Why do many swimmers prefer biking over running for cross- training?
Posted by Ray Gill
Filed under Cross Training Answers
I have heard from many swimmers that they prefer to bike for cross training rather than running? This is my preference too… im just curious… thanks in advance
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Think about the leg muscles being used.The one being used on a bike are almost the same as the ones you use when swimming.Swimmers bike because the can build the muscle endurance and fast twitch muscle fibers in them.Michael Phelps also used this method aswell.Running can be good as another form of cardio but it does cause pain for swimmers since their legs have gotten used to the water and their joints,muscles,etc arent as ready to run head on.So we prefer bikes.All around good use and one of the best for excercises.Good luck to You! Hope this helps
I’m not sure. I assume it is because biking is easier on the legs than running. Personally, I prefer running to biking.
running can place a lot more stress on the joints. i ran competitively from high school through part of college. i then got hurt and haven’t been able to run without being in pain since. now i bike xc and all-mountain and it doesn’t bother me.
shark fin hit the nail on the head, but a secondary reason is physical build…generally speaking, a good swimmer has short legs, huge feet, and a long torso…generally speaking, a good runner has average/small feet, long legs, and a short torso…so usually swimmers have a tough time running, just because they arent built to do so…michael phelps tried a running regimen once but it didnt work at all…he had all kinds of joint pain that ended up being counterproductive, just because hes not built for running
Yeah, I’m not much of a swimmer but I do know guys who are that cycle as cross training.. in fact all the swimmers I know do some cycling for it.
Actually a lot of us cyclists swim a bit for cross training too (the lung training stuff helps oh so much for long distance cycling).
So it seems cyclists and swimmers are allies in the sports world…