Cycling and inline skating are both popular cardiovascular exercises that are typically done outdoors. In terms of heart rate, breathing rate and calories burned, cycling and inline skating are fairly similar and both compare well to jogging. Deciding which one to incorporate into your workout routine depends on personal preference and ability. The cost of inline skating may be somewhat less than cycling, although you may be unfamiliar with skating techniques and need to take lessons. Consult with your doctor about which exercise is more appropriate for your goals.
Inline Skating
Inline skates are supportive plastic boots with four or five narrow wheels attached in a line underneath. As such, inline skating is similar to ice skating and requires more balance than traditional roller skating. If you have a history of figure skating or playing ice hockey, inline skating may feel quite natural to you. Inline skating is usually done on paved paths designed for walking, jogging or biking, and is not recommended on streets for safety reasons.
Cycling
Cycling is an activity that most people are familiar with from childhood. As such, riding a bike does not require much of a learning curve for many adults and may be easier to enjoy compared to inline skating. Many different types of bikes exist, such as mountain bikes, which allow you more freedom to explore areas unreachable on inline skates.
Cardiovascular Comparison
Inline skating as a form of exercise is as beneficial as cycling and jogging, according to Dr. Carl Foster, coordinator of sports medicine and sports science for the U.S. National Speed Skating Team. Specifically, Dr. Foster found that inline skating at a steady rate for 30 minutes burns at least 285 calories and produces a heart rate of 148 beats per minute. In comparison, jogging burns 350 calories and cycling expends 360 calories during the same time frame, and both produce average heart rates of 148 beats per minute. With aggressive inline skating, called interval skating, calories burned can exceed 450 in 30 minutes.
Anaerobic Benefits
Anaerobic exercise is when you use up oxygen in your muscles more quickly than your body is able to replenish it, which does not improve the efficiency of your cardiovascular system, but does burn fat and strengthen muscle, as noted in the book “Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach.” According to Foster, inline skating is more anaerobically beneficial compared to cycling and jogging because it works the large muscles of the upper leg, buttocks, pelvis and low back. Compared to cycling, inline skating is a better exercise for your hamstring muscles and hips, and compared to jogging, inline skating is gentler on your joints.
References
- Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance; William D. McArdle et al.
- Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach; Dee Silverthorn and William Ober
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