Longboarding is a fun and exciting activity that many people enjoy. It involves riding a longboard, which is similar to a skateboard but longer and wider, and performing tricks or simply cruising around. But is longboarding a good workout? Can you lose weight and build muscle by longboarding regularly? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of longboarding as a workout and how it can help you achieve your fitness goals.
What muscles does longboarding work?
Longboarding is a full-body workout that engages many different muscles. Here are some of the muscles that are worked during a longboarding session:
Legs
Longboarding requires a lot of leg strength and endurance. Your quads, hamstrings, and calves will all be working hard as you push off, carve, and brake.
Core
Your core muscles, including your abs and lower back, are also engaged as you maintain your balance and stability on the board.
Arms and Shoulders
While not as heavily worked as your legs and core, your arms and shoulders will still get some exercise as you use them to balance, steer, and control the board.
Can longboarding help you lose weight?
Longboarding can be an effective way to burn calories and lose weight. The amount of weight you can lose will depend on a variety of factors, including your starting weight, the intensity and duration of your longboarding sessions, and your diet.
According to the American Council on Exercise, a 150-pound person can burn approximately 250 calories in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity skateboarding. Longboarding, which typically involves more continuous movement than skateboarding, may burn even more calories.
To lose weight, you’ll need to create a calorie deficit by burning more calories than you consume. Longboarding can be a fun and enjoyable way to increase your physical activity and burn more calories.
Can longboarding help you build muscle?
Longboarding can also be an effective way to build muscle, particularly in your legs. The constant pushing, carving, and braking movements can help strengthen and tone your quads, hamstrings, and calves.
However, if you’re looking to build significant muscle mass, longboarding alone may not be enough. You’ll need to incorporate other forms of strength training, such as weightlifting, into your fitness routine.
Other benefits of longboarding as a workout
In addition to its physical benefits, longboarding can also have positive effects on your mental health and well-being. Here are some of the other benefits of longboarding as a workout:
Stress relief
Longboarding can be a great way to relieve stress and clear your mind. The combination of physical activity and being outdoors can be very therapeutic.
Improved balance and coordination
Longboarding requires a high level of balance and coordination, which can improve with regular practice. These skills can carry over into other areas of your life, such as sports or other physical activities.
Community and social connections
Longboarding has a strong community of enthusiasts who often gather to ride together or attend events. Participating in this community can help you make new friends and connect with others who share your interests.
Summary
Longboarding is a fun and exciting activity that can also be a great workout. It engages many different muscles, burns calories, and can help improve your balance, coordination, and mental well-being. While it may not be enough to build significant muscle mass on its own, it can be a great addition to a well-rounded fitness routine.
FAQs
1. Is longboarding safe?
As with any physical activity, there is some risk of injury when longboarding. It’s important to wear protective gear, such as a helmet and pads, and to practice in a safe and controlled environment.
2. Do I need any special equipment to start longboarding?
While you can technically longboard with just a board, it’s important to wear appropriate footwear and protective gear. You may also want to invest in quality longboarding equipment, such as trucks, wheels, and bearings, to improve your performance and safety.
3. How often should I longboard to see results?
The frequency and intensity of your longboarding sessions will depend on your fitness goals and current level of fitness. Aim to longboard at least a few times per week, and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your sessions as you improve.
4. Can longboarding be done indoors?
While longboarding is typically done outdoors, there are some indoor facilities, such as skateparks, that are designed for longboarding and other similar activities.
5. Is longboarding suitable for all ages?
Longboarding can be enjoyed by people of all ages, but it’s important to take your physical abilities and limitations into account. If you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program.
