Cycling Versus Swimming: Which One Is Better For You?

Cycling and swimming are two popular sports and forms of exercise. Both of these activities offer a great cardio workout without being too tough on your joints, making them good options for people with joint pain or some injuries. But which one is better for you? Ultimately, the answer will depend on your fitness goals and exercise preferences.

According to Healthline, there are many health benefits of swimming. This exercise works your entire body to build strength and tone your muscles. It is an excellent cardiovascular workout that will strengthen your heart and lungs significantly over time. In fact, the CDC has found that swimmers have about half the risk of death as inactive individuals (via CDC). Because water provides a cushioning effect, swimming is a great exercise for people who cannot perform high-impact activities. The main downside to swimming is that you need a body of water available. Unless you have easy access to a lake or private pool, you will likely have to pay for a gym or recreation center membership to access a pool there.

Clearly, swimming is a great exercise to add to your routine. But cycling offers many benefits as well. Cycling is also a low-impact exercise that works your heart and lungs. According to Medical News Today, regularly cycling can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, help you manage your weight, and improve your mental health. Cycling mainly works your lower body, so it is great for people looking to improve the strength of their legs. While biking does not offer a full-body workout like swimming does, it is much more convenient. Once you have access to a bike, you can ride virtually anywhere and do not need to rely on a gym or recreation center to get your workout in.

So what's the final verdict? Both exercises are great and one isn't necessarily better than the other. While cycling is more convenient, it does not offer the same full-body workout as swimming. However, someone who lives in a busy city may find swimming at their local gym more doable than finding safe places to bike. Pick the exercise that works best for you and you'll reap many benefits.