Biking works best for me-why?!

Question
I have read that all cardio exercise is equal, but is it possible that some people respond better to certain types of cardio exercise, even if the length and intensity are the same as other kinds?
I enjoy bike riding, and can keep my belly down in the summer just by a couple hours a week pedalling around.
Even though I eat as much or less in the winter, a treadmil didnt help as much except give me sore knees, and our new elliptical-even after extended periods-does nothing.
Last week I got a bike trainer stand for converting my mountain bike to a stationary bike.
After a week my stomach is noticably flatter. I love it!
What gives? Is it the up and down motion of my short legs or something?
Thanks for your opinion!

Answer
Hi Sue,

First I do Not in anyway believe that all Cardio exercises are equal. Cardio exercises come in many forms and each has it benefits and drawbacks, besides that there have been numerous studies that show that things like cross country skiing burns far more calories per hour than walking and is better at increasing Aerobic Health.

The point may be valid if exercises were "purely" cardio or resistance, but exercise doesn't work that way, Cycling is actually a combination exercise which combines a good bit of cardio with some resistance. I can't think of any exercise that is purely aerobic or anaerobic. Even things like boxing builds muscle and things like weight training you have to breathe, so there is no true 100% Cardio or Resistance exercise unless you call deep breathing an exercise and even that causes a certain amount of resistance and builds lung muscles, so is not 100% Cardio.


Yes Cycling is a much better exercise than walking on a treadmill, that is because there is more resistance with cycling and when you do it outside it is even better than on a stationery bike. Walking and running are also higher impact than cycling since you are pounding your knees each time the foot hits the ground. While with cycling your feet and knees are actually being moved in a way to stimulate the synovial fluid in the joints. Cycling for 10 minutes at an average pace will not only burn calories while cycling but the muscle built will continue to burn some calories after the ride is finished. While this is true with either a stationery or a conventional bike, I believe it is more noticeable with a conventional bike.

Another thing at least with me is that I get bored to death on a treadmill, while I can ride my bike 30 or 50 miles and enjoy the countryside and even run a few errands. Much better. You are just proof of what most professionals have known all along. Keep Cycling.

Hpe this helps

Have a great day

Jerry