Why Skaters Skip Workouts (and How to Stick to Them)

Let’s face it: staying consistent with workouts can be tough—especially when skating already feels like the ultimate workout. Why hit the gym when you’re sweating through sessions at the park or bombing hills? But here’s the thing: regular workouts can seriously boost your skating game. They’ll strengthen your core, prevent injuries, and help you land those tricks you’ve been dreaming about.

Still, finding the motivation to stick with it can feel harder than stomping a perfect tre flip. Here’s why you’re probably skipping those workouts—and 10 solid tips to stay consistent.

Why Skaters Miss Workouts

1. Skating Feels Like Enough: After hours at the park, the idea of lifting weights or running sounds exhausting.
2. No Time: Between work, school, and skating, there’s little room for extra activities.
3. Lack of Structure: It’s easy to prioritize skating over something less exciting, like planks or squats.
4. No Immediate Payoff: Progress in fitness takes time, while skating gives instant gratification when you land something.
5. Burnout: Skating itself is physically demanding, leaving little energy for other workouts.

Sound familiar? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here’s how to turn things around.

10 Tips to Stay Consistent with Your Workouts

1. Make It Skate-Specific
   Focus on exercises that directly improve your skating. Core workouts, leg strength, and balance training will help you ollie higher, land smoother, and avoid wiping out. Think squats, lunges, and balance drills—things that translate directly to your time on the board.

2. Keep It Short and Sweet
   Workouts don’t need to be a marathon. A 15-20 minute session is plenty to build strength and prevent injuries. Quick, focused sessions are easier to commit to and won’t feel like they’re cutting into skate time.

3. Set Realistic Goals
   Don’t aim for a full-body transformation overnight. Start with small goals, like working out twice a week or adding 5 minutes to your routine. Consistency matters more than perfection.

4. Schedule It Like a Skate Sesh
   Treat your workout like a skate session. Plan it ahead of time and stick to it. If it’s on the calendar, you’re more likely to show up.

5. Find a Workout Buddy
   Just like skating with friends keeps things fun, working out with a buddy can keep you accountable. Bonus points if they’re also a skater—they’ll get it when you complain about sore legs.

6. Incorporate Active Recovery
   On rest days, do light activities like yoga or stretching. These don’t feel like “workouts” but will help your body recover and improve flexibility for skating.

7. Reward Yourself
   Give yourself something to look forward to. After a workout, treat yourself to your favorite snack, a chill skate session, or a new deck when you hit a milestone.

8. Make It Fun
   Hate the gym? Skip it. Try bodyweight exercises at home, skate-specific YouTube workouts, or even a game of S.K.A.T.E. that focuses on endurance. The key is finding something you enjoy.

9. Track Your Progress
   Keep a simple log of your workouts. Seeing your progress over time—whether it’s lifting more weight or improving endurance—can be super motivating.

10. Remember Your Why
    Why are you working out in the first place? To skate longer, land bigger tricks, or recover from injuries faster? Keep that goal in mind whenever you feel like skipping a session.

Stay Committed, Skate Strong

Workouts don’t have to be a chore, and they definitely don’t have to replace skating. When done right, they’re just another tool to level up your skills and keep you shredding for years to come. Start small, stay consistent, and remember: every workout gets you closer to that next big trick.

Now, hit that workout—and the park after. You’ve got this.