Does running and bike riding work the same muscles? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Grondar · 09-13-2004, 05:31 PM

Heya everyone.

I realize that running and bike riding are both going to work the legs, but I was wondering if the two activities will work different parts of the legs, or are they both doing the same thing?

I ask because I run two miles or so every day, but was wondering if also riding a stationary bike at night (when I have energy but it's too late to go out), would possibly excersize different leg muscles, or if running and biking work the same portions of the leg?

Furthermore, I am not running to develop my legs (I'd lift weights to do that), but I figure if biking and running target different parts of the leg, I may be able to run and bike on the same day without really fatiguing a specific area.

Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated. Apologies if I made this more complicated than it needs to be.

mockster · 09-13-2004, 07:32 PM

Bike riding is easier on your knees than running. Biking tends to use more of your quads and thighs. Running uses more of your calves.

Paradise Lost · 09-13-2004, 07:41 PM

Yeah, like Mockster said, running really targets calves, probably targets hamstrings
too, don't really know, I just know my calves hurt after starting running two weeks
ago. Biking of course works your top thigh muscles (unless you have clipped pedals
in which case you could train your hamstrings too - I believe, might just be another
motion for your upper thighs again.)

Most people who train for Triathalons and stuff can easily do both workouts in the
same day, and most people who are into fitness kinda recommend it.

Run every other day for about 12 weeks, then move up to 4 days, then to 5, and bike
every day, since it's not anywhere near as tough on your legs.

Rodney · 09-13-2004, 10:47 PM

This may not be an issue for you yet, but biking is a non-impact exercise. When you run, every footfall sends a small jolt up your spine, puts a strain on joints, etc. Bicycling puts no such strain on your skeletal system; the motion is smooth. I know people who've been biking extensively for 30 years, but I don't know anyone who's been a serious runner for that long; eventually, injuries get them.

sailor · 09-14-2004, 06:26 AM

The same basic muscles: yes. In the same way? No. I cycle exclusively, and let me tell you--even though I can ride 50 miles, I cant run more than 3 miles without being *obscenely* sore the next day. Sure, they both kick ass on your legs, but in a much different way (if that makes any sense).

I doubt you would be able to do both of them hard in the same day without overtraining. Cycling *will* develop your legs, though. All the amateur riders I know have bigger, more well defined legs than anyone Ive ever seen who wasnt a professional bodybuilder.

And while cycling is a non-impact sport, don't think that it isnt without its injuries--Im dealing with a nasty bit of tendonitis in my knees from trying to adapt too quickly to the hillier terrain up here at school.

hilbert25 · 09-14-2004, 07:24 PM

Running and biking are quite different in terms of what they work. The only thing they really work the same is your cardiovascular system. I use a bike sometimes when I can't run, and the next day some random muscle or another that I never knew I had is always sore.

Running is much higher impact, but I've known people who have run for 30 years, 40 years, and more. So I wouldn't be too worried.

Paradise Lost · 09-14-2004, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hilbert25

Running is much higher impact, but I've known people who have run for 30 years, 40 years, and more. So I wouldn't be too worried.

My dad being one of those people, started when he was about 13, now
he's 54.

Delirious · 09-16-2004, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailor

The same basic muscles: yes. In the same way? No. I cycle exclusively, and let me tell you--even though I can ride 50 miles, I cant run more than 3 miles without being *obscenely* sore the next day. Sure, they both kick ass on your legs, but in a much different way (if that makes any sense).

I definitely have the same problem. I can ride long distance but the other day I figured I would try and run a few miles, after I was done with the first one I had enough..

sailor · 09-16-2004, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delirious

I definitely have the same problem. I can ride long distance but the other day I figured I would try and run a few miles, after I was done with the first one I had enough..

Yeah. The aerobic system is there, but the legs are not. Funny considering how effing huge most cyclists' legs are.

nukeu666 · 09-22-2004, 05:07 AM

what are clipped pedals?

Grondar · 09-22-2004, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nukeu666

what are clipped pedals?

Clipped pedals are a special type of pedal that allows the rider to "clip" onto, so that he or she can get more out of their "rotation."

Here is a picture of a clipped pedal:

You would need to buy special shoes that clip/lock onto the pedal, so you would need both clipped pedals, and shoes that are compatible with the pedals.

I am not sure if I am totally right about getting more out of your pedaling with clipped pedals or not. I know what they are, and have seen them before, but I am just assuming what the benefits are, and that can be a mistake.

I'm sure there is someone here that is more familiar with the benefits of using clipped pedals that could provide more, and better, info.

Take care.

sailor · 09-22-2004, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grondar

I'm sure there is someone here that is more familiar with the benefits of using clipped pedals that could provide more, and better, info.

You got most of it. There are three main benefits:

1: Being clipped in allows you to use both sides of the stoke. When clipped in, you can pull up as well as push down. Allows you a much more efficient "spin", which is much more efficient than "mashing".

