Is Skateboarding Cardio?
When you think of cardio, what activity comes to mind? Running? Jogging? Cycling? Swimming? Well, skateboarding may not be the first activity that comes to mind, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a form of cardio. Skateboarding is a very physical activity that requires a lot of energy and stamina. It is also a great way to get your heart rate up and burn calories. So is skateboarding cardio? Yes, it is a great way to burn calories and improve your cardio fitness.
Is Skateboarding Cardio?
Skateboarding is a great, low impact exercise that can help you lose weight, tone your muscles, and decrease your risk of heart disease. However, is skateboarding cardio?
The short answer is that skateboarding is mostly cardio. When you skate, you are using your muscles to move your body forward, which is a great way to burn calories and help tone your muscles. Skateboarding also helps improve your balance and coordination, both of which are important for reducing your risk of falls and other accidents.
So, for a low impact exercise that will help you tone your muscles and reduce your risk of heart disease, skateboarding is a great option.
Pros and Cons of Skateboarding as Cardio
| Pros of Skateboarding as Cardio | Cons of Skateboarding as Cardio |
|---|---|
| Engaging and Fun: Skateboarding can be an entertaining way to get your heart rate up, making cardio exercise enjoyable rather than a chore. | Risk of Injury: Skateboarding involves a higher risk of falls, potentially leading to injuries like sprains, fractures, or concussions. |
| Improves Balance and Coordination: Regular skateboarding enhances your balance, core strength, and motor skills, which indirectly supports cardio health by improving overall physical function. | Not Universally Accessible: Not everyone has access to skate parks or safe places to skateboard, limiting the feasibility as a regular cardio option. |
| Full Body Workout: While primarily using the legs, skateboarding also engages the core and upper body for balance and tricks, providing a comprehensive workout. | Weather Dependent: Outdoor skateboarding is weather-sensitive, making it less reliable for consistent cardio exercise in adverse weather conditions. |
| Low Impact Option: Compared to running, skateboarding can be less hard on the joints, especially when cruising or doing longboarding, offering a gentler form of cardio. | Learning Curve: Beginners might find it challenging to get enough cardio if they’re still learning, as it requires skill to maintain continuous motion. |
| Promotes Outdoor Activity: Encourages spending time outside, which has additional health benefits like vitamin D absorption from sunlight. | Equipment Costs: Initial investment in a quality skateboard, protective gear, and potential maintenance costs can be a barrier to entry. |
| Social Aspect: Skateboarding often involves community and social interaction, which can motivate continued participation and enjoyment of the activity. | Limited Endurance Training: Skateboarding might not provide the same level of endurance training as running or cycling, as it’s often interrupted by stopping, turning, or trick practice. |
| Can Be Done at Various Intensities: From leisurely cruising to intense sessions at skate parks, skateboarding can cater to different fitness levels and goals. | Potential for Distractions: The focus on performing tricks or navigating obstacles can sometimes distract from the cardio aspect of the sport. |
| Mental Health Benefits: The focus required and the endorphins released during activity can improve mood, reduce stress, and increase mental well-being. | Surface Limitations: Smooth surfaces are ideal, and rough or inappropriate terrains can either hinder the session or increase the risk of injury. |
| Customizable Workout: Skateboarding allows for personalization of the workout intensity by choosing different terrains or tricks, adapting to personal fitness levels. | Noise and Urban Impact: Skateboarding can be noisy and might not be welcomed everywhere, potentially leading to conflicts or restrictions in urban settings. |
Who Should Consider Skateboarding as Cardio?
If you’re looking for a cardiovascular workout, skateboarding may not be the best option for you. Skateboarding is a very fast-paced activity that can be hard on your joints and muscles. If you’re looking to add some cardio to your routine, try walking, running, biking, or swimming.
How to Make Skateboarding Work as Cardio?
Skateboarding is often considered cardio by many people. The high energy and movement of skateboarding can burn a lot of calories, right? While skateboarding certainly is an energy-burning sport, it’s not the only exercise that can help you achieve cardio goals. Skateboarding can work as cardio if you do it the right way.
To work as cardio, skateboarding needs to be done at a moderate to high intensity. That means you should be pushing yourself hard but not too hard. If you skate too hard, you’ll likely injure yourself, or even worse, you’ll stop enjoying skating altogether.
The Best Time of Day to Skate as Cardio
Do you skate for cardio? Do you think it’s a good workout? According to the American Council on Exercise, skateboarding can be considered cardio because it is an aerobic activity that uses many muscle groups.
Any aerobic activity that gets your heart rate up and uses many muscle groups can be considered cardio. So whether you’re skating on your board, walking on a treadmill, or riding a bike, these activities can help you burn calories and improve your cardiovascular health.
