Skateboarding has become an increasingly popular activity among people of all ages. It is considered a sport and a recreational activity that provides an adrenaline rush while performing tricks and stunts. Skateboarding is not just a fun activity, but it is also a great form of exercise. In this article, we will discuss whether skateboarding is good exercise, what kind of exercise it is, which muscles work when a person balances on a skateboard, the dangers of skateboarding, and more.
Is Skateboarding Good Exercise?
Skateboarding is a great form of exercise as it requires a lot of physical effort and can help build muscle strength, improve balance, and provide cardiovascular benefits. Skateboarding involves a lot of movement, including pushing, turning, jumping, and landing. These movements require a lot of energy and burn a significant number of calories. According to Harvard Health Publishing, skateboarding can burn between 150 to 500 calories per hour, depending on the intensity of the activity.
What Kind of Exercise is Skateboarding?
Skateboarding is considered a full-body exercise as it requires the use of various muscles throughout the body. Skateboarding involves a lot of balance and coordination, which requires the use of the core muscles, including the abdominal muscles, lower back muscles, and hip muscles. When performing tricks or stunts, the legs, arms, and shoulders also get involved, which provides a complete workout.
Skateboarding also provides cardiovascular benefits as it increases the heart rate and improves blood circulation. The constant movement and exertion of energy required during skateboarding make it an excellent form of aerobic exercise.
Which Muscles Work When a Person Balances on a Skateboard?
When a person balances on a skateboard, it requires the use of various muscles throughout the body. The core muscles, including the abdominal muscles, lower back muscles, and hip muscles, play a significant role in maintaining balance and stability. The legs also play a critical role in skateboarding as they are used to push off, steer, and control the board. The thigh muscles, including the quadriceps and hamstrings, get a good workout when skateboarding.
The calf muscles and the muscles in the feet and ankles are also used extensively during skateboarding. These muscles are responsible for providing stability and balance while standing on the skateboard. The upper body muscles, including the arms, shoulders, and chest muscles, are also used during skateboarding, especially when performing tricks and stunts.
What Are the Dangers of Skateboarding?
Although skateboarding is a great form of exercise, it is not without its dangers. Skateboarding can be a dangerous activity, especially if proper safety precautions are not taken. Some of the most common dangers associated with skateboarding include:
- Injuries from falls – Skateboarding involves a lot of movement and requires a lot of balance and coordination. Falls are common during skateboarding, and injuries can occur, including bruises, scrapes, cuts, and broken bones.
- Collisions with other objects – Skateboarders can collide with other objects, such as poles, walls, and curbs, which can lead to injuries.
- Traumatic Brain Injury – Skateboarding without a helmet can lead to a traumatic brain injury if a fall occurs, and the head hits the ground or another object.
- Overuse injuries – Skateboarding involves a lot of repetitive motions, which can lead to overuse injuries, such as tendonitis and stress fractures.
- Road hazards – Skateboarders can encounter road hazards such as potholes, debris, and cracks, which can lead to falls and injuries.
It is essential to take proper safety precautions when skateboarding to minimize the risk of injury. This includes wearing protective gear such as helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards. Skateboarders should also be aware of their surroundings and avoid areas with potential hazards such as crowded areas, uneven surfaces, and high-traffic roads.
Moreover, it is important for skateboarders to have proper technique and training to prevent injuries. Learning how to fall correctly can minimize the risk of serious injury. Beginners should start with basic tricks and gradually progress to more advanced maneuvers. Skateboarders should also stretch and warm up before starting to skate to prevent muscle strains and other injuries.
In addition, skateboarders should be mindful of their physical limitations and avoid pushing themselves beyond their capabilities. Overexertion can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of injury.
Skateboarding is an excellent form of exercise that provides a full-body workout and numerous health benefits. It can help build muscle strength, improve balance and coordination, and provide cardiovascular benefits. However, skateboarding can be a dangerous activity, and injuries can occur if proper safety precautions are not taken. Skateboarders should wear protective gear, be aware of their surroundings, have proper technique and training, and avoid pushing themselves beyond their capabilities. By following these guidelines, skateboarders can enjoy the health benefits of skateboarding while minimizing the risk of injury.
