Is Skating Good Exercise? 8 Reasons Why Skating Should Be Your Next Fitness Routine

Find out why skating is a fun and effective exercise routine. From improving balance and coordination to burning calories, skating provides numerous physical and mental health benefits. Learn how to get started and make skating your next fitness routine today.

Introduction

Exercise is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity has numerous benefits, such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mental health, and promoting overall well-being. However, finding the right exercise routine can be challenging. Enter skating – a fun and exciting way to get in shape. In this article, we will explore the benefits of skating as a total body workout and provide reasons why you should consider making it your next fitness routine.

The Benefits of Skating as a Total Body Workout

Skating is a great way to engage almost every muscle in your body. It involves using your core muscles to maintain balance and stability while activating your leg muscles as you propel forward. Skating can also work your upper body, forcing you to use your arms to maintain momentum and balance. According to a study published by the American Council on Exercise, skating ranks in the top five activities for total body muscle engagement.

5 Reasons Why Skating Should be Your Next Fitness Routine

Now that we have established that skating is a total body workout, we will dive into some specific reasons why you should consider making it your go-to exercise routine.

Improved balance and coordination: Skating requires a great deal of balance and coordination, which will ultimately improve over time with practice. This can also lead to better posture and alignment overall.
Low impact on joints: Unlike traditional high-impact exercises like running, skating is easier on your joints. This makes it a great exercise routine for people with injuries or who are prone to joint pain.
Burns calories: Skating is an excellent way to burn calories. In fact, according to HealthStatus, a person weighing 150 pounds can burn approximately 360 calories an hour while skating.
Variety: Variety is essential in any exercise routine to keep things exciting and avoid boredom. Skating provides an opportunity to switch things up and try something new.
Fun and social: Skating is a fun way to get moving, and it can also be a social activity. Whether you join a group or go solo, skating with friends can make the experience even more enjoyable.

Skating for Cardio: What Makes it an Ideal Activity

Skating is a great way to get your heart pumping and provides an excellent cardio workout. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, regular cardiovascular exercise can help reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Skating can be an effective form of cardio comparable to other activities, such as running or cycling.

When starting out, it is crucial to pace yourself, especially if you are new to skating. Start with short sessions and gradually increase your time as you build up your endurance.

From Endurance to Balance: How Skating Enhances Physical Fitness

In addition to building endurance, skating can also improve balance and coordination. Skating helps you develop better balance and spatial awareness, which can be beneficial in other areas of life, from sports to everyday activities. Skating can also cross-train other sports or activities, such as skiing or snowboarding.

The Science Behind Skating as a Form of Exercise

Studies have shown that skating can provide numerous physical health benefits. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development found that skating can help increase range of motion and flexibility in the lower body for people with spinal cord injuries. Another study published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that skating can help improve agility and overall fitness levels. Additionally, skating can have benefits for mental health, such as reducing stress and anxiety due to the release of endorphins.

Skating vs. Running: Which is a More Effective Workout?

Both skating and running are excellent forms of exercise and provide numerous benefits. However, there are some key differences to consider when deciding which is better for you. For example, running is a high-impact exercise that can be hard on your joints, while skating provides a low-impact workout. Skating may also be more enjoyable for people who prefer outdoor activities or who are looking for a change of pace from running.

There are also examples of people who have made the switch from running to skating. For instance, former marathon runner Tonya Kenyon started skating as a way to add variety to her exercise routine and ended up becoming an accomplished speed skater.

Conclusion

Skating is an excellent way to get in shape and provides numerous physical and mental health benefits. From engaging your total body to improving endurance and balance, skating can be an ideal fitness routine for people of all ages and skill levels. So, next time you’re looking for a fun and challenging workout, consider lacing up your skates and hitting the rink!

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