Is skateboarding an effective way to lose weight?
Skateboarding can be a great way to lose weight because it’s a physically demanding activity that burns calories. The number of calories burned depends on factors like your weight, the intensity of the skateboarding, and how long you do it for. On average, someone who weighs around 155 pounds can burn about 150-300 calories in just 30 minutes of skateboarding. If you weigh more, you’ll burn even more calories, and if you weigh less, you’ll burn fewer.
Skateboarding also works out multiple muscle groups, including your core, lower body, and even your upper body to some extent. This helps tone your muscles and increase your overall metabolic rate, so you’ll burn more calories even when you’re not actively skateboarding.
But it’s important to remember that losing weight effectively involves more than just skateboarding. You also need to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and live a healthy lifestyle overall. Before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have any health conditions, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider.
How to Lose Weight with Skateboarding
If you’re looking to lose 30 kg through skateboarding, it’s important to have a plan in place. Here are some steps you can follow, but always remember to consult with a healthcare provider or fitness professional beforehand.
1. Calculate your daily calorie needs: To lose weight, you need to consume fewer calories than you burn. Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and adjust it based on your activity level. For example, if you’re mostly sedentary (besides skateboarding), you might burn around 2600-2800 calories per day.
2. Create a Calorie Deficit: To lose 1 kg, you need a deficit of about 7700 calories. To lose 30 kg, aim for a deficit of around 231,000 calories, which means a daily deficit of 500-1000 calories. This will result in a gradual weight loss of about 0.5-1 kg per week.
3. Plan your skateboarding sessions: Aim to skateboard for at least 1 hour each day, burning around 300-500 calories. This will contribute to your daily calorie deficit.
4. Follow a balanced diet: Alongside skateboarding, eat a variety of foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid sugary drinks, processed foods, and unhealthy fats. Consider consulting with a registered dietitian for a personalized meal plan.
5. Monitor your progress: Keep track of your weight loss journey, but remember that progress may not always be linear. Stay consistent and don’t get discouraged.
6. Incorporate other activities: While skateboarding is a great form of exercise, incorporating other activities helps keep your routine varied and works different muscle groups. Try activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or weightlifting.
7. Rest and recovery: Get enough sleep and give your body time to rest and recover, especially when doing a lot of physical activity.
Remember to make sustainable changes, as quick fixes and extreme measures can be harmful. Good luck on your weight loss journey!
Wouldn’t it be better to start with shorter skateboarding sessions and increase the time once I get used to it?
Yes, it’s a good idea to start with shorter skateboarding sessions, especially when you’re new to it. This helps prevent injury and avoids burnout. Here’s a revised plan for starting with 30-minute sessions:
1. Start with 30-Minute Sessions: Begin with 30-minute skateboarding sessions each day, burning about 150-250 calories depending on the intensity. Gradually increase the duration as you get stronger and build endurance.
2. Increase Duration Gradually: After a couple of weeks, add 5-10 minutes to your skateboarding session each week. Aim to reach 60 minutes or more per session over time.
3. Monitor Your Response: Pay attention to how your body responds. If you feel overly tired or experience pain or discomfort, scale back to avoid pushing too hard.
4. Cross-Training: On days when you’re not skateboarding, try other types of exercise to keep your routine varied and rest the muscles used while skating. This can include activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga.
5. Rest and Recovery: Just like in the original plan, make sure you get enough sleep and give your body time to rest and recover. Aim for a gradual weight loss of about 0.5-1 kg per week. Pair your exercise routine with a balanced diet to create a calorie deficit. Adjust your plan as needed and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen.
What type of skateboard and riding style do you recommend for this plan?
The type of skateboard and riding style that’s best for you depends on your preferences, fitness levels, and where you’ll be skating. Here are some general suggestions:
1. Type of Skateboard: For beginners and fitness purposes, a longboard can be a good choice. They provide stability and are easier to balance on compared to shorter boards. Longboards offer a smooth ride, making them ideal for cruising around town or parks.
2. Riding Style: Start with basic cruising, which involves pushing yourself along flat surfaces. This is the foundation of skateboarding and helps you get comfortable on the board. As you gain confidence and skills, you can try more challenging styles or techniques if desired.
3. Push Don’t Coast: To maximize the fitness benefits, try to keep pushing instead of coasting. This raises your heart rate and helps burn more calories.
4. Alternate Legs: It may feel awkward at first, but try to alternate which leg you use to push off. This provides a more balanced workout.
5. Safety Gear: Always wear proper safety gear, including a helmet and knee and elbow pads, especially when starting out.
Remember, the best skateboard and riding style for you is the one you enjoy and find motivating. Enjoyment is key to sustaining any form of exercise in the long run.
Should I keep the trucks looser or tighten them up for cruising on a short popsicle-style skateboard?
The tightness of your skateboard’s trucks greatly affects how the board turns and feels under your feet. Looser trucks make it easier to turn and maneuver but can reduce stability, especially at higher speeds. Tighter trucks provide more stability but make turning harder.
For cruising, you may prefer slightly looser trucks, as they make it easier to navigate turns and carve smoothly. However, finding the right balance that suits your comfort and ability is important. If your trucks are too loose or too tight, it can affect your performance and safety.
Overall, find a truck tightness that feels comfortable for cruising and allows you to have control over your board. Experiment with different adjustments to find your sweet spot.
Remember that skateboarding is about personal preference, so it’s okay to try different setups until you find the one that works best for you. Safety is key, so always prioritize wearing appropriate protective gear.