Cycling compared to other sports

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In order to maintain good health, Australian adults should get 30 mins of exercise most days.

 Cycling is an excellent form of fitness as it is low impact but gives the benefit of increased aerobic and cardiovascular fitness.

 TYPICAL ACTIVITIES

CALORIES USED/MIN

(70 kg per)

  BODY IMPACT SPEED OF TRAVEL
 CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS  BENEFITS
 Jogging 10.2  High  5-10km/h  Medium/High  Good for weight loss, hard on knees & back
 Walking 4.2  Low   4.8km/h  Low  Low impact, not optimal for weight loss, useful, can substitute car trips up to 3km
 Swimming
(Laps at a moderate pace)		  10.8  Very low   N/A  Medium/High  Not optimal for weight loss, very low
impact, great aerobic fitness

 CYCLING
Exercise

 9.6

Low

20 km/h

Medium

 Weight loss
Low impact
Aerobic fitness
Can be a substitute for car trips of up to 20km
Can save money and time
 
 

 CYCLING
Racing or Leisure

12

Low

 24 km/h

 High/Vigorous

CYCLING
Training/Racing
(no drafting)

 19.2

Low

>32km/h

 High/Vigorous

 CYCLING
(Stationary Bike)

 8.4

Low

150 watts

 Moderate

  Low impact, aerobic fitness
 Contact sport
(eg: Rugby)		  12  High  N/A  High  Good all round fitness, chance of injury dependant on the sport
 Other (eg: Tennis) 8.4  Medium  N/A   Medium/High Good all round fitness. Social activity which enhances motor coordination

 Source: R, Greig, Cycling Promotion Fund, the School of Human Movement, University of Western Australia, 2006