Shredding Calories: Why Skateboarding is the Ultimate Workout

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Skateboarding has been a popular pastime for generations, showcasing impressive skills and fearless attitudes. But beyond just being a cool activity, have you ever considered if skateboarding is actually good exercise? From improving balance and coordination to burning calories and building muscle, the answer may surprise you. In this article, we will delve into the benefits of skateboarding as a form of exercise and why it may be a perfect addition to your fitness routine. So put on your helmet and grab your board, because it’s time to explore the question: Is skateboarding good exercise?

The Physical Benefits of Skateboarding

Skateboarding is not just a fun recreational activity, but it also offers numerous physical benefits. It is a full-body workout that involves using various muscle groups and requires balance, coordination, and flexibility. Here are some of the physical benefits of skateboarding:

Cardiovascular Health

Skateboarding is an excellent cardiovascular exercise as it gets your heart pumping and increases blood circulation throughout the body. The constant movement involved in skateboarding can improve your heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular skateboarding can also help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol levels.

Muscle Strength

Skateboarding engages multiple muscle groups, including the legs, core, arms, and back. The constant pushing, turning, and balancing on the skateboard requires strength from different muscles. As you continue to practice skateboarding, these muscles will become stronger and more toned. This can lead to improved overall body strength and make daily tasks easier to perform.

Burns Calories

Many people are surprised to know that skateboarding can burn a significant amount of calories. According to research, an hour of skateboarding can burn anywhere between 250-500 calories depending on your weight and intensity level. This means regular skating can help you reach your weight loss or maintenance goals while having fun outdoors.

Improves Balance and Coordination

Skateboarding involves maintaining balance on a moving board while coordinating various movements to control its direction. With regular practice, you will develop better balance and coordination skills that can benefit other areas of your life. Improved balance can help prevent falls or injuries while coordination is essential for any sports or physical activities.

Flexibility

The fast-paced movements involved in skateboarding require your body to be flexible in terms of both range of motion and agility. As you continue to skate, your body will become more flexible, which can prevent muscle strain or stiffness. This is especially beneficial for older adults looking to maintain flexibility and mobility.

Stress Relief

Exercise is known to release endorphins in the brain, which can help reduce stress and improve mood. Skateboarding is a fun and engaging activity that can provide an outlet for stress relief. It allows you to focus on the present moment and forget about any worries or stressors in your life.

Safety Measures for Skateboarding

While skateboarding offers many physical benefits, it is essential to take safety measures to avoid injuries. Here are some safety tips that you should keep in mind while skateboarding:

Wear Protective Gear

One of the most crucial safety measures for skateboarding is wearing protective gear. This includes a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. These gears can protect your head and body in case of any falls or collisions while skating.

Choose Appropriate Terrain

When starting with skateboarding, it is important to choose a smooth and flat surface with little to no obstacles such as rocks or potholes. As you progress, you can try different terrains like ramps or pools, but make sure they are designed for skating.

Learn the Basic Skills

Before attempting any tricks or advanced moves, it is crucial to learn the basic skills of skateboarding such as balancing, pushing off, turning, stopping and falling safely. This will not only help you become a better skater but also prevent injuries caused by lack of control.

Ride with Others

Skateboarding alone may not be as much fun as riding with others. Not only that, but skating with others also adds an element of safety as they can watch out for each other and provide help in case of an emergency.

Skate within Your Limits

It can be tempting to try advanced tricks or difficult moves, but it is important to remember your limits and not push yourself too hard. Know your skill level and gradually progress towards more challenging moves to reduce the risk of injuries.

Incorporating Skateboarding into Your Exercise Routine

If you’re looking for a fun and effective workout, incorporating skateboarding into your exercise routine might be a great idea. Here are some tips on how you can do that:

Warm-Up Exercises

Just like any other physical activity, it is essential to warm up before skateboarding. This will prepare your muscles for the intense movements ahead and reduce the risk of injuries. Some warm-up exercises you can do include jogging, stretching, and jumping jacks.

Vary Your Movements

Instead of just coasting around on a flat surface, challenge yourself by trying different movements while skateboarding. This can include turning, jumping, carving, or riding fakie (riding with the front foot at the back of the skateboard). These movements engage different muscle groups and increase the intensity of your workout

Benefits of Skateboarding as Exercise

Skateboarding is commonly known as a recreational activity, but it also has numerous benefits as a form of exercise. Not only does it provide a fun and exciting experience, but it also offers a full-body workout that can improve both physical and mental health. Whether you’re an experienced skateboarder or a beginner, skateboarding can be a great addition to your fitness routine. In this section, we will discuss the various benefits of skateboarding as exercise.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

One of the most obvious benefits of skateboarding as exercise is the improvement in cardiovascular health. The constant movement required to maintain balance and propel oneself on a skateboard increases your heart rate, which in turn improves blood circulation throughout the body. This helps strengthen the heart muscle and reduces the risk of heart diseases such as stroke and heart attack.