Skateboarding Work as Cardio for Weight Loss
If you’re thinking about adding skateboarding to your routine as a form of cardio, you may be wondering if it’s effective. After all, it doesn’t seem like a lot of activity for the heart.
The good news is that skateboarding can be a great form of cardio for weight loss.
It’s considered moderate-intensity exercise, which means that it’s a good option for people who are looking to exercise moderately and aren’t looking for a very intense workout.
Skateboarding can be done at a slow or fast pace, and the level of difficulty can be adjusted to make the workout more or less challenging.
Skateboarding Work as Cardio for Muscles
Skateboarding has been around for a long time and is known for its physicality. The sport of skateboarding is a great way to work different muscles and put your heart rate up.
Many people think skateboarding is just a physical activity and don’t realize how cardio can be. Skateboarding is great for burning calories, improving your endurance, and strengthening your muscles.
The Best Places to Skate as Cardio
Do you like to skate? Do you also like to work out? If you answered yes to both, then skateboarding may be cardio for you! Skating is a great way to burn calories and get your heart rate up.
Here are four great places to skate as cardio:
- A Skatepark: This is a great place to start if you’re new to skateboarding. Skateparks are typically designed with a lot of obstacles and jump to keep the skaters entertained and working up a good sweat.
- A Street: Skating on a street is a great way to get your heart rate up and burn some calories. Just make sure that you are aware of your surroundings and don’t skate in busy areas where you could get hit by a car.
- A Skateboard Park: If you’re a more experienced skater, then a skateboard park is the perfect place to skate as cardio. Skateboarding parks typically have a lot of different obstacles and jumps to keep you entertained.
- A Paved Trail: For a more scenic way to skate as cardio, a paved trail is a way to go. Trails can be found anywhere and are a great way to get your heart rate up while you enjoy the scenery.
Conclusion
Skateboarding can absolutely be part of your cardio routine, especially if you love the sport. It’s about how you approach it – whether you’re doing laps around the park, tackling hills, or mixing in tricks to keep your heart rate up. The key is consistency, safety, and enjoyment. If skateboarding gets you excited about moving and keeps you active, it’s definitely a form of cardio that can benefit your health. Remember, like any exercise, it’s most effective when part of a balanced fitness plan that includes rest, nutrition, and possibly other forms of exercise to address all aspects of fitness.
FAQs
How does skateboarding compare to traditional cardio exercises like running or cycling?
Skateboarding shares some similarities with traditional cardio exercises by elevating heart rate and engaging large muscle groups, but it also has unique aspects. Unlike running or cycling, which can be repetitive, skateboarding requires balance, coordination, and skill, which can make it more engaging. However, for continuous cardiovascular improvement, it might not match the structured endurance of running or cycling because skateboarding often involves stopping, starting, and performing tricks. Still, skateboarding can be an effective cardio workout, especially if you’re maintaining a consistent pace or pushing uphill.
What are the best practices for using skateboarding as a cardio workout?
For optimal cardio benefits from skateboarding:
- Consistency: Skate regularly to build endurance.
- Duration: Aim for sessions of at least 20-30 minutes to get your heart rate into the cardio zone.
- Intensity: Increase the workout intensity by incorporating hills, longer routes, or high-intensity intervals with tricks or sprints.
- Technique: Focus on smooth, continuous movement rather than stopping frequently to maximize heart rate maintenance.
- Recovery: Allow for recovery between sessions to prevent burnout or injury.
Are there any risks to using skateboarding as cardio?
While skateboarding offers cardio benefits, there are inherent risks:
- Injury: Skateboarding involves the potential for falls, which can lead to injuries ranging from minor scrapes to serious conditions like concussions or broken bones.
- Surface Issues: Skateboarding on rough or inappropriate surfaces can increase the risk of accidents or damage to the skateboard.
- Imbalance: Focusing on cardio might lead to neglecting other aspects of fitness like strength or flexibility, potentially causing muscle imbalances.
Mitigating these risks involves wearing protective gear, choosing appropriate skate locations, and incorporating a balanced fitness routine.
5. Can skateboarding help with weight loss as part of a cardio routine?
Yes, skateboarding can contribute to weight loss as part of a comprehensive fitness and diet plan. It burns calories through the physical activity involved in pushing off, balancing, and performing tricks, though the exact amount can vary widely based on intensity, duration, and individual metabolism. Skateboarding, when combined with healthy eating habits, can be an effective component of a weight management strategy. However, for significant weight loss, it should be part of a broader approach including other forms of exercise, diet control, and possibly strength training to increase muscle mass, which in turn boosts metabolism.
I am a passionate skateboarder and founder of the website dedicated to the skateboarding community. With years of experience riding and exploring various skateparks, I have a wealth of knowledge to share with fellow skateboarders. Through this website, my aims to provide a platform for skaters to connect, learn, and share their experiences.
