How Many Calories Does Ice Skating Burn

Ice skating is a popular and exciting winter sport that also serves as an excellent form of exercise. Gliding across the ice works various muscle groups and burns significant calories, making it a great option for cardio training. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about calories burned while ice skating.

We will break down how many calories are burned per hour of ice skating, looking at the different factors that influence calorie burn such as intensity, body weight, and skating skill level.

We will compare ice skating to other activities like running, swimming, and winter sports to put the calorie burn in perspective. The mechanics of ice skating that lead to high-calorie burn will also be explained.

Calorie burn for elite figure skaters who practice for hours will be compared to that of casual recreational skaters. Specific scenarios will be used to demonstrate how to calculate calories burned during one hour, two hours, or 90 minutes of ice skating.

Other related topics include using ice skating for weight loss, fat burning, getting fit, reducing belly fat, and slimming legs.

By the end, you will have a complete understanding of using ice skating as an effective exercise for burning calories and improving your health and fitness. Let's lace up those skates and hit the ice.

1. How Many Calories Does Ice Skating Burn Per Hour?

The number of calories burned on ice skating varies substantially based on a few key factors:

Intensity - More vigorous skating burns more calories per hour. Casual skating may burn 300 calories per hour, while aggressive, fast skating can burn over 600 calories per hour.
Body Weight - Heavier individuals burn more calories than lighter individuals when ice skating. A 180-pound person may burn 510 calories per hour, while a 120-pound person may only burn 340 calories.
Skill Level - Beginner skaters burn more calories than advanced skaters. Staying balanced and upright requires more muscle activation for beginners.
Age - Younger adults tend to burn more calories than older adults during physical activity.

As a general estimate, a 154-pound person burns about 410 calories per hour of moderate recreational ice skating. Here is a simple formula to calculate calories burned ice skating based on weight:

Calories Burned Per Hour = (Body Weight in Pounds x 6) + 180

So that 154-pound person would burn:

(154 x 6) + 180 = 924 + 180 = 1104 calories per hour

Ice skating can burn comparable calories to activities like biking (292-644 cals/hr), running (476-839 cals/hr), and swimming (423-721 cals/hr). As an aerobic activity, it serves as an excellent cardio workout.

2. Why Does Ice Skating Burn So Many Calories?

Ice skating burns a high number of calories for a few key reasons:

Uses Large Muscle Groups - Skating engages your core, back, arms, shoulders, quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Using large muscle groups burns more calories.
Continuous Motion - There is no stopping and starting like in many sports. Skating has you constantly moving across the ice.
Balance and Coordination - Staying upright and maintaining balance and control engages many smaller stabilizer muscles. This extra muscle activation burns additional calories.
Cold Temperature - Your body uses more energy and burns more calories to stay warm in a cold ice rink.
High-Intensity Options - Skating aggressively or attempting complex footwork and jumps can greatly boost the calories burned. Fast competitive speed skating is an extremely intense workout.

In terms of calorie burn, ice skating compares favorably to activities like basketball, soccer, tennis, aerobics classes, and many other forms of moderate-vigorous exercise. The calories burned per hour will typically only be exceeded by hardcore training like competitive swimming, running, or cycling.

3. How Many Calories Does 2 Hours of Ice Skating Burn?

Spending two hours ice skating will clearly burn more total calories than just one hour. Here are some estimates on calories burned in 120 minutes of ice skating:

154 lb person - 1104 calories per hour x 2 hours = 2208 total calories
180 lb person - 1274 calories per hour x 2 hours = 2548 total calories
125 lb person - 918 calories per hour x 2 hours = 1836 total calories

As you can see, a typical recreational skating session of 2 hours will burn over 2000 calories for most adults. That's comparable to other popular 2-hour activities like:

Golf (870 calories)
Volleyball (1160 calories)
Rock climbing (1224 calories)
Elliptical workout (2200 calories)
Jogging (1900 calories)

Two full hours of ice skating will burn more calories than one hour of nearly any other exercise, making it a great option for effective cardio training.

