Skateboarding is a dynamic form of physical exercise, engaging multiple muscle groups and demanding continuous adjustments for balance, coordination, and propulsion. This activity elevates the heart rate and increases metabolic output. Many people who use a skateboard are interested in quantifying its energy expenditure. Understanding the calorie burn associated with different styles and intensities of skating provides actionable data for tracking fitness goals.
Calculating Calorie Expenditure
To determine the energy expended during physical activity, scientists use the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET). A single MET represents the energy your body uses while sitting quietly at rest. All other activities are assigned a MET value indicating how many times more energy they require compared to this resting state. Calculating total calories burned involves a formula incorporating the MET value, the individual’s body weight, and the duration of the activity. The calculation adjusts for mass, as a heavier body requires more energy to move, providing a standardized estimate of the caloric cost.
Calorie Burn Rates by Skateboarding Style
The intensity of skateboarding directly correlates with its MET value and the number of calories burned. Low-intensity activities, such as casual cruising or using a board for transportation, are assigned a moderate MET value of approximately 5.0. For a 155-pound individual, this translates to an approximate burn rate of 286 calories per hour. This activity involves steady, repetitive pushing and gliding with minimal stops or challenging maneuvers.
When the activity shifts to a moderate pace, such as sustained riding without excessive coasting, the caloric demand increases. Vigorous sessions, like aggressive street skating or extended time at a skate park, involve higher intensity. Characterized by continuous tricks, jumps, and frequent changes in momentum, these sessions can have a MET value around 8.0. For a 155-pound person, this aggressive style results in burning approximately 458 calories per hour.
The highest intensity levels, such as performing complex freestyle tricks or skating uphill, can push the MET value to 10.0 or higher. A 155-pound person engaged in this demanding activity can burn over 570 calories in an hour. Incorporating dynamic movements and minimizing rest periods significantly boosts energy expenditure. Continuous muscle engagement required for balance and explosive movements elevates the heart rate far more than simple cruising.
Factors Modifying Your Burn Rate
While the style of skating sets the baseline for calorie expenditure, an individual’s body weight is the most influential variable. Moving a heavier mass requires more mechanical energy, so individuals with a higher body weight naturally expend more calories performing the same activity. For instance, a 200-pound person performing aggressive skating will burn significantly more calories per hour than a 130-pound person at the same intensity.
The specific terrain and environment also play a large role in energy demand. Skating uphill or against a strong headwind forces the body to work harder, elevating the MET value and increasing caloric output. Conversely, skating downhill or on a smooth surface allows for longer periods of coasting, reducing continuous muscular effort. Furthermore, continuous, uninterrupted skating maintains an elevated heart rate and metabolic rate, while frequent, long rest periods lower the overall energy expended.
Comparing Skateboarding to Other Activities
Placing skateboarding’s energy expenditure into context helps individuals benchmark it against traditional forms of exercise. The calorie burn rate for moderate-intensity skateboarding (286 calories per hour for a 155-pound person) is comparable to a brisk walk at 3.5 miles per hour, which burns around 280 calories per hour. This shows that even casual use provides a legitimate, moderate-level workout.
When intensity increases to aggressive or trick-focused skating, the activity begins to rival more strenuous aerobic exercises. Aggressive skateboarding, burning about 458 calories per hour, falls between moderate cycling and running. Running at a steady pace of six miles per hour, for example, burns approximately 590 calories per hour. High-intensity skateboarding is competitive with conventional cardio workouts, offering a vigorous alternative for meeting fitness goals.