Why Snowboarding Is Good For You [A Gnarly Guide]

When it comes to snowboarding, there are actually many reasons why it is an ideal sport. In fact, the answer to why snowboarding is good for you is actually multi-faceted.

You can get some exercise, make friends, improve your muscles, increase your hand eye coordination - and even possibly develop a career. While it's true that most who snowboard will never become professionals, it's still an excellent pursuit for the masses.

We took a deep dive on this topic, and we uncovered all you'll want to know - and pieced it down into this very digestible piece of content. So without further ado, here are all the reasons why snowboarding is good for you.

[See our complete list of the best snowboarders.]

What Is Snowboarding?

Developing from surfing and skateboarding, snowboarding is simply a way to ride a board down a big mountain of snow. Of course, there are plenty of tricks possible, from vert ramps to turning sharpy, to even grinds.

While you don't have to do any of these more advanced tricks to become a competent snowboarder - most novice riders do eventually move on to at least the basic tricks. And just because you won't become Shaun White - doesn't mean there aren't plenty of reasons to head down the mountain and carve some powder.

3 best snowboards

Who Invented Snowboarding?

It's not 100% known who truly invented snowboarding. Tom Sims is usually the name most give credit to, as not only did he make the first recognized board, he was a fantastic snowboarder in his own right.

In 1963, in 7th grade, Sims made a board with friend John Murray - they called it a ski board. This is basically the first snowboard ever invented (at least that's bandied about as an 'official' one).

From there, Sims went on to found SIMS Snowboards and SIMS Skateboards. He was also the stunt double in a James Bond film, showcasing his formidable snowboarding chops.

Jake Burton is another name that is commonly given credit for inventing snowboarding, and he is the namesake behind the well-known Burton Snowboards brand. Burton essentially devoted his life to creating and inventing not just snowboarding, but the economy around snowboarding.

It would be difficult, if not impossible, to think of someone who devoted more of their time and energy to snowboarding. It could also be said that without Jake Burton, there would really not be modern day snowboarding.

[Find out why snowboarding is good for you.]

Which Muscles Does Snowboarding Work?

Snowboarding works a wide variety of muscles. In fact, almost every muscle in your body will be worked by snowboarding on a regular basis.

To start with, your quads will be worked, thus your legs will end up in much better shape. You'll get much stronger thighs and knees, and your legs in general will be able to withstand much more weight.

You should be sure to have a slight bend in your knees when riding a board. No one goes down the mountain standing straight up and down.

Your abs and core will also be worked via snowboarding. In fact, these are some of the muscles that will be worked.

A good core is essential for every activity in life, including just standing upright and walking. A core is also crucial for lifting groceries, playing with your family, and lots of other activities.

Additionally, a good core is also needed for every other sport. You won't be able to win any races with a weak core, or come in first place in basketball, baseball, or other activities.

Your calf muscles will also be worked during snowboarding. They will end up very well developed, if you snowboard regularly.

One of our favorite aspects of snowboarding, is that it's exercise - but it doesn't feel like exercise. Running on the treadmill, however - that definitely feels like exercise.

Is Snowboarding A Good Workout?

Snowboarding involves your full body, and will help you burn calories. And more good news - you don't have to be an expert snowboarder to burn lots of calories.

It's also good for your cardiovascular health, and will allow you to eat more, as you'll also be burning more calories. Downhill snowboarding will kill about 500 calories in 60 minutes, according to multiple reputable sources.

If you want to burn even more calories, try walking up the mountain - it will burn a lot more than taking the chair lift. Additionally, you'll have to work even harder to stay warm - which in turn burns even more calories.

[What is the cost of snowboarding?]

How Many Calories Do You Burn In A Whole Day Of Snowboarding?

Ooh, this is a good one. First, we must mention that it will vary, depending on your age and body weight.

A bigger person will burn more calories, but they will also be likely to have more weight to lose. Younger snowboarders will have higher metabolisms, so they will burn calories more quickly - so they'll actually be able to eat more, as a result.

On average, you can burn about 500 calories per hour, going down the slopes. However, there's no way you can keep this pace up for 24 hours, so we'd estimate most people burn between 700 and 800 calories, per day they spend snowboarding.

Is Snowboarding Good For Weight Loss?

Yes, snowboarding is actually great for losing weight. However, the key here is to keep your food intake down.

You don't want to eat too much, you want to keep your food intake down. This will allow you to burn more calories than you eat, and will allow weight loss to occur.

I know it goes against every infomercial you've ever seen, but weight loss takes time, and isn't exactly exciting or flashy. It's a slow culmination of good habits.

Since snowboarding is a higher intensity activity, you don't have to spend a million hours out on the slopes. By contrast, if you walk, it won't burn nearly as many calories as quickly.

It would take hours to burn off walking, what you could burn off in just an hour, on the slopes. Some people are not able to do higher intensity exercise, which is why some are forced to stick to walking.

Is Snowboarding Or Skiing A Better Workout?

This is a question we hear frequently. Which activity is a better way to burn calories - skiing or snowboarding?

While the difference is negligible, skiing will burn slightly more calories than snowboarding. This is because you'll be using your hands, as well as your feet.

Skiing is also more difficult, in our opinion, but that remains subjective. What is not debatable, is that both snowboarding and skiing are both moderately intense activities.

They will burn more calories than activities like walking, but less than something like sprinting. However, snowboarding falls into that range of activity that you can still sustain for an hour or more - whereas sprinting is something that you can do for only a few minutes at a time.

[See some gnarly hoodies, to complete your snowboard ensemble.]

