Longboarding is a fun and exhilarating activity that combines adrenaline-pumping speed with the excitement of cruising through scenic landscapes. But did you know that longboarding is also an effective way to burn calories and stay in shape? In this blog post, we explore how many calories longboarding can burn and how it compares to other forms of exercise.
How Many Calories Does Longboarding Burn?
The number of calories burned during longboarding depends on several factors such as your weight, the intensity of the ride, and the length of time you spend on your board. On average, a person weighing 155 pounds can burn about 500 calories per hour of longboarding at a moderate pace. However, if you increase your speed or ride on hilly terrain, you can easily bump up that number to 700-800 calories per hour.
Longboarding uses a variety of muscle groups, including your legs, core, and arms. Riding uphill requires more effort from your leg muscles while carving and turning engages your core and upper body. All of these movements contribute to a full-body workout that can improve your balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health.
In terms of calorie burn, longboarding is similar to jogging or cycling. However, the advantage of longboarding is that it is a low-impact activity, making it gentler on your joints compared to high-impact exercises like running. It is also more accessible and convenient than cycling or jogging since you only need a longboard and a smooth, flat surface to ride on.
Longboarding can also be a great form of cross-training for other sports or activities. For example, if you’re a surfer, longboarding can help you improve your balance and board control, especially during the off-season. On the other hand, if you’re a snowboarder, longboarding can help you maintain your skills and strengthen your leg muscles during the warmer months.
Factors That Affect Your Calorie Burn while Longboarding
Longboarding is a sport that can be exhilarating and fun while burning significant calories. One of the most significant factors that determine how many calories you burn while longboarding is the terrain you are on. Whether you are downhill, cruising, or doing tricks, the intensity of your ride impacts the number of calories you burn. Similarly, your weight, speed, and the duration of your ride also play a significant role in calorie burn. Here are top factors that affect your calorie burn while longboarding.
Terrain
The terrain you are on is one of the most crucial factors that determine how many calories you burn while longboarding. If you are longboarding downhill, you will be burning up to 600 calories/hour. However, cruising around the city or riding on flat terrain may only burn around 300 calories/hour. The reason why you burn more calories while downhill skating is because you are required to maintain stability and balance. This requires constant engagement of your core muscles, leading to increased calorie burn.
Speed
The faster you go, the more calories you will burn. This is true for most exercises. The more effort you put into your longboarding, the more calories you’ll burn. This means that if you’re looking to burn more calories, then pick up your pace. However, keep in mind that speed can come at the cost of safety. Always wear a helmet and protective gear when longboarding at high speeds.
Weight
Your weight is a significant factor that impacts how many calories you burn while longboarding. The heavier you are, the more calories you will burn. This is because it takes more energy to move heavy objects. So, if you’re looking to burn more calories, consider carrying heavier items while longboarding or increasing your longboard’s weight.
Duration
The longer you ride, the more calories you will burn. As you continue to navigate your longboard, your body becomes engaged in continuous movement, leading to increased calorie burn over time. Ensure that you don’t push yourself too hard if you’re a beginner. Gradually increase your duration over time to avoid overexertion or injury.
Technique
Finally, your longboarding technique can also impact your calorie burn. For example, if you’re doing tricks and engaging in freestyle maneuvers, you’ll burn more calories than cruising down the street. Doing tricks will require you to engage multiple muscle groups, resulting in greater calorie burn.
Best Practices to Maximize Your Calorie Burn while Longboarding
Here are some best practices for longboarding that will help you to get in the best shape possible.
Start with a Warm-Up
Just like any exercise, longboarding requires a warm-up to prepare your muscles for the activity. A warm-up should consist of stretching exercises that target the areas you will be using while longboarding. You can also start with some slow and steady longboarding to get your muscles warmed up and ready for a more intense session. This will not only help prevent injuries but will also prepare your body to burn more calories throughout your longboarding session.
Choose the Right Terrain
When longboarding, it’s important to choose the right terrain to maximize calorie burn. Choose a hilly or uneven terrain as it will require more effort to maneuver, helping you burn more calories. Downhill longboarding is also a great option as it requires a lot of energy to control your speed and maintain balance on a downhill slope. However, you should always keep safety in mind and take all necessary precautions when longboarding on uneven or steep terrain.
Use the Right Board
Using the right board will help you get the most out of your longboarding experience. It’s important to choose a board that is suitable for your weight and the type of terrain you’ll be longboarding on. A heavier board will require more effort to move, increasing your calorie burn. Also, a board with larger wheels will help you cover more distance with less effort. Over time, investing in a good quality board will be worth it as it will help you burn more calories and get better results.
Focus on Your Technique
When longboarding, it’s crucial to focus on your technique to maximize your calorie burn. Keep your body low and your weight centered over the board to maintain balance. Use your arms to balance yourself when turning or going downhill. Lean forward when you want to increase speed, while leaning back when you want to slow down. Proper technique will help you use more muscles, increasing your calorie burn.
Keep Your Sessions Challenging
To keep burning calories effectively, you need to continue to challenge yourself. Don’t stick to the same routine every time you longboard. Try different routes, varying your speed, and increasing the distance you cover. Pushing yourself beyond your limits will help you burn more calories and build more endurance.
Conclusion On How Many Calories Does Longboarding Burn
Overall, longboarding is an excellent way to burn calories, stay in shape, and have fun while doing it. With its low-impact nature and full-body workout, longboarding is the perfect activity for people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, cruising on your longboard can help you achieve your fitness goals and enjoy the great outdoors at the same time. So, grab your longboard, hit the pavement, and start burning those calories.
Check out 7 Best Electric Longboard Under $500 of 2024.