Best way to handle statistics?

[Eiolon]

I am creating an app that will have statistics generated for users and their activity.  I know of at least two ways to get the statistics (if there are other more practical methods please tell) and am looking for advice for the best one to use.

 

Method 1: Query the database using joins between the tables for the info I need

 

Method 2: When inserting records into the tables, I would also insert into a statistics table the info that I would be calling up

 

Thanks!