Skateboarding is a great recreational activity that is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. However, did you know that it can also be a great way to burn some calories and get fit? Skateboarding is a versatile exercise that can help you burn calories while improving balance, endurance, and coordination. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the question of how many calories does skateboarding burn and how you can incorporate it into your fitness routine.
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Exploring How Many Calories Does Skateboarding Burn
Cruising/Normal Skateboarding
For casual or normal skateboarding, where you’re mostly cruising around, you can burn around 250-350 calories per hour.When you start cruising on a skateboard, you are not only using your leg muscles but also your core and upper body to maintain your balance.
This increases your heart rate and burns more calories. On average, cruising on a skateboard burns between 150 to 200 calories per hour. However, you can increase your calorie-burning potential by increasing your speed, doing tricks, or going uphill.
Skateboarding Tricks
If you’re actively performing tricks and maneuvers, you can burn more calories. Depending on the intensity of tricks and the energy exerted, you might burn around 300-500 calories per hour or even more.
Pumping
Pumping is a basic skateboarding motion that involves shifting your weight back and forth in order to generate momentum. This movement targets your legs, core, and upper body, burning around 250-350 calories per hour. To practice pumping, start on a flat surface and push off with one foot, then shift your weight to the opposite side as you swing your arms for balance. Keep your knees bent and your eyes forward as you go back and forth, gradually increasing your speed and distance.
Ollie
The ollie is a classic skateboarding trick that involves jumping off the ground while keeping the board under your feet. This move requires explosive power in your legs and core, as well as precise timing and technique. By mastering the ollie, you can burn 400-500 calories per hour, depending on your intensity. To perform an ollie, start with your feet in the middle of the board, crouch down, then pop the tail down as you jump up and slide your front foot forward to level out the board.
Kickflip
The kickflip is a more advanced skateboarding trick that adds a 360-degree rotation to the ollie. This adds an additional challenge to your balance, coordination, and strength, burning up to 600 calories per hour. To do a kickflip, start with your feet in the same position as the ollie, then flick your front foot sideways as you jump and spin the board with your back foot. Catch the board with your feet and land with stability.
Grinds
Grinding is a skateboarding trick that involves sliding the board along a rail, ledge, or curb. This move requires finesse, stability, and control, as well as strength in your legs and core. By practicing grinds, you can burn 500-600 calories per hour, depending on the length and difficulty of the surface. To grind, approach the surface at an angle, pop the tail up as you place your trucks on the edge, then shift your weight towards the direction of your grind.
Manuals
Manuals are skateboarding tricks that involve balancing on the back wheels of the board while rolling forward. This move challenges your core stability, balance, and control, burning up to 300-400 calories per hour. Start with a slow speed and try to keep the board level as you shift your weight back, keeping your knees slightly bent and your eyes forward. Gradually increase your speed and distance as you get more comfortable with manuals.
Downhill Skateboarding
Downhill skateboarding, which involves high speeds and more control, can burn more calories due to the added effort needed for balance and control. You might burn approximately 400-600 calories per hour.
Factors that Affect the Calorie Burn Rate
The number of calories you burn while skateboarding can vary depending on several factors such as weight, metabolism, and effort level. On average, a person who weighs around 125 pounds can burn up to 300-350 calories in an hour of skating. For those who weigh around 155 pounds, the calorie burn can increase to 400-450 calories per hour, while those who weigh around 185 pounds can burn up to 500-550 calories per hour.
Different Types of Skateboarding and Calorie Burn
Different types of skateboarding can also affect the number of calories you burn. These different types will tell us how Many Calories Does Skateboarding Burn.
Freestyle skateboarding typically involves more tricks and movements, which can increase the calorie burn rate. For example, doing a series of tricks like ollies, kickflips, and heelflips can burn up to 150-200 calories in just 15 minutes.
Longboarding Skateboarding typically involves more cruising and carving, which may not be as intense in terms of calorie burn but can still be an effective form of cardiovascular exercise. On average, a person can burn up to 250-300 calories in an hour of longboarding.
Other Health Benefits of Skateboarding
Aside from burning calories, skateboarding can also offer several health benefits. It can help improve balance and coordination, strengthen lower body muscles, and increase flexibility. Skateboarding is also a great way to reduce stress and boost mood through the release of endorphins in the body.
Safety Tips for Skateboarding
While skateboarding can be a fun and effective form of exercise, it is important to practice safety to avoid injuries. Always wear proper protective gear such as helmets, wrist guards, and knee pads. Make sure to check the condition of your skateboard and replace any worn-out parts. It’s also a good idea to start slowly and work your way up to more challenging tricks and movements.
Tips for Incorporating Skateboarding into Your Fitness Routine
If you’re interested in incorporating skateboarding into your fitness routine, start with a warm-up such as stretching or a light jog. Then, spend some time cruising and getting comfortable on the board before attempting any tricks or jumps. It may be helpful to seek out a local skatepark or join a skateboarding group for support and motivation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, skateboarding can be an excellent way to burn calories and improve physical fitness. The amount of calories burned while skateboarding depends on several factors such as weight, metabolism, and effort level. Whether you’re into freestyle skateboarding or longboarding, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this fun activity into your fitness routine. By taking safety precautions and starting slowly, you can enjoy the many health benefits of skateboarding while having fun at the same time.
FAQ’s related to How Many Calories Does Skateboarding Burn
Here are some FAQ’s related to How Many Calories Does Skateboarding Burn.
Is skateboarding a good workout?
Yes! Skateboarding has been proven to have an effect on both strength-building and cardiovascular health. It actually strengthens multiple parts of your body, including your legs, arms, and core, while also boosting your endurance. However, it’s not considered a mainstream form of exercise, so don’t expect to gain massive amounts of muscle. Moreover, according to the American Council on Exercise, an average person can burn about 200-500 calories in an hour of skateboarding.
What are some considerations to take before calculating calorie burn?
Your weight, the intensity, duration, and frequency of your skateboarding activity, and your individual metabolic rate will affect the calories you burn. Indeed, how much you weigh will determine how many calories you burn with any physical activity, and how intense you ride also determines the number of calories burnt. In addition, working consistently with a skating routine and diet that suits your lifestyle and your physical goals can as well influence your metabolic rate.
How can I maximize the calorie burn in skateboarding?
Like other forms of exercise, you can maximize calorie burn by adjusting your skateboarding routine. First, increase intensity by going faster, attempting tricks and inclines, and taking turns more tightly. Second, to cause muscle confusion, add variations to your routine. For example, hit various terrains or perform different tricks. Third, diversify your workout by incorporating other practices such as running, jumping, and skipping. In addition, eat well and avoid high-calorie foods, so you don’t compromise your progress.
What are some other benefits of skateboarding?
Apart from burning calories, skateboarding has many health benefits. It improves cardiovascular health, increases muscle mass and bone density, and strengthens the core. This sport is also great for stress reduction, which increases mental health and overall well-being. Plus, it builds confidence, improves teamwork and is a fun and social activity.
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