6 Action Sports That Burn Serious Calories
6 Action Sports That Burn Serious Calories
Action sports are more than just an adrenaline rush – they’re an incredible way to build strength, improve endurance, and burn calories. Unlike traditional workouts, board sports and outdoor adventures challenge your body in unique ways, engaging multiple muscle groups and refining balance.
Below, we’ll explore the estimated calorie burn for some of the most physically demanding action sports and how you can train more effectively for each one.
Calorie Burn Comparison
| Sport | Calories Burned (Per Hour) | Primary Muscle Groups Worked |
|---|---|---|
| Surfing | 500-800 | Core, Shoulders, Legs |
| Wakeboarding | 500-700 | Legs, Core, Arms |
| Mountain Biking | 600-1000 | Legs, Core, Grip Strength |
| Rock Climbing | 400-600 | Arms, Core, Grip |
| Hiking | 300-700 | Legs, Core, Lower Back |
| Snowboarding | 600-1000 | Legs, Core, Balance |
Other High-Calorie Burning Action Sports
- Kitesurfing & Windsurfing – 500-900 calories per hour
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) – 300-600 calories per hour
- Skateboarding & Longboarding – 400-800 calories per hour
Frequently Asked Questions
Mountain biking and snowboarding tend to burn the most calories per hour due to their intense muscle engagement and high endurance demands.
Yes! Surfing engages multiple muscle groups dynamically, providing a full-body workout, whereas gym workouts often focus on isolated movements.
Absolutely. Wakeboarding requires full-body engagement, making it a high-calorie burning sport that also builds strength and endurance.