Swimming vs running vs the exercise bike

Swimming vs running vs the exercise bike

Given a choice between swimming, running or working out on the exercise bike, which is the best way to get in shape? It depends on your fitness level, what you are trying to achieve and your personal preference.

Let me elaborate. While 3 exercises are wonderful aerobic workouts which let you burn calories, each has its advantages and disadvantages over the others.

Running To Lose Weight

Of the 3 forms of exercise, running burns the most calories per hour so if you are after the burn, I'd suggest you go for a run. Better yet if you run uphill as the steeper the slope, the more calories you burn.

Another advantage of running is, in my opinion, the lack of appetite right after a run. I have a huge appetite and after going for a run, I don't feel too hungry. Did you notice how thin runners are? Especially those who do long distance running.

If you want to get lean, and to lose weight fast, run every morning for at least 30 minutes each time.

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The Exercise Bike

If you get bored easily but love reading, I'd suggest you get an exercise bike. You can burn lots of calories with that bike, though not as much per hour as you might on a treadmill. However, you could cycle for hours while you read an engaging book and end up burning calories easily.

As with running, after riding the bike for half and hour or longer, even on an empty stomach, the first thing in the morning, I just don't feel like having breakfast. Not hungry. Won't be hungry for at least an hour or two later, so if you want to lose weight and running's to tough or too boring for you, get on the bike.

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Swimming As A Form Of Exercise

If you want to get fit, swimming is a great form of exercise. If you just want to lose weight, running or riding the bike would be a better bet.

Swimming is a great way to tone the entire body as with swimming, the entire body works hard, not just the legs. You get toned everywhere. You'd build muscle and broaden your shoulders too and muscle is heavy.

On top of that I find that after a good swim, I come out of the water ravenous and eat far more for dinner (I swam in the evenings) than I normally would. Swimming is a great exercise for guys who want to get lean and build muscle but if you want to reduce your size, go for a run instead.