Effect of One Type of Cardio on Another

Bigger Stronger Leaner
1

Hi folks,

Assuming intensity and duration levels are the same, does one type of cardio help you with other types?

In other words, if I do, say, 20 minutes of skipping does that help me be less knackered doing 20 minutes of running?

2

Its roughly the same as weights I would assume. The more muscles you hit the better.

20mins of hard cycling is not going to shag you out the same as 20min hard running.

As cycling is 95% legs. Running takes serious core activation.

Fyi rowing is king.

3

Your cardiac and pulmonary function and capacity will be good, but the muscular conditioning, biomechanics and all of the nuances that make up the motion will be different.

For example, I can cycle at a good pace like for ever, but I’m a crappy unpracticed runner and gas out rather quickly, suck at holding a pace, and have a stiff, inefficient gait.

But I get my wind back and my pulse comes back down in short order when I stop.

3 Likes
4

Perfect, thanks guys that’s exactly what I thought.

5

I’m a firm believer in what Pavel calls the “what the heck effect” of kettlebell conditioning crossing over into other activities. I’ve taken the last several winters off running doing the following a few times a week

-Jump rope x 5 minutes
-AMRAPJump rope x100 + 20 kettlebell swings x12 minutes (I use 53lb)

  • AMRAP Jump rope x100 + 5 kettlebell snatches x8 minutes (35 or 53lb)
    -5 minutes of Turkish get ups (35lb) don’t rush these, just keep a steady pace
    -Jump rope x5 minutes

After 3 months of no running-at all- I can consistently go back out and knock off 4-5 miles on the trails to begin running again

6

I know this thread is old: In general you’re right on! But, try doing a sprint workout on a real bike, outdoors with 4-8 sprints from a dead or near stop in a high gear. You’ll get a lot of core activation!