Does skateboarding build muscle? – Comprehensive Overview

Skateboarding is more than just a hobby — it can also be an excellent way to boost your fitness. It works both your cardiovascular and muscular systems in one complete workout.

Not only can skateboarding help you keep fit, some research indicates that it can even build muscle – at least when compared to traditional strength training exercises.

In this article, we’ll explore the latest scientific evidence to answer the question: Does skateboarding build muscle? Read on for insights into what muscles are involved in skating and how skateboarders can push their strength gains even further.

Does skateboarding build muscle?

Skateboarding can certainly build muscle, though to a lesser degree than some other more traditional exercise methods. It requires strength and agility, as well as balance, coordination, and endurance. This can lead to increased stamina and better overall physical health.

In addition, skateboarding also builds up the muscles in the upper body such as the arms and shoulders due to pushing off with the feet while skating. The calves and thighs are also used in skateboarding for propulsion which can help build strength in these often overlooked areas. Furthermore, when performing tricks on a skateboard it requires jumping off of the board which works out the quads and glutes.

So yes, skateboarding does indeed build muscle but on a less intense level than other forms of exercise like weight training or martial arts.

What muscles do you get from skateboarding?

By using specific skateboarding techniques and activities, you can target certain muscle groups in your body and increase their strength and definition. Let’s take a look at how skateboarding can help you get a toned body. 

Back Muscles

The back muscles are an important part of the body when it comes to skateboarding.

This is because they provide balance, stability, and power during tricks like ollies and kickflips. To build up these muscles, try doing some one-footed ollies on flat ground or ramps (with safety gear of course).

When you pop off the board with only one foot, you’re forcing your back muscles to work extra hard to maintain balance and keep your body stable as you land back onto the board.

Abdominal Muscles

Your abdominal muscles play a key role in skateboarding for several reasons.

Not only do they help shift your center of gravity when performing flips and other aerial tricks, but they also protect your spine from injury by stabilizing it while landing tricks.

For added abdominal workout, try doing some half-pipe runs or grinding on rails with complex handrail grabs involved.

These activities involve keeping your torso tight while making quick movements which will help strengthen those core muscles in no time.

Leg Muscles

The leg muscles are another important group that gets exercised when skateboarding.

Your quads are pushed to their limits when pushing off the ground while riding downhill or performing ramp tricks such as tail slides or noseslides where you need lots of momentum to keep yourself on the board.

The calves too come into play as they help absorb shock from jumps or landings.

To really target those leg muscles, try doing some stair sets or wall rides where both legs bear a lot of weight as you move from step to step or ride along a wall at an angle with your feet parallel to the surface.

How often should I skateboard to build muscle?

The frequency with which you should skateboard depends on your current fitness level and how dedicated you are to improving it.

If you’re a beginner, you might want to start out by going for a skateboard ride twice a week and gradually increase the frequency and duration of rides over time.

As your muscles become accustomed to the activity and strength improves, then you can start skating more often and increasing the intensity of your workouts.

Remember to listen to your body if muscles become too sore or if pain is present while skateboarding, it may be time to take a break or switch up your workout routine.

Best skateboarding exercises for building muscle

most people think of skateboarding, they don’t immediately think of muscle building exercises. However, there are several skate-related drills and exercises that can help you get stronger, more agile, and more powerful while having fun on your board. Let’s take a look at some of the best skateboarding exercises for building muscles. 

Push-ups with Kickbacks

Push-ups are one of the classic bodyweight exercises that can help you strengthen all the muscles in your upper body.

To make them even better for building muscle, add kickbacks when you come up from each push-up.

As you do each push-up, kick one leg back straight behind you as far as it will go before returning it to the starting position and repeating on the other side.

This adds an extra layer of resistance that will help you build strength faster than regular push-ups alone.

Pistol Squats

Pistol squats are an advanced bodyweight exercise that requires balance and stability but can have huge benefits for your legs if performed correctly.

Start by standing on one leg with the other leg raised in front of you at about hip height.

Then lower your body until the standing knee is bent at a 90 degree angle before rising back up to the starting position and repeating on the other side.

This exercise is perfect for building strong quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves – all important muscles for any skater.

Single Leg Hops

Hops are another great exercise for building power in your legs while also helping to improve balance and coordination.

Start by standing on one foot with the other foot slightly off the ground in front of you (like how a surfer stands on their board).

Then hop forward as far as possible while maintaining balance before hopping back to where you started from using only one foot throughout the entire move.

You can perform this exercise anywhere – even while waiting in line at your local skate spot.

Conclusion

Skateboarding is an amazing and enjoyable activity that comes with great health benefits too.

It serves as a form of exercise, allowing skaters to build muscle from the physical exertion involved in jumps, flips, and other maneuvers.

It helps improve balance and coordination while also providing a creative outlet to express yourself and your style.

With its broad range of benefits, it’s no surprise that skateboarding has become so popular over the years.

Besides building muscle, skateboarding provides us with a fun way to engage our whole bodies physically and mentally.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your board and go skate!

FAQs

Do you think skateboarding helps build muscle?

Yes, skateboarding can help to build muscle. The repetitive motion of skating helps to tone the muscles in your legs and buttocks. In addition, while skateboarding you are constantly using your core muscles to balance and maintain your posture. All of these factors work together to help build muscle mass in your body.

How often do you need to skateboard in order to see results?

It really depends on what you’re looking to achieve. If you’re trying to improve your balance and core strength, then skateboarding a couple times a week should be sufficient. However, if you’re trying to build up muscle mass or increase your speed, then you’ll need to skateboard more frequently. Generally speaking, skating three times a week should produce noticeable results within a month or two.