Why does rollerblading burn so many calories? Like you, I used to wonder how this was possible when I first joined the sport. But, the truth is that you can burn many calories, lose weight and keep fit because of rollerblading.
If you’re wondering how that’s possible, the answer is quite straightforward. Rollerblading is vigorous due to the push and glide body movements, so it requires tons of energy. Therefore, the body responds by burning excess calories and fats stored in the muscles to produce energy in aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. In the rest of this post, we’ll look at how rollerblading as a sport helps to burn so many calories. We’ll also look at the factors that influence how many calories are burned when rollerblading.
If you want to discover all there’s in this write-up, I’ll urge you to keep reading. So, with that being said, let’s get to it!
How Rollerblading Burns Calories
Rollerblading burns calories through aerobic and anaerobic respiration. What are these processes? You could be wondering. For starters, aerobic and anaerobic respiration is when the body produces energy for other body processes like locomotion.
For the body to produce energy, there should be glucose. So when you eat, the food is digested and is converted to a simple compound that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Therefore, starch is converted to glucose and is absorbed into the blood, then used by the cells to produce energy. However, not all of it is ever used by the mitochondria cells. Because of this, some of the glucose is converted to fats and stored in the body muscles.
To produce the energy you need for rollerblading, your body responds by burning the excess calories/glucose before it’s converted to fats through aerobic respiration. In addition, to provide more energy, the body engages the muscles in anaerobic respiration to convert the stored fats to energy.
Therefore, the main difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration is that aerobic respiration takes place in the cells and in the presence of oxygen, while anaerobic respiration takes place in the muscles and in the absence of oxygen.
One shortcoming of anaerobic respiration is muscle fatigue. If you’ve been skating for a while, I’m certain you know the experience. That being said, muscle fatigue is brought about by lactic acid, a by-product of anaerobic respiration.
In addition, the fatigue can be gross after a long session of rollerblading since rollerblading works all body muscles, especially the lower body. The main muscles in this area include:
- Glutes muscles
- Core muscles
- Quadriceps
- Hamstrings
- Adductors
Lastly, on average, a person burns between 573 and 1069 calories per hour when rollerblading at a moderate pace. It’s important to note that the number of calories you burn is dependent on body weight, intensity and frequency of rollerblading, distance covered, speed and terrain.
Factors that Influence the Number of Calories Burned When Rollerblading
In the second part of this article, we’ll look at how these factors contribute to the number of calories burned after every rollerblading session.
1. Body Weight
According to studies by Better ME, a 160 pounds person burns 913 calories per hour, a 200 pounds person burns 1138 calories per hour, while a 240 pounds person burns 1363 calories per hour.
This study shows that the more weight you have, the more calories your body burns when rollerblading. If you want to know how many calories you’d lose when rollerblading, here’s a free online rollerblading calories calculator that you can use.
2. Intensity and Frequency of Rollerblading
The rule of thumb is, if you skate frequently, your body will burn more calories than when you skate less often. So, if possible, you should be on your rollerblades every single day, but we all know that only happens in a perfect world.
Since life gets in the way many times; you should try rollerblading at least three times a week and each session lasting at least 30 minutes. In addition, if you can find more time, the better because it’ll help your body burn more calories.
3. Distance Covered
If you want to burn more calories, you got to cover a significantly longer distance when rollerblading. By default, you should aim to cover between 1 and 10 miles every time you jump on your wheels. But If you can do more, you’ll also burn more calories.
The logic is simple: the longer the distance you cover, the more energy you’ll need for rollerblading. Your body will respond by burning as many calories as possible to keep you energized throughout.
5. Type of Terrain
Smooth and flat terrains are the easiest to skate on. Unlike the rough and sloppy terrains, you don’t require much energy to propel yourself on smooth and flat terrains. This means if you want to see quick results, your best shot is rollerblading on rough terrains and uphill.
Can You Lose Weight by Rollerblading
It’s pretty easy to lose weight by rollerblading. However, it would help if you put in the work by maintaining a regular rollerblading schedule. By this I mean, you should be rollerblading at least three times a week, each session lasting a minimum of 30 minutes.
