Its astonishing that so many enthusiasts of endurance sports still believe that running is the ultimate test of stamina, while cycling and swimming are somehow inferior. The fact is, the physiological demands of each sport are distinct and cannot be directly compared. However, if were going to make sweeping claims about which sport builds the most endurance, lets at least examine the data.
What empirical evidence is there to suggest that the cardiovascular adaptations induced by high-intensity interval training in running are more effective at increasing VO2max than the same training protocols applied to cycling or swimming? Can anyone provide a credible study that demonstrates a significant difference in the aerobic capacity of elite athletes across these three sports?
Furthermore, how do proponents of running as the superior endurance builder explain the fact that elite cyclists and swimmers often exhibit higher lactate thresholds and greater anaerobic capacity than their running counterparts? Is it not possible that the unique biomechanical demands of each sport dictate different physiological adaptations, and that each sport has its own distinct endurance profile?
Lets put the tired clichés aside and examine the actual science. What evidence do we have to support the claim that running is the ultimate test of endurance, and that cycling and swimming are somehow lesser pursuits?
What empirical evidence is there to suggest that the cardiovascular adaptations induced by high-intensity interval training in running are more effective at increasing VO2max than the same training protocols applied to cycling or swimming? Can anyone provide a credible study that demonstrates a significant difference in the aerobic capacity of elite athletes across these three sports?
Furthermore, how do proponents of running as the superior endurance builder explain the fact that elite cyclists and swimmers often exhibit higher lactate thresholds and greater anaerobic capacity than their running counterparts? Is it not possible that the unique biomechanical demands of each sport dictate different physiological adaptations, and that each sport has its own distinct endurance profile?
Lets put the tired clichés aside and examine the actual science. What evidence do we have to support the claim that running is the ultimate test of endurance, and that cycling and swimming are somehow lesser pursuits?