2: Puts you closer to the pedal and wastes less energy. Hard pedal, hard cleat, hard shoe. With tennis shoes, some of your energy is going to compressing the padding in the bottom of the shoe instead of moving the pedal. While it sounds kind of far fetched, it most certainly makes a difference and is one that I can feel. It essentially makes you part of the pedal instead of just pushing on it. The shoes are very stiff. Road shoes basically dont bend. Mine are made of carbon fiber and have absolutely no flex. Mountain shoes have a bit more flex, but still have a hard carbon or (usually) steel shank in them to get the most efficient transfer of pedalling motion to pedal as possible.

3: Your feet arent going to slip off. Especially important in mountain biking, but also in road cycling. Dont want your foot to come off of the pedal when you dig in to sprint it up a hill past someone.

They are also, believe it or not, easier to get out of than toe clips. Toe clips are a good way to break an ankle. An much lighter than normal pedals. Theres really no reason not to go with clipless for serious riding other than the cost of having to buy pedals ($50-$300), cleats ($20-$50) and shoes ($70-$300). Most people go to the lower end of those prices obviously, but the crazy light, stiff, and esoteric stuff is out there for those who want them.

Anibal5 · 10-06-2004, 05:12 AM

Sailer is generally on the money
BASIC rule of anything is "You get good at what you do"
Its that simple
If you ride a bike you will get good at that .. not running
If you want to run then run!
If you want both .. then your going to have to train smart

Nazggul · 10-15-2004, 03:36 PM

Just for the record, those pedals are actually called "Clipless" pedals. Sounds odd I know, but they are called that because the old stirup type pedals were called Toe Clips. Therefore when you remove them the new pedals were referred to as Clipless.

As for the original question, running and biking on the same day isn't something you should do unless you have a solid base of fitness in BOTH sports. Some would say that is a minimum of 6 months to a year. If your workouts are just easy aerobic workouts you can likely start sooner. However, more demanding targeted workouts will more than likely cause injury unless you are well prepared.

That said there are two ways you can approach stacking running and cycling in the same day. First, a straightforward "double". A double would be like doing your run workout in the morning and doing your bike workout in the evening, giving your body the mid day to recover. A far more demanding workout is what is known as a Brick. This is stacking the running and the biking in the same workout. Triathletes do this to practice transitions from cycling to running. Essentially you would warm up appropriately on the bike, usually in a trainer at a track facility. Once you are warmed up do say 6 to 10 minutes on the bike at or just below threashold. At your desired time limit jump off the bike, put on your running shoes and do a mile tempo or race pace run. That is a brick. Usually the workout consists of 4 to 6 Bricks or more.

It really just all depends on your personal goals. Some really good articles and training tips are available at Active.com

thingstodo · 10-16-2004, 06:01 AM

I always thought it was funny to call them clipless when they really do clip. I've also read that you improve your pedal efficiency by 20%. I found I could immediately add distance when I first got them for a cross bike that I rode on the street. Went from 20 miles to 30 miles a ride in less than two weeks on that heavy bike. That's what convinced me to switch to a road bike and I've never looked back. I now ride a Klein that I can hold with one finger.

stardome · 10-20-2004, 01:00 AM

This may be an old thread but i totally agree with what Sailer and Anibal5 are saying.

I tried using RPM (or Spinning i think you call it in the US - anyway, a cycle class at the gym) to train for soccer one summer. I was superfit at cycling, but when it came to running, i was not fit in that running has the resistance of your feet hitting the road and pushing off, which obviously cycling does not have. Treadmills are the same - because they have the treadmill running underneath you, your legs do not get use to having to push off to keep forward momentum going.

If you want to get fit for running - run
If you want to get fit for cycling - cycle.
Use other methods to break up your training regime so it doens't get too boring!
Otherwise its like diet - everything in moderation!

09-13-2004, 05:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
Grondar Junkie Location: Pa, USA	Does running and bike riding work the same muscles? Heya everyone. I realize that running and bike riding are both going to work the legs, but I was wondering if the two activities will work different parts of the legs, or are they both doing the same thing? I ask because I run two miles or so every day, but was wondering if also riding a stationary bike at night (when I have energy but it's too late to go out), would possibly excersize different leg muscles, or if running and biking work the same portions of the leg? Furthermore, I am not running to develop my legs (I'd lift weights to do that), but I figure if biking and running target different parts of the leg, I may be able to run and bike on the same day without really fatiguing a specific area. Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated. Apologies if I made this more complicated than it needs to be. __________________ "Yes, I rather like this God fellow. He's very theatrical, you know, a pestilence here, a plague there. Omnipotence. Gotta get me some of that." -Stewie

09-13-2004, 07:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
Paradise Lost "Afternoon everybody." "NORM!" Location: Poland, Ohio // Clarion University of PA.	Yeah, like Mockster said, running really targets calves, probably targets hamstrings too, don't really know, I just know my calves hurt after starting running two weeks ago. Biking of course works your top thigh muscles (unless you have clipped pedals in which case you could train your hamstrings too - I believe, might just be another motion for your upper thighs again.) Most people who train for Triathalons and stuff can easily do both workouts in the same day, and most people who are into fitness kinda recommend it. Run every other day for about 12 weeks, then move up to 4 days, then to 5, and bike every day, since it's not anywhere near as tough on your legs. __________________ "Marino could do it."