Compared to other forms of aerobic exercises like walking or running, rollerblading is more vigorous thus burns more calories and fats stored in the body. Therefore, it’s a guaranteed way of losing the excess body weight that’s putting you down.
However, the most important consideration when on a weight loss journey is your diet. By all means, you should aim at eating healthy foods and in the right portion. It’s a zero-sum game if you burn tons of calories after rollerblading then gaining them all back after a meal.
If you’re not sure how many calories you should be taking every day, this would be the time to consult a nutritionist. They’re well trained and know what’s best for you. So, any advice that comes from them should be valuable.
Related Post: Can you Lose Weight Rollerblading? (3 Simple Ways)
Other Benefits of Rollerblading
Rollerblading comes with other health and social benefits apart from burning calories, keeping fit, and losing extra weight. That’s what we’re jumping into in a few. So, let’s get going!
1. Cardiovascular Benefits
The cardiovascular system comprises the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The system involves blood flowing from the body to the heart to the lungs, back to the heart and the body, and repeats itself.
Rollerblading relies on energy produced by the body through aerobic respiration, which requires oxygenated blood. This is where the heart (cardiovascular system) comes in handy. Therefore, the more one rollerblades, the more their heart is kept healthy for a wholesome living.
2. Improves Body Balance
Body balance plays an integral role in enabling proper control of limps and increasing productivity. The good news is, rollerblading can help you realize this without the hassle. All it takes is a regular rollerblading schedule, and you’re good to go.
When rollerblading, one of the exercises for mastering balance and control while in your skating shoes is going on one leg. When done right and with consistency, the benefits of body balance should be translated to your day-to-day lifestyle.
According to Nina Strang, the right body balance helps with achieving proper posture, keeps back pain at bay, and reduces headaches.
3. Keeps Lifestyle Diseases like Diabetes at Bay
Rollerblading can help keep lifestyle diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure away from your body. However, you’ll first have to be an active inline skater to enjoy this benefit.
Diabetes, for example, causes more complications like heart disease and nerve damage kidney damage and can lead to depression. Rollerblading helps to solve this problem by regulating blood sugar levels through aerobic respiration.
4. Boosts the Production of Dopamine
Studies show that rollerblading helps produce dopamine—the neurotransmitter that’s responsible for how you feel pleasure. Dopamine helps by keeping you relaxed and composed to handle all life’s challenges by keeping depression at bay.
5. Boosts Self-esteem and Confidence
Rollerblading is a people’s sport, meaning it is more fun doing it with others than alone. In the process, it helps build self-esteem and confidence as one rollerblades in the company of other skaters at a skate park or rollerblading rink.
Related Post: 10 Health Benefits of Rollerblading | New Research
Why does Rollerblading Burn So many Calories? Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Rollerblading Help You Lose Belly Fat?
Rollerblading works the core muscles where the belly is located. The process involves burning fats around the belly to tone the belly muscles while developing the muscles. This is possible because of the recommended rollerblading position that involves bending and contraction and relaxation of the belly muscles.
2. Is Rollerblading Good For Cardio?
Rollerblading is an intensive and vigorous sport that keeps the heart on its toes to pump oxygenated blood to all body parts and cells for aerobic respiration. This keeps the heart active and healthy and helps to prevent lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. All these rollerblading benefits make it good for cardio exercise.
3. Is Rollerblading Bad For Knees?
On the contrary, rollerblading is good for the knees because it’s considered a low-impact aerobic exercise. This means rollerblading is gentle on joints like the knee and ankles but ferocious on burning calories and stored fats. This makes it one of the best aerobic exercises for people with bad knees.
Why does Rollerblading Burn So many Calories? Wrapping Up
Rollerblading is a fun sport, yet very effective at burning excess calories and helps to maintain a healthy body and lifestyle. Why does rollerblading burn so many calories? If you’ve been looking all over for the answer to this question, I believe you found this post helpful.
That being said, Rollerblading is vigorous due to the push and glide body movements, so it requires tons of energy. Therefore, the body responds by burning excess calories and fats stored in the muscles to produce energy in aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
If you’re looking for a perfect way to lose weight while having fun, rollerblading would be a good fit. Happy skating, and stay safe!
