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Walking and cycling are highly effective cardiovascular exercises for weight loss.
Walking is the easiest exercise that could do miracles for your body. (Representative/Shutterstock)
Weight loss is a challenging task. While some sweat for hours in the gym, others resort to fasting. When it comes to losing those extra pounds, there is no dearth of exercise. Cycling and walking have emerged as popular choices for people trying to lose weight. They are effective and easiest forms of physical activity.
Walking and cycling are highly effective cardiovascular exercises for weight loss. They must form an integral part of your balanced fitness routine.
These exercises increase your heart rate, burn calories and promote fat burning, making it an ideal choice for people looking to lose extra weight. But what’s more effective?
Benefits of Walking
Walking is considered one of the best exercises and is free; all you just need is a good pair of shoes for your comfort. It is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. Just 30 minutes of walking each day can improve cardiovascular fitness, and bone strength, reduce excess body fat and increase muscle power and endurance.
Not just weight loss, walking can also help reduce the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even some cancers.
Benefits of Cycling
Cycling, on the other hand, requires a pair of shoes, a good quality cycle and safety gear to avoid any injury. It has a lower impact than walking. It is gentle to your knees and hips since pedalling provides support, therefore you don’t have to hold your body up as much. Cycling for at least 30 minutes every day can have several significant benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management and mental health.
What’s better?
When it comes to burning calories, cycling is considered a better workout than cycling, especially if you’re looking for a more intense workout session. However, walking is still excellent for overall health and accessibility and the best choice depends on your individual goals and fitness level.
Cycling tends to benefit those who love intense workouts, a faster pace and have less time to exercise due to their busy schedule. Cycling at a moderate pace burns more calories than walking at a moderate speed. In addition, cycling allows you to improve your lower-body strength.
If you find cycling difficult due to back pain, or joint pain or experience discomfort when sitting for a longer period, you can opt for walking for weight loss.
Walking is the easiest exercise that could do miracles to your body. You can use weight-bearing dumbbells or products to make it more effective. It is beneficial for those who have bone density issues, back pain or limited funds to spend on a cycle and safety gear.
What would you opt for? Walking or cycling?
