Shredding Pounds: The Truth About Skateboarding as a Workout

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Skateboarding has long been seen as a popular and exciting recreational activity. But beyond the adrenaline-inducing tricks and stunts, one question still remains: is skateboarding really a form of exercise? While some may argue that it is simply a fun pastime, others believe that it can provide numerous physical benefits. In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of skateboarding and determine whether or not it truly qualifies as an exercise. So hang on to your decks and get ready to explore the health benefits of this iconic sport.

Skateboarding is a popular recreational activity that involves riding and performing tricks on a skateboard. It has been around for decades and has evolved into a highly skilled and competitive sport. Often considered as just a fun hobby, many people wonder whether skateboarding can actually be categorized as a form of exercise. In this article, we aim to delve deeper into the question – is skateboarding a exercise?

The Physical Demands of Skateboarding

At first glance, it may seem like skateboarding mainly involves standing on a board and rolling around, which may not seem like much of a workout. However, the truth is that skateboarding requires a significant amount of physical exertion.

Balance and Coordination – One of the fundamental requirements for skateboarding is balance. Maintaining control over the board while executing various maneuvers requires excellent coordination and a strong sense of balance. Without these skills, it would be nearly impossible to even stand on a skateboard, let alone perform tricks.

Cardiovascular Endurance – Skateboarding involves constant movement and requires the skater to propel themselves forward using their feet. This can be an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise as it gets your heart pumping and increases your endurance.

Muscle Strength – Skateboarders use almost every muscle in their body while riding – from their legs for pushing and balancing to their arms for steering and controlling the board’s direction. The muscles in the core also come into play as they help in maintaining balance while performing tricks.

Flexibility – In order to execute various tricks on a skateboard, one needs to have good flexibility in their joints and muscles. Ollies, kickflips, and other advanced tricks all require different ranges of motion from different parts of the body.

Mental Benefits – Skateboarding is not just physically demanding; it also challenges one mentally. Planning out tricks, overcoming fear, staying focused while executing them – all these require mental strength and concentration. It can also be a great stress reliever as it allows people to express themselves and get their mind off of everyday worries.

The Workout Potential of Skateboarding

So, now that we know that skateboarding demands physical effort, does it have any workout potential? The answer is yes! While skateboarding may not be a traditional form of exercise, it can still provide many health benefits to those who partake in it regularly.

Full-body Workout – Skateboarding works out almost every muscle in the body, from your legs and arms to your core. This full-body workout can help tone and strengthen your muscles over time.

Improved Balance – Maintaining balance on a skateboard requires using multiple muscle groups simultaneously, which eventually leads to improved balance. This can not only help in other physical activities but also reduce the risk of falls and injuries as we age.

Increases Flexibility – As mentioned earlier, skateboarding requires flexibility to perform certain tricks. Regularly practicing these tricks can increase the range of motion in joints and promote flexibility in muscles.

Burns Calories – Skateboarding is an intense physical activity that can burn a significant number of calories. While it may not be as effective as other forms of cardio exercise such as running or cycling, it is still a great way to stay active and burn calories.

Cardiovascular Benefits – Skateboarding involves continuous movement for extended periods, which is excellent for keeping the heart rate up and improving cardiovascular health. Regular skating sessions can help strengthen the heart muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of heart diseases.

Safety Measures for a Safe Skating Experience

While skateboarding can undoubtedly provide some great physical benefits, it comes with its fair share of risks. To ensure a safe experience while skating, here are some essential safety measures to keep in mind:

1. Wear Protective Gear – Always wear appropriate protective gear such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, to minimize the risk of injuries.

2. Choose the Right Location – Skate only in designated areas that are suitable for skateboarding, such as skate parks or smooth concrete surfaces. Avoid busy roads or crowded areas.

3. Learn the Basics – Before attempting any advanced tricks, make sure to learn and practice the basics first. This will help you build a strong foundation and minimize the risk of accidents.

4. Warm-up – Skating requires using muscles that may not get used in daily activities, so it is crucial to warm-up before you start skating to avoid straining muscles or causing injuries.

5. Stay Focused – Skateboarding requires a lot of focus and concentration, especially when performing tricks. Avoid skating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol as it impairs judgment and increases the risk of accidents.

In conclusion, skateboarding may not be considered a traditional form of exercise, but it undoubtedly requires a considerable amount of physical effort and can provide numerous health benefits. It challenges both the body and mind and promotes overall physical fitness. So, next time someone asks “Is skateboarding a exercise?” you can confidently answer with a resounding yes! Just remember to follow safety measures and enjoy this fun full-body workout activity!

The Benefits of Skateboarding as an Exercise

Skateboarding has been around for decades and has often been seen as a recreational activity rather than a proper form of exercise. However, recent studies have shown that skateboarding can provide numerous health benefits and can be considered a legitimate form of exercise. In fact, many professional athletes use skateboarding as a cross-training activity to improve their overall physical fitness. If you are wondering whether skateboarding is a real exercise, read on to discover the benefits it can bring to your body.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Skateboarding is an aerobic activity that requires constant movement and muscular effort. This means that it can improve your cardiorespiratory fitness, which is the ability of your heart and lungs to supply oxygen to your muscles during physical activity. By regularly participating in this sport, you can strengthen your heart and lungs, leading to improved endurance and overall physical fitness.