4. Calories Burned Ice Skating vs Running

How does ice skating compare to running, another popular and efficient calorie-burning aerobic exercise? Here is a breakdown of calories burned per hour by a 150 lb person:

Ice Skating at 5 mph pace - 532 calories
Running at 5 mph pace (12 minute mile) - 576 calories
Running at 6 mph pace (10 minute mile) - 639 calories
Running at 7 mph pace (8 minute mile) - 702 calories
Running at 8 mph pace (7.5 minute mile) - 765 calories

As you can see, running burns slightly more calories per hour than ice skating at equivalent paces. Running requires more energy expenditure to propel yourself forward with each stride.

However, ice skating has less stress on the joints and lower impact than running. Ice skating also works balance and engages the core more. So calorie burn shouldn't be the only factor when choosing between these excellent forms of cardio exercise.

5. How Many Calories Burned in 1 Hour Ice Skating?

We already discussed that a 154 lb person burns about 410 calories per hour of recreational ice skating. Here are estimates for lighter and heavier individuals burning calories through 1 hour of ice skating:

125 lb person - 340 calories
150 lb person - 400 calories
180 lb person - 480 calories
200 lb person - 544 calories

The more you weigh, the more calories you burn in an hour. A heavier individual can burn over 200 more calories than a lighter person at the same skating intensity and duration.

One hour of ice skating will burn around 400 calories on average, which is similar to other activities like:

Low-impact aerobics class - 365 calories
Elliptical machine workout - 365 calories
Basketball game - 444 calories
High-impact aerobics class - 476 calories

6. How Many Calories Do Olympic Figure Skaters Burn?

Elite Olympic figure skaters burn huge numbers of calories with their intense training schedules on and off the ice. A study of 12 competitive figure skaters found they burned about 3,050 calories per day on average.

Olympic and competitive figure skaters can spend 4-8 hours on the ice daily practicing jumps, spins, footwork, routines, and rehearsals. Off-ice training like ballet, strength training, and flexibility exercises burn additional calories.

Between the hours of rigorous skating, off-ice conditioning, and dietary considerations to maintain low body weight, it's clear these top figure skaters are burning massive calories daily. This contributes to them being some of the fittest athletes competing at the highest levels.

7. How Many Calories Do Figure Skaters Need?

Due to their extreme training regimens, competitive figure skaters need to consume large amounts of calories daily. Estimates suggest around 2,000-3,000 calories per day for younger skaters and 2,500-4,000 calories for adult skaters.

Some key considerations for figure skaters' calorie needs include:

Hours of training - More hours burned on and off the ice mean more calories needed.
Body size - Taller/larger skaters need more than smaller skaters.
Growth and development - Younger skaters need calories for growth.
Activity level - Intense programs need more calorie intake.
Body composition goals - Build muscle? Lose fat? Maintain weight?

Figure skaters should work with a sports nutritionist to properly fuel their training and recovery needs. Their calorie needs will exceed those of less active individuals.

8. How Many Calories Does Speed Skating Burn?

Speed skating involves racing opponents around an oval ice track at high speeds. World-class speed skaters can reach speeds over 35 mph!

The intense effort required to speed skate at competitive levels burns massive calories. Here are some estimates per hour:

Casual recreational speed skating - 300-500 calories
Training pace skating - 600-800 calories
High-intensity competitive skating - 800-1200+ calories

The faster you skate and the harder you push yourself, the more calories you burn. Elite speed skaters are among the fittest endurance athletes across all sports. Their extreme training burns calories and body fat rapidly.

9. Does Ice Skating Burn Fat?

Yes, ice skating is an excellent fat-burning exercise. Any activity that burns calories will also burn fat accordingly.

