Is skateboarding an effective way to lose weight?

Yes, skateboarding can be an effective way to lose weight, as it's a physically demanding activity that burns calories. The amount of calories burned depends on several factors, including your weight, the intensity of the skateboarding, and the duration of the activity.
In general, a person weighing around 155 pounds can burn approximately 150-300 calories in 30 minutes of skateboarding. Heavier individuals will burn more calories for the same amount of skateboarding, while lighter individuals will burn fewer.
Skateboarding also engages numerous muscle groups, including your core, lower body, and even upper body muscles to some extent. This can help improve muscle tone and increase your overall metabolic rate, which helps you burn more calories even when you're not actively exercising.
However, it's important to remember that effective weight loss involves more than just physical activity. A balanced diet, adequate sleep, and an overall healthy lifestyle are also crucial. Also, you should always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.

I have a mass of 120 kg and am 173 cm tall. I would like to lose 30 kg using skateboarding as my primary form of exercise. Please lay out a plan for me to achieve this goal.

Achieving a weight loss goal of 30 kg is a significant undertaking, and it's important to approach it in a safe and healthy manner. Here's a general plan that may help, but remember to consult with a healthcare provider or a fitness professional before starting any new exercise or diet regimen.

1. Calculate your daily calorie needs: Weight loss occurs when you consume fewer calories than you burn. To understand how many calories you need daily, you can calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and adjust it based on your activity level. Your BMR is approximately 2200 calories per day. If you're mostly sedentary (outside of skateboarding), you might burn around 2600-2800 calories per day.
2. Create a Calorie Deficit: To lose 1 kg of weight, you need to create a deficit of approximately 7700 calories. Therefore, to lose 30 kg, you'll need to create a deficit of around 231,000 calories. To do this safely, aim for a daily deficit of 500-1000 calories, which will result in a weight loss of about 0.5-1 kg per week.
3. Plan Your Skateboarding Sessions: Skateboarding can burn between 300-500 calories per hour, depending on intensity. Aim to skateboard for at least 1 hour each day. This would burn around 300-500 calories, contributing to your daily calorie deficit.
4. Follow a Balanced Diet: Alongside exercise, it's vital to consume a balanced diet. Aim to eat a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Try to avoid sugary drinks, processed foods, and excessive fats. You might consider consulting with a registered dietitian to help you design a meal plan.
5. Monitor Your Progress: Keep track of your weight loss progress, but don't be discouraged by fluctuations - weight loss is often non-linear. You might not see results immediately, but consistency is key.
6. Incorporate Other Activities: While skateboarding can be a great form of exercise, incorporating other types of physical activity can help keep your routine varied and work different muscle groups. This could be anything from walking and cycling to swimming or weightlifting.
7. Rest and Recovery: Make sure you're getting enough sleep and giving your body time to rest and recover. This is especially important when you're doing a lot of physical activity.

Remember, it's important to make sustainable changes. Quick fixes or extreme measures often don't result in lasting weight loss and can be harmful to your health. Good luck on your weight loss journey!

Wouldn't it be better to start with a 30-minute session of skateboarding every day and then ramp up the time once I feel like I have gotten more used to it?

Absolutely, starting with a shorter duration and gradually increasing it is a sensible approach, particularly when beginning a new physical activity. This can help prevent injury and reduce the risk of burnout.
Here's a revised plan based on starting with 30-minute skateboarding sessions:

1. Start with 30-Minute Sessions: Begin with 30-minute skateboarding sessions each day. This should burn approximately 150-250 calories, depending on the intensity of your skating. As you get stronger and build endurance, you can gradually increase the duration of your sessions.
2. Increase Duration Gradually: After the first couple of weeks, if you feel comfortable, add 5-10 minutes to your skateboarding session each week. Over time, you should aim to reach 60 minutes or more per session.
3. Monitor Your Response: Pay attention to how your body responds. If you're feeling overly tired, or if you have any pain or discomfort, it may be a sign that you're pushing too hard and need to scale back a bit.
4. Cross-Training: On days when you're not skateboarding, consider other types of exercise to keep your routine varied and to rest the muscles you use while skating. This could be anything from walking or cycling to swimming or yoga.
5. Rest and Recovery: As with the original plan, adequate rest and recovery are crucial. Make sure you're getting enough sleep and giving your body time to rest and recover.

Remember that weight loss should be gradual, aiming for about 0.5-1 kg per week. It's important to pair your exercise routine with a balanced diet to create a calorie deficit. Always listen to your body and adjust your plan as needed. And finally, consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen.

What type of skateboard and riding style do you recommend for this plan?

Choosing the right skateboard and riding style will depend on your personal preferences, fitness levels, and the conditions where you plan to skate. Here are some general suggestions:

1. Type of Skateboard: For beginners and for the purpose of fitness, a longboard can be a good choice. They're typically more stable and easier to balance on than shorter boards. They also offer a smooth ride, which is ideal for cruising around town or parks.
2. Riding Style: Start with basic cruising. This simply involves pushing yourself along flat surfaces. It's the foundation of all skateboarding and will help you get comfortable on the board. As you build confidence and skill, you can try more challenging styles or techniques if you wish.
3. Push Don't Coast: To maximize the fitness benefits, try to keep pushing rather than just coasting. This will increase your heart rate, helping you burn more calories.
4. Alternate Legs: While it might feel awkward at first, try to alternate which leg you use to push off. This can help ensure a more balanced workout.
5. Note: This ain’t gonna happen, I am “goofy” and riding regular style would be a major slam-risk!
6. Safety Gear: Don't forget to wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet and knee and elbow pads. This is particularly important when you're just starting out.

Remember, the best type of skateboard and riding style for you is the one that you enjoy the most and that keeps you motivated to continue skating regularly. Enjoyment is a key factor in maintaining any form of exercise in the long term.

Should I keep the trucks looser or tighten them up for cruising on a short popsicle-style skateboard?

The tightness of the trucks on your skateboard can greatly affect how the board turns and feels under your feet. In general, looser trucks make it easier to turn and maneuver, but they can also make the board feel less stable, especially at higher speeds. Tighter trucks, on the other hand, offer more stability but make it harder to turn.
For cruising, you might prefer a slightly looser setting, which will make it easier to navigate turns and carve smoothly. However, it's important to find a balance that suits your comfort level and ability. Too loose, and you may lose stability and control; too tight, and you might find it difficult to steer effectively.
If you're using a short popsicle-style skateboard for cruising, you might find that slightly looser trucks suit your needs. However, the best approach is to start with a moderate setting and adjust the trucks little by little until you find a setting that feels right for you. Remember, safety is paramount, so ensure you're comfortable with your board's responsiveness and always wear appropriate protective gear.