Introduction

As we age, maintaining good health becomes a top priority, and for many of us, joint health is a significant concern. It is no secret that our knees take the brunt of our body weight, making them more susceptible to wear and tear. This begs the question – what is better for our knees, biking or walking?

Benefits of walking

Walking is a low impact exercise that is great for improving cardiovascular health and weight loss. It also strengthens muscles around the knees, which can help to alleviate knee pain. According to a study published in the Arthritis Research and Therapy Journal, walking can improve knee osteoarthritis symptoms and reduce pain.

One of the significant advantages of walking over biking is that it can be done anywhere, without the need for any special equipment. It is also a weight-bearing exercise, which helps to improve bone density.

Benefits of biking

Cycling is a low impact exercise that is also beneficial for cardiovascular health and weight loss. It is easier on the knees than running, and there is less impact on the joints. Cycling can also help to improve knee flexibility and mobility.

According to a study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, cycling can be a good form of rehabilitation for those recovering from knee injuries. It can help to improve knee joint function and reduce pain.

Comparing the two

Both walking and biking have their benefits, but which one is better for your knees? According to the Arthritis Foundation, both activities are good for joint health. However, if you have knee pain, cycling may be a better option as it puts less stress on the knee joint.

Another advantage of cycling over walking is that it can be a more efficient way to burn calories. According to the American Council on Exercise, a person who weighs 150 pounds can burn 298 calories in 30 minutes of moderate cycling, compared to 136 calories burned during a 30-minute walk at a moderate pace.

How to prevent knee injuries

Whether you choose to walk or bike, it is important to take steps to prevent knee injuries. Here are some tips:

– Wear proper footwear with cushioned soles to absorb shock.
– Warm up before exercise to increase blood flow to the muscles.
– Stretch before and after exercise to improve flexibility and range of motion.
– Gradually increase the intensity of your workout to avoid overdoing it.
– Incorporate strength training exercises to build muscle around the knee joint.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both biking and walking have their benefits for joint health. However, cycling may be a better option for those with knee pain as it puts less stress on the knee joint. Regardless of which activity you choose, it is essential to take steps to prevent knee injuries and gradually increase the intensity of your workout.

Sources:

– https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/walking/12-benefits-of-walking
– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6180201/
– https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1440244016300629
– https://www.arthritis-health.com/blog/which-better-your-knees-biking-or-walking
– https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/6463/walking-vs-cycling-which-one-is-right-for-you/