Longboarding is a form of skateboarding that utilizes a longer deck and softer wheels, designed primarily for cruising, carving, and downhill riding rather than tricks. It is a popular method for recreation and transportation. This article provides an estimate of the caloric expenditure associated with longboarding and explains the variables that cause this rate to change.
Determining the Calorie Burn Rate
The calculation of energy expenditure during any physical activity relies on the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) value. This standardized measure represents the ratio of energy expended during an activity relative to the energy expended at rest. One MET is equivalent to the energy used while sitting quietly, serving as a baseline for intensity measurements.
Scientific studies suggest that riding at a typical, self-selected speed often registers an intensity of approximately 8.5 METs. This figure classifies longboarding as a vigorous-intensity activity. Using this typical MET value, a person weighing between 125 and 185 pounds can expect to burn anywhere from 240 to 450 calories per hour of moderate-effort longboarding. The resulting calorie burn is an estimate, calculated by multiplying the MET value by the individual’s body weight and the duration of the activity. For instance, a 150-pound person engaging in moderate cruising would be at the lower end of the range, while a heavier person pushing frequently would approach the higher estimates.
Key Factors That Influence Calorie Expenditure
An individual’s body mass is one of the most significant determinants of caloric expenditure during longboarding. Moving a greater mass requires a proportionally larger amount of energy to accelerate and maintain speed. This means heavier riders will inherently burn more calories over the same distance and time. For example, a person weighing 200 pounds riding at a high intensity may burn between 450 and 650 calories per hour, a rate substantially higher than a lighter rider.
The intensity and frequency of pushing are additional factors that directly influence the total energy output. A session focused on constant pushing or pumping to maintain speed results in a much higher MET value than one that involves long periods of coasting or downhill travel. Studies indicate a direct, positive correlation between the speed of longboarding and the rate of energy expenditure. Faster speeds require the rider to overcome greater wind resistance and necessitate more frequent, powerful pushes, which elevates the metabolic demand.
The terrain and slope of the riding surface also modify the workout intensity and total calories burned. Riding on a flat, smooth surface requires a lower and more consistent energy output than navigating uneven pavement or hills. Pushing uphill requires the leg muscles to work against gravity, drastically increasing the caloric cost of the activity. Conversely, riding downhill provides a period of recovery where the energy expenditure drops substantially, as the rider expends less effort to maintain momentum.
Finally, environmental conditions, such as wind, can increase the energy needed to propel the board. Riding into a headwind forces the rider to push harder and more often to overcome the added resistance.
Longboarding Versus Other Forms of Exercise
Longboarding’s typical intensity level positions its caloric expenditure competitively among other popular forms of exercise. This places it well above the energy demand of brisk walking, which is generally rated around 5.0 METs.
A 150-pound person engaging in brisk walking at 4.0 miles per hour would burn approximately 360 calories in an hour. In comparison, the longboarder of the same weight would typically exceed this figure, especially during periods of consistent pushing. Longboarding’s energy output is similar to light jogging, which registers a MET value of 8.0 and burns about 575 calories per hour for a 150-pound person. The activity is also comparable to moderate-effort cycling, such as riding a bicycle at 12 to 13.9 miles per hour, which also holds a MET value of 8.0.
However, longboarding offers a different metabolic cost profile than many other activities because of its gliding nature. While the energy required to travel a certain distance is more economical than walking, the intermittent, vigorous pushing and balancing required ensure a high overall intensity.