10 Reasons Why Snowboarding Is Great Exercise

There are numerous reasons why we love to snowboard. Here are 10 reasons why it's excellent exercise.

1. You're out in the fresh air. This means that you'll be away from screens, and getting lots of clean air in your lungs - which is unequivocally a good thing.

2. You'll work your whole body. Snowboarding has you use muscles in your legs, as well as your upper body.

3. You'll develop balance. By staying on your board all the time, you'll have much better balance - a key feature for anything you do in life.

4. Snowboarding will help with your confidence. Instead of being stuck inside and alone all day, snowboarding gets you out on the mountain with friends.

5. You will lower your cortisol. Cortisol is the stress hormone, and you'll have less of it, when you snowboard regularly.

6. You'll be part of a social community. Snowboarding has a built-in social network, so it will be much easier to make friends.

7. Snowboarding will help improve your focus and concentration. You won't be as ADD, and you won't constantly need a screen to be entertained.

8. You'll develop better coordination. You will naturally get more coordinated, by being out on a snowboard regularly.

9. Snowboarding will help with your mental health. If you get sad or lonely, going out on the mountain is a great way to improve your mental health.

10. Snowboarding will releases endorphins. Endorphins make us feel good, and any activity helps them come out, and make us feel better.

[Does skateboarding help with snowboarding?]

10 Best Snowboarding Accessories

1. Otu Men's Waterproof Ski Jacket

This ski jacket will keep you comfortable and dry when you hit the slopes. The material is anti-scratch and and wear resistant so it should last a long time. 

Other features include a detachable hood and adjustable velcro cuffs to lock in warmth. For the price, this is a great coat that will meet all your needs while snowboarding. 

2. AstroAI Balaclava Ski Mask

This polar fleece ski mask will give you superior protection from the wind and cold. It adjusts easily to be worn with a hemet, googles or can be worn on it's own. 

It's a great quality product that will keep you super warm while still being breathable. You won't have any regrets with this choice. 

3. OutdoorMaster Ski Goggles

These ski goggles are great for kids and adults and come in a variety of colors and styles. Importantly they will be compatible with any helmet. 

A must-have accessory that will enhance your snowboarding experience but improving your sight and protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays and harsh winds. With all the amazing reviews on these goggles, you can't go wrong. 

4. CampSnail High Waisted Leggings for Women

This 4 pack of leggings will keep you extra comfortable and warm while snowboarding. The ultra stretch fabric makes it easy to move and will fit any body type.

They are a great value. A perfect choice if you want to wear an extra layer. 

5. SAVIOR HEAT Heated Gloves

These battery heated gloves are a luxurious item to add to your snowboarding gear. They are waterproof and the lambskin material will keep your hands very warm. 

Just charge up their batteries and you'll have up to 7 hours of warmth. You'll never experience numb finger tips with these on. 

6. Bodyprox Protective Padded Shorts

Not only will these protective shorts give you an extra layer of warmth, they are equipped with shock absorbent foam on the rear. You won't have to worry too much if you have a hard fall. 

Bodyprox's goal is to enhance and rebuild your quality of life with superior protective gear. These shorts are a great choice for any rider. 

7. OutdoorMaster Kelvin Snowboard Helmet

It's essential to have a durable helmet while snowboarding. OutdoorMaster's Kelvin Snowboard helmet is an excellent choice for experienced riders and beginners. 

It's easy to adjust and has an extra layer for warmth while also having good ventilation. This helmet is stylish and affordable. 

8. WEIERYA Sports Performance Socks

If you are in need of a new pair of comfy socks, these will keep you warm without being too thick. They also have moister-wicking to keep you from getting too sweaty. 

Reviews say they are super comfortable and are worth the purchase. They are great choice for kids and adults. 

9. KAWAGARBO Snowboarding Travel Gear Backpack

With various compartments, this bag will store everything you need on your snowboarding trip. The main compartment will fit your helmet while your boots can go in each large zippered side pocket for easy access. 

The material is great quality and very durable. If you want to move quickly and comfortably, this is the bag for you. 

10. Demon Complete Basic Tune Kit

This kit will make it easy and affordable to fix up your snowboard when you are on the go. With 13 pieces in this small bag, you will have everything you need. 

The wax smalls nice and is enough to cover several boards. Your board will feel like new in no time at all. 

Other Factors To Consider

There are many health benefits to snowboarding. Not only does the sport work multiple muscle groups, it’s a good cardio workout, and it will help lower your resting heart rate.

Snowboarding is also good for your overall well-being, and is great aerobic exercise. Your body temperature will stay at a good level too - but you’ll burn more calories just by having to stay warm in the cold.

Your core muscles, leg muscles, hamstrings, glutes, and many other lower body muscles will all get worked well too, when you snowboard. Snowboarding is also great for your self-confidence, and your risk of injury is very low.

There are numerous health benefits of snowboarding - but there are also similar health benefits of skiing. A ski resort will allow skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels to get some good vitamin D and cardiovascular exercise, and will help you stay trim in the long winter months.

If you want to improve your skill level, you can get lessons from a snowboard instructor - or do snowboarding exercises at home. Snowboarding is a great full body workout, plus it also has numerous mental health benefits - like improving your self-esteem, and combating depression.

[See our list of the best beanies, if you want to look rad while you snowboard.]

The Bottom Line On Why Snowboarding Is Good For You

There you have it - all the reasons why snowboarding is a great activity for your health. You will notice that snowboarding is great exercise - even though it doesn't feel like it.

We love shredding the gnar and just forgetting about our troubles for a few hours. It's also a great way to de-stress - in an increasingly stressful world.