort of regular exercise activity that you enjoy. If you “truly despise running”, then you wouldn’t stick to it, no matter what heal
