Is it fun to ice skate?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 16, 2026
Ice-skating is a fun form of intense cardiovascular exercise which improves balance and builds muscle in your legs and core. Even if you aren't adopting ice-skating as your winter fitness routine, a trip to the rink with your family is a great way to get outside and exercise while also having fun.
What is fun about ice skating?
Ice skating is fun because it stimulates the brain to produce dopamine—the feel-good hormone and endorphins for stress relief and management. You can actively or passively participate in fun ice skating disciplines like figure skating, recreational skating, speed skating and hockey skating.
Is ice skating a good hobby?
It's never too late to learn how to skate. Ice skating is a great hobby whether you're six years old or sixty years old. That means children, parents, and grandparents alike can go out and enjoy gliding through the elements with minimal physical strain. Meanwhile, you're building memories that will last a lifetime.
Is ice skating difficult?
Learning to ice skate is hard but it is not impossible for an average person. Balancing is what people find very hard in ice skating because of the thin blades, It is very hard in the beginning but after a few weeks of practice and after learning to balance, it becomes pretty easy and you pick up the speed.
How does ice skating make you feel?
With its emphasis on quick movements, your leg joints will receive a great workout and feel more flexible. Ice skating is a great way of toning your muscles and building up your endurance. The more you skate the stronger you'll become and the best part is you'll be having so much fun you won't even realise.
24 related questions foundWhat are the cons of ice skating?
Five Key Skating Injuries Risks
- Ankle Sprains & Fractures. The intense weight and pressure placed upon the ankles during skating activity makes them susceptible to sprains and fractures. ...
- Head Injuries. ...
- ACL Tears. ...
- Lacerations. ...
- Hand and Wrist Injuries.
Do you lose weight ice skating?
According to Harvard Medical School, ice skating will burn up to 200 calories per hour, making it a great way to lose or maintain weight when combined with a healthy diet. Working out in general is a great way to relieve stress because physical activity releases endorphins in the brain.
How do beginners skate on ice?
To start skating, push off with one foot. As you glide forward, bring the foot you pushed off with back down onto the ice, then use your other foot to push off. Continue alternating feet to keep skating forward, and hold your arms out to your sides a little bit to help you balance.
What should I wear for first ice skating?
When you go ice skating, even if it's 80+ degrees outside, you should go prepared with gloves, a jacket or sweatshirt, and a couple of pairs of socks if you will be renting skates.
How do you fall when ice skating?
How To Fall Without Hurting Yourself When Ice Skating
- Step 1: Lean slightly forward and bend your knees. Tap to play or pause GIF. ...
- Step 2: Place your hands on the ice to break your fall. ...
- Step 3: Lift up one knee and place your hand on your knee for support. ...
- Step 4: Use both hands and knees to stand all the way back up.
Is it easier to skate with hockey or figure?
A pair of figure skates are better for beginners because the shape of the blade distributes weight more evenly over the foot, making it easier to balance. The blade is long and has a curve near the toe called the “rocker,” which allows the skater to make long and graceful turns.
What do you wear to ice skating lessons?
Proper Attire
The ice rink is COLD, so skaters should wear long pants, a jacket, gloves, and layers that they can add or remove. Sometimes skaters get warm when get moving, where removable layers will be useful. Flexible and sweat-wicking fabrics are recommended so the skaters can move with ease.
Why you should try ice skating?
Ice skating is an effective form of aerobic exercise. Similar to running or biking, skating at a brisk pace gives your cardiovascular system a workout and helps you build endurance. Even at leisurely speeds, ice skating improves balance and coordination. The gliding motion also increases joint mobility!
Why you should try skating?
Healthy exercise
You burn a ton of calories and can keep going for hours. Skateboarding makes your legs and core stronger. Your dominant leg might get a bit muscular compared to your other leg. Skateboarding can be a replacement for cardio and pushing yourself will greatly improve your overall health and fitness.
Why is skateboarding so fun?
Communication Skills: Skateboarding brings people together and offers a shared interest for people to build friendships around. Every skateboarder has their own unique way of skating, and their style and repertoire of tricks are expressions of the “type” of skateboarding person they are.
How do you look cute in ice skating?
Wrap a scarf around you, and carry an oversized bag. The long sleeve knit dress will keep you warm and cozy. Leggings and flannel outfits always work for figure skating. Leggings are not pants, but they can still look chic if styled correctly!
What age is appropriate for ice skating?
You should also wait for your child to have adequate flexibility, muscle strength, endurance, balance, and coordination. Typically, somewhere around age 4 is a good time to introduce ice skating to your child.
Is ice skating harder than roller skating?
Is it easier to roller blade or ice skate? Rollerblading is easier because the wheels are wider than the ice skate blade. Rollerblades also have a firm, hard-shell boot that help with stability.
Is ice skating like skiing?
The ability to balance on a skate is very similar to the ability to balance on a ski. When you watch a skier skate and a skater skate, it's the same moves and same balance patterns.
Is it too late to learn ice skating?
It's Never Too Late
There is never an age that it is too late to begin figure skating, but to be able to learn to land double and triple jumps does take time. It may be too late to master those difficult jumps if a skater begins skating in puberty or later.
Does ice skating give abs?
Harvard Health confirms in a post that stronger core muscles enhance body stability while increasing productivity. Ice skating uses the stomach muscles more when in the bent down posture, thereby toning the abs. If you're looking to lose belly fat, ice skating would be one of the best options to consider.
Does ice skating tone your bum?
Ice skating improves your glutes
The glutes are a well used muscle in figure skating. Ice skaters as a rule have toned bums, this is because of all the glute work involved in ice skating. All those pushes forward, all those rear leg extensions.
Is skating a good exercise?
Studies have shown that roller skating provides a complete aerobic workout and involves all of the body's muscles, especially the heart. Roller skating is equivalent to jogging in terms of health benefits and caloric consumption, reduction of body fat, and leg strength development.