Which Workout Is Better For You: Running Or Spinning?

Deciding whether to tap it back or pound the pavement can be as tough a question to answer as what Sex and the City character you are, which is why having experts weigh in on the pros and cons of both popular workouts can be helpful. So, should you be clipping in or lacing up your sneakers? Turns out, like so much of life, the answer is complicated.

That’s because each exercise offers plenty of healthy body (and mind) benefits. “A lot of the same muscle groups are worked in both—just in different manners,” says Vinnie Miliano, a certified run coach at Mile High Run Club in New York City. Really, when it comes to deciding which is best for you, it’s all about your goals.

To Tone Your Total Body: Running

Both exercises are great for your legs, glutes and thighs. But “core stabilization plays a much stronger role in running than in spinning and takes a lot more work to strengthen,” Vinnie says. “Arms also play bigger role as a lot of propulsion comes from the chest and lats and general arm mobility.”

To Increase Your Metabolic Rate: Spinning

The high-intensity intervals in a spin class “create an oxygen deficit, which the body makes up for in recovery time,” says Alex Robinson, managing lead instructor at Flywheel Sports, who’s also a certified personal trainer and performance enhancement specialist. It’s called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, or EPOC, and it may last up to 36 hours after the workout. “This means you’re burning extra calories during rest for up to a day and a half,” he explains.

To Boost Your Mood: Both

Any cardio junkie will admit the post-workout endorphin rush is downright addictive—and there’s plenty of science to support the healthy benefits physical activity has on your emotions. “Clinical trials have successfully used exercise to treat anxiety disorders and depression,” Alex says. “Exercise reduces the body’s levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.” Translation: You’ll feel happier overall whether you run or cycle. Win-win.

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