Shredding Pounds: The Surprising Benefits of Longboarding as a Full-Body Workout

AvatarByJeff Duncan Workout

Are you tired of the same old boring workout routine? Looking for a fun and exciting way to stay active and fit? Look no further than longboarding! This popular form of skateboarding has gained attention not only for its cool tricks and moves, but also for its potential as a great cardio workout. But is longboarding truly an effective form of exercise? In this article, we will delve into the world of longboarding and explore whether it can truly be considered a good workout. So grab your board and join us as we hit the pavement to find out if longboarding is the missing piece to your fitness routine.

Longboarding has gained immense popularity in recent years, not only as a means of transportation but also as a form of exercise. It involves riding on a longboard, which is similar to a skateboard but longer in size. While most people associate longboarding with leisure and fun, it is also known to provide numerous health benefits. In fact, many fitness enthusiasts have taken up longboarding as their primary workout routine. In this article, we will explore the question: Is longboarding a good workout?

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Engaging in regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good cardiovascular health. Longboarding is a great way to get your heart rate up and increase your overall fitness level. The continuous paddling and legwork involved in pushing yourself on the board help to improve your heart’s endurance.

According to the American Heart Association, regular aerobic exercise such as longboarding can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases by up to 45%. This form of low- impact exercise strengthens your heart muscles, increases blood circulation, and improves your body’s oxygen-carrying capacity.

Full-body Workout

Contrary to popular belief, longboarding is not just an activity that works out your legs; it also engages multiple muscle groups throughout your body. While pushing yourself forward on the board engages your legs and glutes, maintaining balance requires core strength. Your arms also play a significant role in maintaining stability while maneuvering the board.

Additionally, carving or making turns on the board engages your abdominal muscles while upper body movements like paddling work out your arms and shoulders. Riding downhill at high speeds requires you to use every muscle group in your body to stay balanced and maintain control.

Enhanced Balance and Coordination

Longboarding requires a great deal of balance and coordination as you ride. The constant shifting of your body weight while performing different movements on the board trains your body to maintain stability and balance in various situations. This helps enhance your overall sense of balance and proprioception, which is the ability to perceive your body’s position in space.

Developing good balance and coordination not only improves your longboarding experience, but it also carries over to other activities, making you less prone to falls and injuries.

Low-impact Exercise

One of the most significant advantages of longboarding as a workout is that it is a low-impact exercise. Unlike running or high-intensity workouts that put strain on your joints, longboarding is gentle on your body. The smooth gliding motion on the board combined with the cushioning effect of the wheels reduces the impact on your joints and muscles.

This makes longboarding an ideal exercise for people recovering from injuries or those with joint problems, as well as older adults looking for a low-impact form of physical activity.

Mental Health Benefits

While the physical benefits of longboarding are undeniable, it also has a positive impact on mental health. Engaging in regular exercise releases endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones. These hormones can help reduce stress levels, improve mood, and boost self-esteem.

Longboarding also provides an escape from our busy lives and allows us to connect with nature, especially when riding outdoors. Spending time outdoors has been proven to have numerous benefits for mental well-being, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Variety and Adaptability

Another reason why longboarding makes for an excellent workout is that it offers a wide range of activities that can be adapted to suit different fitness levels and preferences. Beginners can start with simple rides around their neighborhood or flat surfaces before moving on to more challenging terrains like hills or downhill rides.

For those looking for a more intense workout, longboarding also offers the option to practice tricks and stunts, which require a higher level of physical exertion. The versatility of longboarding allows individuals to tailor their workout according to their fitness goals and abilities.

In conclusion, longboarding is not just a fun recreational activity but also an effective workout that offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. It improves cardiovascular health, provides a full-body workout, enhances balance and coordination, and is a low-impact form of exercise. Additionally, longboarding also has positive effects on mental well-being and offers variety and adaptability in terms of different fitness levels. So next time you grab your board for a ride, remember that you’re not just having fun but also giving your body an excellent workout.

Is Longboarding A Good Workout’

The Benefits of Longboarding as a Workout

Longboarding has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Not only is it a fun and exciting activity, but it also provides numerous physical and mental health benefits. Many people wonder if longboarding is a good workout, and the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, longboarding can be a highly effective form of exercise that can improve both your physical fitness and overall well-being.

Cardiovascular Health

One of the biggest advantages of longboarding as a workout is its ability to improve cardiovascular health. The continuous motion of pushing and gliding on the longboard requires the use of large muscle groups in the legs, which in turn increases your heart rate. This can help strengthen your heart and lungs over time, ultimately improving your overall endurance.

Full Body Workout

While many people associate longboarding with solely working out the legs, it actually provides a full body workout. As you ride on your longboard, you engage your core muscles to maintain balance and stability. Additionally, your arms are constantly moving as you pump for speed or use them to steer. This means that longboarding targets multiple muscle groups at once, making it a highly efficient form of exercise.

Improves Balance and Coordination

As you cruise on your longboard, you constantly need to maintain balance and coordination to stay upright and control the board’s movements. This not only challenges your physical abilities but also improves them over time. Better balance and coordination not only make you more proficient at longboarding but also carry over to daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs.