09-14-2004, 06:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
sailor beauty in the breakdown Location: Chapel Hill, NC	The same basic muscles: yes. In the same way? No. I cycle exclusively, and let me tell you--even though I can ride 50 miles, I cant run more than 3 miles without being obscenely sore the next day. Sure, they both kick ass on your legs, but in a much different way (if that makes any sense). I doubt you would be able to do both of them hard in the same day without overtraining. Cycling will develop your legs, though. All the amateur riders I know have bigger, more well defined legs than anyone Ive ever seen who wasnt a professional bodybuilder. And while cycling is a non-impact sport, don't think that it isnt without its injuries--Im dealing with a nasty bit of tendonitis in my knees from trying to adapt too quickly to the hillier terrain up here at school. __________________ "Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." --Plato

09-22-2004, 05:07 AM	#10 (permalink)
nukeu666 Junkie Location: India	what are clipped pedals? __________________ Why did the Comp. Engineer get X-mas and Halloween mixed up? Because Oct(31) == Dec(25)

10-06-2004, 05:12 AM	#13 (permalink)
Anibal5 Tilted Location: Brisbane Australia	Sailer is generally on the money BASIC rule of anything is "You get good at what you do" Its that simple If you ride a bike you will get good at that .. not running If you want to run then run! If you want both .. then your going to have to train smart __________________ Forgiveness is like the fragrance a flower gives after it's been stepped on.

09-13-2004, 07:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
mockster Upright Location: Pennsylvania	Bike riding is easier on your knees than running. Biking tends to use more of your quads and thighs. Running uses more of your calves.

09-13-2004, 10:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	This may not be an issue for you yet, but biking is a non-impact exercise. When you run, every footfall sends a small jolt up your spine, puts a strain on joints, etc. Bicycling puts no such strain on your skeletal system; the motion is smooth. I know people who've been biking extensively for 30 years, but I don't know anyone who's been a serious runner for that long; eventually, injuries get them.

09-14-2004, 07:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
hilbert25 Psycho Location: nOvA	Running and biking are quite different in terms of what they work. The only thing they really work the same is your cardiovascular system. I use a bike sometimes when I can't run, and the next day some random muscle or another that I never knew I had is always sore. Running is much higher impact, but I've known people who have run for 30 years, 40 years, and more. So I wouldn't be too worried.

10-15-2004, 03:36 PM	#14 (permalink)
Nazggul Psycho Location: San Francisco	Just for the record, those pedals are actually called "Clipless" pedals. Sounds odd I know, but they are called that because the old stirup type pedals were called Toe Clips. Therefore when you remove them the new pedals were referred to as Clipless. As for the original question, running and biking on the same day isn't something you should do unless you have a solid base of fitness in BOTH sports. Some would say that is a minimum of 6 months to a year. If your workouts are just easy aerobic workouts you can likely start sooner. However, more demanding targeted workouts will more than likely cause injury unless you are well prepared. That said there are two ways you can approach stacking running and cycling in the same day. First, a straightforward "double". A double would be like doing your run workout in the morning and doing your bike workout in the evening, giving your body the mid day to recover. A far more demanding workout is what is known as a Brick. This is stacking the running and the biking in the same workout. Triathletes do this to practice transitions from cycling to running. Essentially you would warm up appropriately on the bike, usually in a trainer at a track facility. Once you are warmed up do say 6 to 10 minutes on the bike at or just below threashold. At your desired time limit jump off the bike, put on your running shoes and do a mile tempo or race pace run. That is a brick. Usually the workout consists of 4 to 6 Bricks or more. It really just all depends on your personal goals. Some really good articles and training tips are available at Active.com __________________ "If something has to give then it always will." -- Editors

10-16-2004, 06:01 AM	#15 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	I always thought it was funny to call them clipless when they really do clip. I've also read that you improve your pedal efficiency by 20%. I found I could immediately add distance when I first got them for a cross bike that I rode on the street. Went from 20 miles to 30 miles a ride in less than two weeks on that heavy bike. That's what convinced me to switch to a road bike and I've never looked back. I now ride a Klein that I can hold with one finger. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

10-20-2004, 01:00 AM	#16 (permalink)
stardome Upright Location: New Zealand	This may be an old thread but i totally agree with what Sailer and Anibal5 are saying. I tried using RPM (or Spinning i think you call it in the US - anyway, a cycle class at the gym) to train for soccer one summer. I was superfit at cycling, but when it came to running, i was not fit in that running has the resistance of your feet hitting the road and pushing off, which obviously cycling does not have. Treadmills are the same - because they have the treadmill running underneath you, your legs do not get use to having to push off to keep forward momentum going. If you want to get fit for running - run If you want to get fit for cycling - cycle. Use other methods to break up your training regime so it doens't get too boring! Otherwise its like diet - everything in moderation!