Thriving Beyond the Board: The Surprising Health Benefits of Skateboarding and Longboarding
Ever wondered how cruising on four wheels could lead you to a happier, healthier life? Well, you're in for a treat! 🛹 In this fascinating blog post, we'll unveil the mind-blowing physical and mental health benefits of skateboarding and longboarding. And guess what? We'll also show you how the power of a strong skate community enhances well-being, and how you can get involved with Beyond the Board to make a real difference! So, grab your favorite deck, and let's dive in!
Physical Health Benefits
All smiles after an event we hosted with the Skate Bird skatepark in Miami.
Is skateboarding healthy? How healthy is skateboarding?
Absolutely! Skateboarding is an excellent workout that combines cardio, strength, and balance training. It's a fun way to get fit, tone muscles, and improve overall health while having a blast!
How does skateboarding affect your health? What are the long-term effects of skateboarding?
Improved balance and coordination: Skateboarding helps develop a strong sense of balance, as you're constantly adjusting your body to stay on the board [1].
Enhanced muscle strength and endurance: Your legs, core, and upper body all get a workout from skateboarding, leading to increased strength and endurance [2].
Increased flexibility and range of motion: Skateboarding requires flexibility in your ankles, hips, and legs, which can help improve your overall range of motion [3].
Is skateboarding good for the heart? Is skateboarding better cardio than running?
Skateboarding is an excellent form of cardio that can help lower your risk of heart disease [4]. While running might burn more calories per hour, skateboarding is a lower-impact activity, which can be less stressful on your joints [5].
Will I lose weight if I skateboard every day?
Skateboarding can be a great way to burn calories and manage weight. Combined with a healthy diet and other physical activities, regular skateboarding can help you achieve your weight loss goals [6].
Mental Health Benefits
Cruising the Atlanta Beltline during our event with the Black Boarders of Atlanta.
What skateboarding does to the brain
Skateboarding releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins and dopamine, which can help reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness [7]. It also improves cognitive function and focus, thanks to the coordination and concentration required to master tricks and navigate obstacles [8].
Is skateboarding good for anxiety? Does skateboarding help depression?
Yes! Skateboarding has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms [9]. It provides an outlet for stress, boosts mood, and fosters a sense of achievement and accomplishment.
Why is skateboarding so addictive?
The thrill and excitement of skateboarding, combined with the sense of achievement and personal growth, make it an incredibly addictive and satisfying activity. Plus, the camaraderie and support within the skateboarding community only add to its appeal!
Skateboarding, Longboarding, and a Happy, Fulfilling Life "Beyond the Board"
At Beyond the Board, we're on a mission to create inclusive and supportive spaces for all backgrounds to explore creativity, build confidence, and find camaraderie through skateboarding. We believe that everyone should feel empowered to express themselves without fear of judgment. By celebrating small wins and promoting a culture of inclusion, we aim to build a global community that supports happy and healthy lives beyond the board.
The importance of community on mental health and well-being
Building a sense of community and social connections through skateboarding can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being. Being part of a supportive group helps alleviate feelings of isolation, fosters a sense of belonging, and encourages personal growth [10]. Check out our interactive Longboard Map to find active longboard communities around the world.
Get Involved: Join the Movement and Make a Difference 🤝
Ready to experience the amazing benefits of skateboarding and longboarding for yourself? Beyond the Board offers workshops, events, and community activations to help you connect with fellow skaters, improve your skills, and make a positive impact on your life and others'.
Join our events
Participate in our skateboarding events, where you can learn new tricks, make friends, and contribute to a welcoming community. We've already impacted over 5,000 lives through our national skate tours and community activations in 20+ states and 50+ cities!
Donate to our non-profit
Your generous donations help us bring the life-changing benefits of skateboarding to even more people. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we rely on your support to create safe, supportive spaces for self-expression and confidence-building through skateboarding.
Connect us with brands and organizations
We're always looking for opportunities to partner with like-minded brands and organizations to expand our reach and make an even greater impact. If you know of a brand or organization that shares our mission, introduce us!
Conclusion
Skateboarding and longboarding offer incredible physical and mental health benefits, helping you lead a happier and more fulfilling life "beyond the board." At Beyond the Board, we're passionate about harnessing the power of skateboarding to empower individuals and build strong, supportive communities. So, come join us on this exciting journey, and together, let's skate our way to a better tomorrow!
The scavenger hunt winners from a skate event we hosted in Washington DC June, 2022.
Sources
[1] Halperin, I., et al. (2018). The effects of skateboarding exercise on static and dynamic balance in healthy young adults. Gait & Posture, 61, 240-244.
[2] Carrasco, D. (2016). The health benefits of skateboarding. Raising Arizona Kids Magazine.
[3] Miller, M. (2016). Skateboarding: Health benefits and safety tips. Live Science.
[4] Skateistan (2020). Skateboarding and health: The benefits of an active lifestyle. Skateistan Blog.
[5] Bowling, A. (2017). Skateboarding vs. running: Which one is better for your body? SportsRec.
[6] Gudbergsson, G. (2018). How many calories does skateboarding burn? Skatesphere.
[7] HealthFitnessRevolution (2015). Top 10 health benefits of skateboarding. Health Fitness Revolution.
[8] DiLorenzo, T. M., et al. (1999). Long-term effects of aerobic exercise on psychological outcomes. Preventive Medicine, 28(1), 75-85.
[9] Knapton, S. (2017). Skateboarding helps fight depression and anxiety, study finds. The Telegraph.
[10] McMillan, D. W., & Chavis, D. M. (1986). Sense of community: A definition and theory. Journal of Community Psychology, 14(1), 6-23.
