Urban cycling v/s hiking: Which one is better?
What's the story
Urban cycling and hiking are two of the most popular outdoor activities that come with a plethora of health benefits.
While both of them are physically demanding, they serve different preferences and conditions.
Urban cycling is commonly preferred for its ease in urban environments, while hiking offers a more nature-centric experience.
Knowing the unique benefits of each can help you decide which suits you best.
Heart health
Cardiovascular health boost
Both urban cycling and hiking serve as excellent cardio workouts.
Cycling through urban areas can improve heart function by elevating heart rate and increasing blood flow.
Hiking on different terrains also prompts the heart to pump better, thus minimizing the risk of heart disease in the long run.
Regularly indulging in either of the activities can improve your cardiovascular system.
Mind matters
Mental well-being enhancement
Engaging in urban cycling or hiking positively impacts mental well-being.
Cycling through cityscapes feels liberating and also keeps stress levels at bay by releasing endorphins.
Meanwhile, hiking helps you reconnect with the nature, which has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by up to 20%.
Both give you a chance to relax your mind.
Muscle power
Muscle strengthening benefits
Since urban cycling involves a continuous pedaling motion, it primarily targets lower body muscles like quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.
Hiking also engages a number of muscle groups including legs, core muscles to maintain balance on uneven paths, and even upper body while using trekking poles.
Regularly indulging in either activity leads to better muscle tone and strength.
Burn rate
Calorie burning potential
Both activities are great calorie-burners but vary slightly on how intense terrain-wise can the rides/hikes get.
Urban cyclists can burn about 400-600 calories an hour depending upon pace, hikers could burn about 430-550 calories hourly depending on trail conditions.
They're both ideal for weight-management efforts without expensive gym memberships or gear investments beyond basics like helmets or sturdy shoes, making it accessible across diverse budgets globally today.