Six Reasons Why Biking Beats Jogging

Image by Rachel Samanyi

Outdoor running makes for a healthy and destressing routine that can jumpstart one’s day, or refresh someone after a long day indoors working or studying. Biking, though, provides most of the same benefits as running and is easier on the body, and, I would argue, more enjoyable.

Those looking to stay in shape should not necessarily ditch jogging altogether. But biking provides a better starting exercise for those looking to build a fitness routine for the first time in a while. It also provides a fun, relaxing alternative for regular fitness junkies.

Here’s why.

1. Biking is easier.

But isn’t exercise meant to be hard? Conventionally, yes. But the invention of the bicycle turned exercise convention upside down.

Willpower plays a major role in starting an exercise and continuing when the going gets tough. Running requires more built-up endurance, and therefore, more willpower. It’s much easier to say not today, that’s enough for now, or I’ll walk the rest out. But there are no comparable excuses with biking. Whether you’re going fast or slow, uphill or downhill, you’re still pedaling.

If you’re looking to get into shape quickly and already have rock-solid willpower, you may prefer jogging.