Quote:
Originally Posted by !nhan
How much of a disadvantage, or how much slower does riding a bike instead of running on a treadmill do in terms of cardio and fat burning. I only ask this because I have a leg problem which makes it hard to put lots of stress on my hip. Riding the bike is less painful than running.
TIA
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Carbs burning vs. fat burning is based on your intensity level, your heart rate during the workout. Regardless of any activity, even sitting, your body is always utilizing fat AND carbs, but of course in various %'s. The lower the intensity, the more % of fat you're burning, and in opposite, the higher the intensity, the more carbs you are burning. Keep in mind, a lower intensity workout should be extended in the length of the workout and higher intensity = shorter length.
With that said, cardio workouts is solely based on your interest. What I always tell my Clients is that your best cardio workout will be achieved when you are ENJOYING the activity. Your effort level is what counts at the end of the day. For some people, they use only one kind of machine, others like to alternate between all of them to keep things fresh.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RayBot
However, i prefer using SPIN bikes. IMO its a better feel and excercise.
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Spin bikes are pretty awesome, just got 2 new ones at my gym, people love them. Ever try a spin class?
I also alternate between bike and treadmill. However, for anyone who has already achieved a desired cardio fitness level, interval training is then best recommended to progressively overload your body, your cardio system.
Interval training I find best on the spin bike because it's less of a hassle when it comes to adjusting your resistence level, and speed you just control yourself anyway. Treadmills are a bit of a pain because you have to adjust both speed and incline, it's just a less productive method of interval training, IMO. But they are great for endurance, same speed, same incline for an extended period of time, if you can bare the boredom.
People who do interval training for a shorter amount of time will find their endurance level also improves. Before I started intervals, I would be able to run maybe 5k without stopping at jogging pace. After a couple months of interval training, I ran 7k+ and at a much higher speed.