Mental Health Benefits

Apart from its physical benefits, one cannot overlook the positive effects that longboarding can have on mental health. Longboarding requires focus, concentration, and determination, especially when learning new tricks or riding on uneven terrain. As you overcome these challenges and master new skills, you develop a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem. The act of longboarding can also be meditative, allowing you to clear your mind and relieve stress.

Low-Impact Exercise

One of the biggest concerns for many individuals when it comes to working out is the impact it has on their joints. Longboarding is considered a low-impact exercise, meaning it puts less stress on the joints compared to activities like running or playing sports. This makes it an ideal form of exercise for those who may be recovering from an injury or have joint issues.

Customizable Intensity

Another advantage of longboarding as a workout is that you can adjust the intensity based on your fitness level and goals. For beginners, simply cruising around on a flat surface at a leisurely pace can still provide a decent workout. As you become more proficient, you can increase the speed and try more challenging routes with hills or obstacles to intensify the workout.

Tips for Making Longboarding an Effective Workout

While longboarding may seem like just another fun activity, there are some tips you can follow to make it a more effective workout:

Select the Right Board

Choosing the right longboard for your body type and riding style is crucial for getting the most out of your workouts. A board that is too big or small may not allow you to perform certain tricks or maneuvers, affecting your overall workout experience.

Wear Protective Gear

Like any physical activity, longboarding carries its own risks. Make sure to wear appropriate protective gear such as a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to prevent injuries while working out.

Vary Your Routes

Repetitive movements can cause muscle imbalances and potential injuries. Varying your longboarding routes can engage different muscles and prevent overuse injuries.

Incorporate Strength Training

While longboarding is a fantastic form of exercise, it primarily targets the lower body. To ensure a balanced workout, consider incorporating some strength training exercises for the upper body, such as push-ups or lifting weights.

Stay Hydrated

Longboarding can be a sweaty activity, especially in hot weather. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout your workouts by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your ride.

In conclusion, longboarding is not just a fun and exhilarating activity, but it also offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. With its ability to provide a full-body workout, improve cardiovascular health, balance and coordination, as well as customizable intensity levels, longboarding is undoubtedly an excellent form of exercise. Just remember to follow safety precautions and continuously challenge yourself to make the most out of your longboarding workouts.

1. Is longboarding a good form of physical exercise?
Yes, longboarding is a great workout that can improve cardiovascular health, build muscle strength and endurance, and also help with balance and coordination.

2. How many calories can I burn while longboarding?
The number of calories burned while longboarding depends on factors such as your weight, speed, and terrain. On average, a person weighing 160 pounds can burn about 300-500 calories in an hour of moderate longboarding.

3. Can longboarding be considered a full-body workout?
Yes, longboarding engages many muscles in your body including the core, legs, arms, and back. It requires constant balancing and shifting of weight which makes it a great full-body workout.

4. Will longboarding help me lose weight?
Longboarding can be an effective form of physical activity for weight loss when combined with a healthy diet. By consistently burning calories through longboarding, you can achieve weight loss goals over time.

5. Can beginners benefit from using a longboard as a workout tool?
Absolutely! Longboarding is suitable for people of all fitness levels. As a low-impact type of exercise, it allows beginners to gradually build up their fitness while having fun outdoors.

6. Are there any safety precautions I should take before starting my longboard workout?
Yes, safety should always be prioritized when engaging in any physical activity including longboarding. Be sure to wear protective gear such as a helmet and knee pads, choose safe routes with smooth surfaces to avoid falls or collisions, and always follow traffic rules if riding on the streets.

In conclusion, longboarding is a great form of exercise that offers numerous physical and mental benefits. It is not only a fun and exciting activity, but also an effective workout that engages various muscle groups, improves balance and coordination, and increases cardiovascular endurance. By incorporating longboarding into one’s fitness routine, they can achieve better overall strength, endurance, and agility.

Moreover, longboarding can also have positive effects on mental health by reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. Additionally, being able to connect with nature while engaging in this activity can improve one’s mood and overall sense of well-being.

However, it is important to note that safety should always be a priority when engaging in any physical activity. Proper equipment such as helmets and padding should always be worn to prevent injuries. Learning proper techniques and gradually increasing intensity levels can also help prevent accidents.

Overall, longboarding is an enjoyable and beneficial form of exercise that offers a wide range of health benefits for both the body and mind. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, incorporating longboarding into your workout routine can lead to significant improvements in your overall fitness level. So next time you are looking for a good workout option, why not give longboarding a try? You might just discover a new favorite hobby while reaping all the

Author Profile

Avatar
Jeff Duncan
Jeff Duncan, the owner and Head Coach of CrossFit Pearl District, is dedicated to fostering a supportive and effective training environment.

With a strong belief in the principles of movement mechanics, consistency, and intensity, Jeff has cultivated a community that thrives on continuous improvement and mutual support.

From 2024, Jeff Duncan has expanded his passion for CrossFit beyond coaching by writing an informative blog dedicated to the CrossFit niche. His blog features a variety of content aimed at providing valuable information and insights to the CrossFit community.

Jeff’s posts cover a wide range of topics including training techniques, nutrition advice, workout routines, and answers to common queries within the niche. This transition to blogging allows Jeff to reach a broader audience, sharing his expertise and helping individuals at all levels of their fitness journey.