Balance and Coordination

One of the most important skills in skateboarding is balance. This sport requires individuals to maintain their balance while moving at high speeds on different surfaces. As you continue to practice and improve your skills, your balance will naturally improve as well. This translates into better coordination and proprioception – the sense of where your body is in relation to space. Good balance and coordination are essential for various daily activities and become increasingly important as we age.

Muscle Building

Skateboarding involves using almost every muscle in your body, from the upper body for steering and pushing off to the lower body for maintaining balance and performing tricks. Regular skating can help tone and strengthen these muscles, resulting in a leaner and more defined physique. Furthermore, since skateboarding involves constant movements that target specific muscle groups, it can also be considered a resistance training workout – which is necessary for building muscle mass.

Burns Calories

Did you know that skateboarding can burn as many calories as jogging? According to a study conducted by the American Council on Exercise, an hour of skateboarding can burn anywhere between 300 to 500 calories depending on your weight and intensity level. This is because skateboarding involves constant movement, similar to running or cycling, which can help you shed unwanted pounds and maintain a healthy weight.

Strengthens Core Muscles

Skateboarding requires individuals to engage their core muscles to maintain balance and perform tricks. Constantly engaging these muscles helps strengthen the core, which includes the abdominal muscles, lower back muscles, and pelvic floor. A strong core not only provides stability and balance but also reduces the risk of injury in daily activities.

Improves Mental Health

In addition to its physical benefits, skateboarding also has positive effects on mental health. As with any physical activity, skateboarding releases endorphins – feel-good hormones that promote a sense of well-being and reduce stress and anxiety. Furthermore, learning new tricks and challenging oneself in this sport can boost confidence and self-esteem. Skateboarding also provides an outlet for self-expression and creativity, making it a form of therapy for many individuals.

A Low-Impact Exercise Option

Skateboarding is considered a low-impact exercise as it significantly reduces the impact on joints compared to high-impact activities like jogging or basketball. This makes it an excellent option for individuals who may have joint problems or injuries but still want to stay physically active. It also makes it an ideal cross-training activity for athletes recovering from injuries or looking for alternative ways to train.

Fosters Social Connections

Skateparks are often seen as a gathering spot for skateboarders of all ages and skill levels. This fosters a sense of community among individuals who share a passion for the sport. Skateboarding can also be a social activity, providing opportunities to meet new people and make new friends who share similar interests. Skaters can often be seen learning from one another, cheering each other on, and having a good time together.

In conclusion, skateboarding is not just a recreational activity; it is indeed an exercise that offers numerous health benefits. From improving cardiorespiratory fitness to building muscle strength and burning calories, this sport targets almost every aspect of physical fitness. Furthermore, it also has positive effects on mental health and provides opportunities for social connections. So, the next time someone asks you if skateboarding is a real exercise, you can confidently say yes! Keep shredding and reaping the rewards of this fun and challenging sport.

1. Is skateboarding considered a form of exercise?
Yes, skateboarding is considered an excellent form of exercise that can offer numerous physical health benefits such as improved cardiovascular endurance, balance, coordination, and muscle strength.

2. What muscles does skateboarding work?
Skateboarding primarily engages the leg muscles, including the calves, quadriceps, and hamstrings. It also activates the core muscles for balance and stability and works the upper body muscles such as the arms, shoulders, and back.

3. Can skateboarding be a good alternative to traditional workouts?
Yes, skateboarding can be a great alternative to traditional workouts for those who enjoy being physically active outdoors. It provides a full-body workout while also being a fun and enjoyable activity.

4. How many calories do you burn while skateboarding?
The number of calories burned while skateboarding depends on various factors such as duration, intensity, and body weight. On average, a 155-pound person can burn around 300-500 calories per hour of moderate-intensity skateboarding.

5. Does skateboarding improve balance and coordination?
Yes, due to the constant shifting of weight and balance control required in skateboarding, it improves both balance and coordination over time. This can also have positive effects on daily activities or other sports.

6. Are there any precautions to take when starting skateboarding as an exercise?
Beginners should wear appropriate protective gear such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads etc., to avoid injury while learning new skills or tricks on a skateboard. It is also essential to warm up properly before skating and stretch afterward to prevent muscle soreness or strains.

In conclusion, it can be said that skateboarding is indeed a form of exercise. Through this discussion, we have explored the physical and mental benefits of skateboarding and how it can be considered a full-body workout. The repeated motions of balance, coordination, and muscle engagement during skateboarding contribute to increased strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness.
We have also examined how skateboarding requires a high level of focus, determination, and risk-taking behavior, making it not only a physical but also a mental exercise. Engaging in this activity can improve one’s cognitive skills, creativity, and self-confidence.
Moreover, we have addressed the misconceptions surrounding skateboarding as a dangerous and reckless activity. While there are risks involved, proper safety measures and precautions can greatly reduce the chances of accidents.
It is crucial to recognize that skateboarding is not just a sport or hobby but also an art form that fosters individual expression and community building. It offers people from all backgrounds an inclusive space to come together and share their passion for this unique form of movement.
In essence, we cannot deny that skateboarding requires physical exertion and has many health benefits. It promotes an active lifestyle and can be practiced by people of all ages and abilities. So next time someone asks if skateboarding is an exercise

Author Profile

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.