Is inline skating better than running for fitness?

When you consider exercise or fitness, the treadmill, weights and stationary biking are likely the first things that come to mind. You are less likely to include inline skating in that routine because many people do not understand how effective inline skating is as a workout mechanism.

Inline skating is a very effective workout when done correctly. Inline skating for fitness has many benefits, including burning calories, reducing wear and tear on bones and joints and improving balance and coordination.

Burning calories by inline skate

Low-impact workout

Fitness skating builds your balance and coordination

(1) Burning calories by inline skate

When it comes to being healthy or staying healthy, many people consider themselves calorie counters. They track the calories in the foods they buy and eat and try to burn calories through various workouts. Inline skating is a great fitness activity that helps burn calories because it takes little time to take effect.

During a 30-minute skate, if inline skaters skate at a steady, comfortable pace, they will burn 285 calories at a heart rate of 148 beats per minute. In contrast, if you choose to do interval skating, where you will actively skate for one minute and easily skate another round, then you will burn 450 calories in 30 minutes.

If you choose to run or bike instead of skate, you will lose 350 and 360 calories at a rate of 148 beats per minute, respectively. The numbers for running and biking are still slightly higher, but the number of calories you can burn per minute depends heavily on your body weight. Therefore, you may still lose more calories in 30 minutes when skating versus running or biking. Not to mention, the toll that running and biking can take on your body makes skating a very suitable fitness option.

(2) Low-impact workout

In addition to the calorie-burning benefits of inline skating, skaters can benefit from a low-impact workout on the bones and joints of the body. If you've ever jogged, then you know that running can be hard on your knees, back and ankles. The repetitive nature of this shock is detrimental to your joints and takes the life out of them with every step you take. Inline skating is an excellent alternative to jogging and an excellent way to reduce the damage your body does to your bones and joints. In fact, inline skating has been proven to show less than half the impact of running while providing all the same benefits. If you are a runner, but have frequent leg injuries, consider inline skating. It will save you a lot of pain and suffering in the future.

(3) Fitness skating builds your balance and coordination

Whether you've skated before or not, it's no secret that inline skating requires a fair amount of balance and coordination. It's no surprise that many amateur and professional athletes alike use inline skating as a training tool to improve balance and coordination.

If you are looking to take your balance and coordination training to the next level, then inline skating is a great option for you. A great way to do this is to practice skating on each foot independently. Pick up one skate for 2 to 4 seconds, then switch to the other foot. This will quickly speed up your balance and coordination. If you do try this exercise, remember to always wear protective equipment.

However, even if you don't want to use skating as a balance and coordination training tool, a little increase in balance and coordination won't hurt.