Is Skateboarding Good Exercise

Skateboarding is one of the best ways to get around, but is it good exercise? Many people don’t realize how effective skateboarding can be for burning calories, building muscle, and strengthening your bones.

Is Skateboarding Really a Good Exercise?

Skateboarding is not only a great way to have fun; it’s also one of the best forms of aerobic exercise you can do. Not only that, the speed and force with which you are propelled across a surface while riding a skateboard actually strengthens your muscles, bones, cardiovascular system, and core. Plus, the speed and adventure of skateboarding provides a challenge that will keep you constantly learning new things, improving your skills, and pushing yourself to greater and greater levels of personal fitness.

Skateboarding is a sport, right? Like running or basketball, it’s an activity that requires you to move your body in certain ways —it’s exercise. Except the thing is, there’s a bit of a debate over whether or not skateboarding actually qualifies as exercise.

You see, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) argues that it doesn’t count because its primary focus isn’t on aerobic activity—it’s on performing tricks and stunts. Other people, however, contend that skateboarding is still exercise because it involves moving your body in different ways and burning calories. If you want to know which side is right, read on!

How Much Exercise is Actually Involved in Skateboarding? 

There is a ton of athleticism involved in skateboarding. It requires a lot of balance and coordination. Most people who’ve never really tried it before don’t realise how difficult it is. The fact that skateboarders are able to do all these tricks with such ease is a testament to their talent and skill. 

So, if you want to know how much exercise is involved in skateboarding, just count up all the individual athletic moves you have to make to complete a trick. Take a simple flip, for example. You have to balance on the board, push off from the ground with your feet, jump into the air, and then rotate your body so your feet are flying toward the ground. Then you have to land softly on your feet and transfer your weight to them so you can push off again and do it over and over. That’s one trick. Now, multiply that by a few hundred. That’s the level of exercise you will get from simply doing what it takes to become good at skating

It gets even more challenging when you add speed to the mix. Skateboarding at high speeds requires you to be even more balanced and coordinated. It also means you have to work even harder.

What are the Benefits of Skateboarding?

Skateboarding is like no other sport out there. It’s a very creative and artistic sport that allows you to be yourself and express yourself in a way that’s very different to other sport activities. Not only that, it’s also a great way to get your heart rate up, burn calories, and have fun!

There are five big benefits to skateboarding:

Burns Lots of Calories

Skateboarding is a very effective aerobic exercise. You will get a good workout just by riding to and from the store or school. Add in the tricks and stunts you do on your board, and you will get an intense, full-body workout.

Builds Strong Bones

The speed and force with which you are propelled across a surface while riding a skateboard actually strengthens your muscles, bones, cardiovascular system, and core

Increases Flexibility

Being forced constantly to change your muscle groups as you ride the board also increases your overall flexibility. This has many positive personal and athletic ramifications. For example, it makes you a more nimble and agile athlete. It also makes it easier for you to avoid injuries. The more flexible you are, the less chance you will have of getting injured. And finally, the increased flexibility allows you to enjoy all kinds of new and different activities without getting stiff or sore.

Balance and Coordination

Skateboarding teaches you to balance on a small surface area while moving at very high speeds. This is an extremely effective way to develop your sense of balance and coordination. Plus, it forces you to make constant adjustments to keep from falling off your board.

Gives you a sense of freedom and independence: Skateboarding allows you to travel at high speeds across any type of terrain you can imagine. No rules or regulations to obey. It’s you against the world, and that gives you a huge sense of freedom and independence.

What Effects Does Skateboarding Have on Your Body?

Skateboarding has a number of very specific, positive effects on your body. It increases bone density, develops your balance and coordination, improves your cardiovascular system, and makes you more agile and flexible. It also gives you a great sense of independence and self-esteem.

Here are some effects of skateboarding on particular part of body:

a. Skateboarding and Your Muscles

Skateboarding is a great way to build muscle, especially in the lower body. Skateboarding works the quads, hamstrings and glutes as you’re pushing off the ground.

It also works your abs and back muscles as you’re shifting your weight from side to side. Plus, it forces you to continually adjust your center of gravity and balance as you’re doing all those tricks and stunts. This means you are working the core muscles continuously. And, that means your body gets an effective full-body workout.

b. Skateboarding and Your Heart

Heart is the part that really gets worked up when you skateboard. As you learn new and more advanced tricks and stunts, your heart has to work harder to keep up with the increased demand for oxygen. The more you skate, the more your cardiovascular system will be challenged and developed. Which means your heart will get stronger and you will have more endurance.

c. Skateboarding and Your Bones

Skateboarding is one of the best exercises you can do to maintain and increase bone density in your bones. The impact forces from skateboarding actually helps build strong, dense bones.

d. Skateboarding and Your Lungs

Skateboarding is great for your lungs because it promotes deep breathing and helps you get more oxygen into your bloodstream. This is extremely important for staying healthy and energized throughout the day.

e. Skateboarding and Your Brain

Skateboarding is a very creative sport. You have to think fast on your feet, adjust to changes in the terrain, and keep your balance while doing all kinds of flips and tricks. All of this forces your brain to work non-stop. And, it also makes you a more agile and nimble thinker. Which, translates to improved problem solving skills, and higher I.Q.

How to Get Started with Skating as a Workout?

If you’re thinking about getting into skating as a workout, the first thing you should do is find a good group of people to skate with. It will make all the difference in the world. If you’re not already a member of a skateboard club, you should join one. They’ll show you the ropes, help you get adjusted to the skateboarding culture, and give you all the support you need to get going.

The next thing you should do is buy yourself some skateboarding equipment. A good place to start is with a used or demo board from a sporting goods store. Then, pick up a set of reliable, good quality boots.

Next, you should get a couple pairs of sunglasses that have a high-impact, scratch-resistant plastic frame. Next, you need some protective gear. We suggest you wear a full-face helmet, a long-sleeved shirt, and a pair of jeans. If it’s cold where you live, wear a jacket over your shirt.

What Makes Skateboarding Such a Good Workout?

Skateboarding is a high-intensity workout that can be as short or as long as you want to make it. If you’re looking for a quick workout, you can skate for just 30 minutes and get a great cardio and leg workout. Skateboarding is such a good workout because you’re engaging your core and you’re getting a full-body workout. The other good thing about skateboarding is that you don’t need any equipment to do it. If you have a skateboard, then you are ready to go!

Final Thoughts

Skateboarding is a great form of exercise for many reasons. Not only does it improve your balance and coordination, it also gets your heart rate up which is great for overall health. It can also be an outlet for your aggression or frustration. Skateboarding can be a lot of fun, but it can also be dangerous if not practiced properly.

Make sure you are practicing with a group of people who have the same interest and skill level as you. Are there any other activities you enjoy that are also great forms of exercise? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.