Is Skateboarding Good Exercise? Benefits & Calories

Skateboarding is often seen as a leisure activity or a form of transportation, but it can also be a great form of exercise. In fact, skateboarding offers several unique physical and mental benefits that make it an excellent choice for people looking to improve their health and fitness.

The Physical Benefits of Skateboarding

One of the main physical benefits of skateboarding is that it provides a full-body workout. While many traditional exercises focus on specific muscle groups, skateboarding engages multiple muscle groups at once, including the legs, core, and upper body. This can help to improve overall strength and muscular endurance.

Skateboarding is also an aerobic activity, which means it can help to improve cardiovascular health. By getting your heart rate up and increasing blood flow, skateboarding can help to improve your endurance and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Recent research confirms this. A 2020 study of adults who skateboarded at community parks found that their heart rates stayed high enough to count as moderate to vigorous aerobic activity. In other words, a typical skate session can genuinely help strengthen your heart and boost endurance—not just your balance or coordination.

Additionally, skateboarding is a weight-bearing activity that can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This is especially important for older individuals, who may be at a higher risk of developing this condition.

If you're looking for more ways to incorporate effective exercise into your routine, our Complete Exercise Guide for Weight Loss covers everything from cardio to strength training strategies.

The Mental Benefits of Skateboarding

In addition to the physical benefits, skateboarding also offers a number of mental benefits. For one, it can be a great way to relieve stress and improve overall mental well-being. The act of skateboarding can be meditative, allowing you to focus on the present moment and clear your mind of any stressors.

Skateboarding can also improve cognitive function. The act of riding a skateboard requires coordination, balance, and quick thinking, which can help to improve brain function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.

Furthermore, skateboarding can be a great way to socialize and make new friends. Many people enjoy skateboarding in groups or at skate parks, which can provide a sense of community and belonging.

How Many Calories Does Skateboarding Burn?

Skateboarding is a full-body workout that can burn a significant number of calories, making it an excellent choice for people looking to lose weight or improve their overall fitness.

The number of calories burned while skateboarding depends on several factors, including your weight, the intensity of your skateboarding session, and the duration of your workout.

According to the American Council on Exercise, a 155-pound person can burn around 210 calories in 30 minutes of moderate skateboarding. This increases to 310 calories for 30 minutes of vigorous skateboarding.

However, these numbers can vary based on individual factors. For example, a person who weighs more will typically burn more calories than a person who weighs less. Additionally, the type of skateboarding you do can also affect the number of calories burned. For instance, street skateboarding, which involves navigating obstacles and performing tricks, typically burns more calories than cruising on a smooth surface.

Factors that Affect Calorie Burn While Skateboarding

Weight: As a general rule, the more you weigh, the more calories you will burn while skateboarding. This is because it takes more energy to move a heavier body, which means your body has to work harder and burn more calories.

Intensity: The intensity of your skateboarding session can also affect the number of calories burned. Skateboarding at a moderate pace will burn fewer calories than skateboarding at a vigorous pace. To increase the intensity of your skateboarding workout, try incorporating jumps, tricks, or hills into your routine.

Duration: The longer you skateboard, the more calories you will burn. In general, the more time you spend on your skateboard, the more calories you will burn.

Surface: The surface you skateboard on can also affect the number of calories burned. Skateboarding on a rough or uneven surface typically burns more calories than skateboarding on a smooth, flat surface.

Tips for Burning More Calories While Skateboarding

If you want to maximize the number of calories burned while skateboarding, there are several things you can do.

Incorporate hills: Skateboarding uphill is a great way to increase the intensity of your workout and burn more calories. Try finding a local hill or slope to skate on, and challenge yourself to climb it without pushing off with your feet.

Do tricks: Performing tricks, such as ollies, grinds, or flips, can also increase the intensity of your skateboarding session and help you burn more calories. Practice your tricks in a safe area, such as a skate park, to improve your skills and burn more calories.

Increase your speed: Skateboarding at a faster pace can also help you burn more calories. Try challenging yourself to skate faster, either by pushing off with your feet or using your momentum to maintain your speed.

Skate for longer: As mentioned above, the longer you skateboard, the more calories you will burn. To burn more calories, try increasing the duration of your skateboarding sessions. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the length of your workouts as your fitness improves.

How to Get Started with Skateboarding as Exercise

If you're interested in incorporating skateboarding into your exercise routine, it's important to start slowly and build up your skill and endurance over time. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Start with a good skateboard. Invest in a high-quality skateboard that is well-suited to your skill level and the type of skating you plan to do.

Wear protective gear. Skateboarding can be a risky activity, so it's important to wear the proper protective gear, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards.

Practice basic skills. Before hitting the skate park or the streets, spend some time practicing basic skateboarding skills, such as pushing, turning, and stopping.

Set goals. To keep yourself motivated and on track, set specific goals for your skateboarding workouts. This could include learning a new trick, improving your speed, or increasing your endurance.

Have fun. Above all, remember to have fun while skateboarding. This will help keep you motivated and engaged and make your workouts more enjoyable.

Skateboarding is a great form of exercise that offers a number of unique physical and mental benefits. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, incorporating skateboarding into your workout routine can help to improve your overall health.

Fueling Your Skateboarding Sessions

Like any physical activity, skateboarding performance improves when you fuel your body properly. Skaters need a balance of carbohydrates for quick energy during sessions and protein to support muscle recovery afterward. If you're skating regularly as part of your fitness routine, paying attention to nutrition can help you progress faster and recover better between sessions.

For skaters who want to optimize their nutrition without the hassle of meal planning, Clean Eatz Kitchen's High-Protein Meal Plan provides the protein and balanced macros active people need—delivered ready to eat.

FAQ

Is skateboarding suitable for all fitness levels?

Skateboarding can be adapted to different fitness levels. Beginners can start at their own pace and gradually build skills and endurance. Even casual cruising provides cardiovascular benefits, so you don't need to be doing tricks to get a workout.

How many calories does skateboarding burn?

A 155-pound person burns around 210 calories in 30 minutes of moderate skateboarding, increasing to 310 calories for vigorous skateboarding. Heavier individuals and those doing tricks or skating hills will burn even more.

Does skateboarding help with stress relief?

Yes, skateboarding can provide stress relief and improve mental well-being. The focus required while skating helps clear your mind and reduce stress, while the physical activity releases endorphins that boost mood.

Can skateboarding be an alternative to traditional workouts like running or cycling?

Absolutely. Skateboarding offers a unique and enjoyable way to stay active, making it a great alternative or complement to more traditional forms of exercise. It combines cardio, strength, and balance training in one activity—and it's a lot more fun than a treadmill.