Full-Body Workout

Skateboarding involves using almost every muscle in your body, making it an excellent full-body workout. Your legs are constantly engaged in pushing and balancing on the board, which strengthens and tones the muscles in your calves, thighs, and glutes. Additionally, skateboarding also works out your core muscles as you use them for balance and stability while performing tricks. Lastly, your arms are engaged in maintaining balance and steering the skateboard, providing them with a workout as well.

Burns Calories

As mentioned earlier, skateboarding provides a full-body workout, which means you’ll be burning calories while having fun on your board. According to research conducted by Harvard Medical School, an hour of leisurely skateboarding can burn up to 340 calories for individuals weighing around 155 pounds. This number can significantly increase if you’re performing more advanced tricks or skating on hilly terrains.

Improves Coordination and Balance

Skateboarding requires a high level of coordination and balance, which can be challenging for beginners. However, with regular practice, you will gradually improve your balance and coordination skills. As you learn to control your body’s movements on the skateboard, your overall balance and spatial awareness will significantly improve. This can also have a positive impact on other physical activities such as running, biking, and even dancing.

Boosts Mental Health

Skateboarding is not just beneficial for physical health; it can also have a positive impact on your mental well-being. The physical activity of skateboarding releases endorphins, which are hormones that help reduce stress levels and promote feelings of happiness and pleasure. In addition to this, skateboarding requires focus and mindfulness as you navigate your way through different terrains and perform tricks. This helps clear the mind of any negative thoughts and promotes relaxation.

Accessible for All Ages

One of the best things about skateboarding is that it’s accessible for people of all ages. You don’t need any special training or equipment to get started; all you need is a skateboard. It’s a low-impact activity that puts minimal strain on the joints compared to other sports like running or basketball, making it suitable for people with joint problems or injuries. Plus, it’s a great way to get children away from screens and enjoy some outdoor activity.

Improves Focus

Skateboarding involves performing technical moves while maintaining balance on a board moving at high speeds. This requires intense focus and concentration, which can help improve your ability to stay focused in other aspects of life as well. Furthermore, as you advance in skateboarding and learn new tricks, you’ll constantly challenge yourself mentally, improving cognitive abilities such as memory retention and problem-solving skills.

Risk Management Skills

Skateboarding may seem like an extreme sport to some, but it actually requires a high level of risk management skills. As you practice, you’ll learn to assess risks and make quick decisions, which can be useful in many real-life situations. These skills can also help boost self-confidence and improve decision-making abilities.

Skateboarding is often overlooked when it comes to options for exercise, but as we have discussed, it has numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Not only is it a great cardiovascular workout, but it also provides a full-body workout that improves balance, coordination, and burns calories. So next time you see someone skateboarding down the street, remember that they’re not just having fun – they’re also reaping the many benefits of this activity as exercise. Give skateboarding a try and see for yourself how it can improve your overall health and fitness.

Q: Is skateboarding a good form of exercise?

A: Yes, skateboarding is a great way to stay physically active and is considered a full-body workout, engaging muscles in the legs, core, arms, and back.

Q: How many calories can I burn while skateboarding?

A: The number of calories burned while skateboarding varies depending on factors such as weight, speed, and terrain. On average, a person weighing 155 pounds can burn around 500-600 calories in an hour of skateboarding.

Q: What are the physical benefits of skateboarding?

A: Skateboarding has numerous physical benefits including improved balance, coordination, cardiovascular health, and increased muscle strength and flexibility.

Q: Can skateboarding help with weight loss?

A: Yes, since skateboarding involves constant movement and engages various muscles in the body, it can contribute to weight loss when done regularly in conjunction with a healthy diet.

Q: Can anyone participate in skateboarding as exercise?

A: While skateboarding may seem daunting to beginners or those who are not physically fit initially, people of all ages and fitness levels can participate. It’s important to start with basic skills and gradually progress to more challenging maneuvers.

Q: Are there any precautions I should take while using skateboard as exercise?

A: Yes, it is important to wear proper safety gear such as a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards when participating in skateboarding. Additionally, beginners should practice on smooth surfaces and learn proper techniques to avoid injury.

In conclusion, it is clear that skateboarding can be a highly beneficial form of exercise. Not only does it offer a fun and enjoyable way to stay physically active, but it also provides a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, strength, and balance. The high level of coordination and balance required in skateboarding can also help with cognitive function and overall brain development. However, it is important to note that safety measures should always be taken while skateboarding to prevent injuries.

Furthermore, skateboarding transcends age, gender, and social barriers, making it an inclusive form of exercise for people of all backgrounds. It also offers a sense of community and belonging through the shared passion for the sport. Additionally, the fact that skateboarding can be done at any time and in various settings makes it a convenient and accessible form of exercise.

Despite its many benefits, proper precautions should always be taken when engaging in skateboarding as a form of exercise. This includes wearing protective gear such as helmets and pads, ensuring the skateboard is in good condition, and following traffic rules when skating outdoors. By taking these precautions, individuals can fully enjoy the physical and mental benefits of skateboarding without putting themselves at risk.

In conclusion, whether you are looking for a fun new way to stay fit or seeking an

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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.