subject: Skateboarding For Fun And Fitness [print this page] Choosing to become involved in a sport is an excellent way to improve overall fitness levels while having a good time. Participating becomes a benefit in itself, and regular repetition will ensure that skill levels and coordination involved with becoming proficient at the sport are amplified, along with endurance and strength levels.
Skateboarding is a sport that is enjoyed by many, for an assortment of reasons. The sport is played by having a user balance on a board mounted on four small wheels, and by using their balance to ride the board as they thrust the equipment forward using their own leg motions.
The power for movement is provided by the user during stretches where the board is unable to continue onward using its own inertia; otherwise the user simply rides atop it and coasts along with gravity doing most of the work. The speed and difficulty of the ride are largely up to the person to control.
Steering the board is achieved by leaning from atop it and shifting the body's weight into turns. The flexibility of the equipment, specifically the give that the mounted part gives allows for near complete control of the equipment, making for an experience that is wholly dictated by the person using the device.
The skateboard is a customizable piece of equipment; that can be configured for many different tasks. There are many makes and models, some of which have been custom designed for a specific purpose, and these vary from stable models that ride smoothly on the street to lightweight models specifically designed with tricks in mind.
For example, the wheels and mounting brackets they attach to can be tightened or loosened to provide greater give or stability from a ride. The wheels themselves can be changed out based on user preference, such as for smooth indoor flooring, or rough tarmac outside.
The length of the equipment can also dictate how controllable the entire rig is. Choosing a shorter option allows for greater versatility when doing tricks, but makes everything less stable.
The surface of the model can also be changed to reflect rider preference. The grip tape that covers the top can be changed out for various grip levels or stances which help athletes achieve certain goals.
Skateboarding is largely viewed as a nontraditional sport, both for the lifestyle that it glamorizes, or the relative newness of the sport. However, its nontraditional status does not prevent it from being a thorough workout that requires commitment and dedication to improve upon or master.
There are many physical benefits associated with the sport, as previously stated. Athletes are required to master certain tactics, positions, and skill sets before they can advance onto more impressive feats.
The sport improves strength levels in the legs and core. This occurs because propulsion is provided by the legs explosively pushing the equipment forward, as well as the legs flexing and moving as the device wobbles.
The core is worked because it tightens and flexes in response to the imbalances that are visited on the body. It also strengthens and improves itself in the effort to be better prepared for future endeavors.
It is through the repeated motions over time that the body is improved, because after every draining session it tries to rebuild itself and streamline process within so that future experiences are not so taxing. By keeping the body working in direct proportion to the increased load that comes with more difficulty, the body will improve in regular increments.
Along with the physical benefits, skateboarding also provides social one for participants. There is a lifestyle and acceptance among followers of the sport that provides support, context, and advice for new or inexperienced users.
This lifestyle encompasses attitudes, dedication, and acceptance into the group, which is an appealing option for many people. The culture that dominates the sport is one of rebellion, freedom, and challenging norms that speaks to many.
Skateboarding is a great nontraditional option for people who want to learn a fun sport while having an exhilarating experience at the same time. There is an additional desirable factor that comes from the sports traditional association with rebellion, however, the lifestyle and depth at which the person chooses to involve themselves always remains a personal decision.
