Is Skateboarding A Good Exercise? – All You Need To Know

Skateboarding is often seen as a fun recreational activity that teenagers and young adults enjoy, but did you know that it can also be a great workout? Many people are surprised to learn that skateboarding can provide a range of health benefits and help you stay fit. In this article, we’ll explore whether skateboarding is a good exercise and what benefits it can offer.

 

Is Skateboarding A Good Exercise?

Skateboarding is a popular recreational activity that involves riding and performing tricks on a skateboard. It has gained a reputation for being a fun and exciting sport, but is it a good form of exercise? According to studies, skateboarding can be an effective way to improve fitness and health.

One study published in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation found that skateboarding can improve cardiovascular endurance and overall physical fitness. Participants who skateboarded regularly showed significant improvements in their aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, and flexibility.

Skateboarding also provides a full-body workout, engaging multiple muscle groups, including the legs, core, and upper body. The constant movement and balance required to stay on the board can help improve coordination, balance, and agility. This makes it a great workout for those who are looking for a fun and challenging way to improve their fitness.

Another study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that skateboarding can also have positive effects on mental health. The study found that skateboarding can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve self-esteem and confidence, and provide a sense of community and belonging.

Overall, it is clear that skateboarding can be a great form of exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. Not only does it provide a fun and exciting way to stay active, but it also offers a variety of physical and mental health benefits.

 

Benefits Of Skateboarding For Fitness

Skateboarding is more than just a recreational activity, it can also be an effective form of exercise that provides a range of fitness benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of skateboarding for fitness:

1. Improves cardiovascular health: Skateboarding requires constant movement and helps increase your heart rate, which improves cardiovascular health. A study published in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation found that regular skateboarding can lead to significant improvements in aerobic capacity.

2. Strengthens muscles: Skateboarding engages a variety of muscles throughout the body, including the legs, core, and upper body. This makes it an effective full-body workout that can help build strength and improve muscle tone.

3. Enhances balance and coordination: Skateboarding requires a lot of balance and coordination, which can be improved with regular practice. These skills can also translate to other areas of life and sports.

4. Boosts flexibility: The constant movements involved in skateboarding can help improve flexibility and range of motion, particularly in the hips, knees, and ankles.

5. Burns calories: Skateboarding is a high-intensity activity that can burn a lot of calories. According to research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, skateboarding can burn up to 500 calories per hour.

In addition to these physical benefits, skateboarding can also have positive effects on mental health. It can be a stress-relieving activity that provides a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Skateboarding can also be a social activity that promotes a sense of community and belonging.

 

Is Skateboarding A Good Way To Lose Weight?

While skateboarding can be a great workout, it may not be the most effective way to lose weight. According to a study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion, skateboarding burns an average of 150-500 calories per hour, depending on the intensity of the activity. This is comparable to other low-impact activities like walking and biking, but it may not be enough to significantly impact weight loss on its own.

 

Does Skateboarding Tone Your Body?

Skateboarding engages a variety of muscles throughout the body, particularly in the legs, core, and upper body.

When you skateboard, you’re constantly shifting your weight and using your muscles to maintain balance and control. This means that your leg muscles, including your quads, glutes, and calves, are working hard to keep you moving forward and maneuvering the board. Your core muscles, including your abs and back muscles, are also engaged as you twist and turn your body to maintain balance. Additionally, your upper body muscles, including your arms, shoulders, and chest, are used for pushing off and stabilizing your movements.

By consistently skateboarding, you can build strength and tone in these muscles over time. However, it’s important to note that skateboarding alone may not be enough to achieve significant muscle growth or definition. Incorporating other forms of strength training and a balanced diet can also be beneficial for achieving your fitness goals.

 

Is Skateboarding Better Than Running?

Skateboarding and running are both popular forms of exercise that offer a range of health benefits. While they may seem very different, they have some similarities in terms of the physical demands they place on the body. So, is skateboarding better than running for fitness?

Here are some key factors to consider:

Cardiovascular health: Both skateboarding and running can be effective for improving cardiovascular health. However, running tends to be a more intense and sustained form of cardiovascular exercise, which can lead to greater improvements in aerobic capacity. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, running resulted in greater improvements in maximal oxygen uptake than skateboarding.

Muscular engagement: Skateboarding and running both engage a variety of muscles throughout the body. However, skateboarding requires more upper body and core strength, as well as balance and coordination. Running primarily works the leg muscles. In terms of overall muscular engagement, skateboarding may offer a more balanced full-body workout.

Joint impact: Running is a high-impact exercise that can be hard on the joints, particularly the knees and ankles. Skateboarding, on the other hand, is a lower-impact exercise that places less stress on the joints. This can make it a better option for people who are recovering from injuries or have joint pain.

Enjoyment and motivation: Ultimately, the best form of exercise is one that you enjoy and are motivated to do regularly. Some people may find running to be monotonous or boring, while others may enjoy the challenge and sense of accomplishment it provides. Similarly, some people may find skateboarding to be more fun and engaging, while others may not enjoy the learning curve and potential for falls.

Whether skateboarding is better than running for fitness depends on your individual goals and preferences. Both forms of exercise offer unique benefits and can be effective for improving fitness and overall health. It’s important to choose the form of exercise that you enjoy and can stick to in the long-term.

 

Conclusion

Skateboarding is a good exercise that can provide a range of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, strength, and balance. While it may not be the most effective way to lose weight, it can still be a fun and engaging way to stay active and improve your overall fitness. So if you’re looking for a new way to stay fit and have fun at the same time, consider giving skateboarding a try!