Some factors that influence fat burning during ice skating include:

Duration - Longer skating workouts burn more fat. Try going for over an hour.
Intensity - Faster skating that really gets your heart rate elevated will burn more fat.
Weight - Heavier individuals will burn more fat than lighter individuals skating at the same pace.
Diet - Pair skating with a healthy calorie-deficit diet to maximize fat loss.
Muscle - Building leg and core muscles will help burn more fat while skating.
Consistency - Burn fat consistently with 3-5 skating workouts per week.

To burn maximum fat, aim for longer vigorous skating sessions consistently each week while following a targeted nutrition plan. Track your progress and adjust your training as needed.

10. Which Winter Sport Burns the Most Calories?

All winter sports and activities will burn calories and provide great workouts. Here is how some popular winter sports compare for calorie burn potential:

Downhill Skiing - skiing vigorously down slopes can burn 680+ calories per hour
Ice Skating - 410 calories per hour rec skating up to 800+ calories speed skating
Snowboarding - 420 calories per hour recreational boarding
Cross Country Skiing - 440-880+ calories per hour depending on terrain
Sledding/Tubing - 300-600 calories per hour going down hills
Snowshoeing - 420-700 calories per hour at a moderate pace
Ice hockey - 500 calories per hour for recreational hockey

The clear winner in terms of most calories burned is vigorous, intense cross-country skiing. The upper body poling motion combined with gliding along hilly terrain burns calories very efficiently. Alpine skiing and speed skating also rank near the top.

11. What to Eat Before, During, and After Ice Skating

Proper nutrition will help maximize your ice skating performance and recovery. Here are some guidelines:

Before Skating:

Eat a light meal 2-3 hours prior - Carbs, lean protein, veggies
Hydrate well in the days leading up
Avoid fatty, sugary foods right before skating

During Skating:

Drink plenty of water every 15 minutes
Consume 30-60g carbs per hour of skating for energy
Carb/electrolyte sports drinks, gels, chews, bars, etc.

After Skating:

Consume 20-30g protein within 30 min for muscle recovery
Carb-rich meal within 2 hours to replenish glycogen
Hydrate well to rehydrate - Water, milk, electrolyte drinks
Stretch thoroughly and use the foam roller

Following these general nutritional guidelines will help you perform at your best and recover optimally after burning all those calories on the ice!

12. Does Skating Reduce Belly Fat?

Skating is absolutely an effective form of exercise to help reduce belly fat. Some key pointers:

Vigorous skating burns visceral belly fat - aim for your target heart rate zone for over 30 minutes at least 3-4 days per week.
Pair skating with core strengthening exercises like planks which also burn belly fat.
Manage your diet by reducing calorie intake slightly and limiting sugar/fried foods/alcohol.
Stay hydrated - Drinking enough water supports belly fat loss.
Manage stress levels - High cortisol contributes to belly fat storage.
Be patient - Spot reduction takes time. You may lose fat elsewhere first.
Measure progress - Take waist measurements periodically to track reduction.
Consistency - Make skating for belly fat loss a regular habit.

While skating alone won't eliminate belly fat, when combined with full body exercise, targeted core work, proper nutrition, and lifestyle factors it can help greatly reduce belly fat over time.

13. Can You Get Fit by Ice Skating?

Ice skating is absolutely an activity that can effectively improve your overall fitness level. Some benefits:

Cardiovascular endurance - Skating is aerobic and improves heart/lung capacity.
Leg strength - Skating tones and strengthens major lower body muscle groups.
Core strength - Your core must engage to maintain balance and stability on skates.
Coordination - Learning to balance and change direction improves coordination.
Mental focus - Concentrating and controlling your body requires mental focus.
Joint health - Low-impact skating with knee bends improves joint mobility.
Weight management - Burning calories helps maintain a healthy body weight.

Ice skating trains both your body and mind in many ways that contribute to overall fitness. Try cross-training off the ice too with yoga, weights, plyometrics, etc.

14. Does Skating Slim Your Legs?

Ice skating can help slim and tone your leg muscles when done consistently. Here are some tips:

Train 3-4 days per week - Frequent lower body workouts trim leg fat.
Include hills/intervals - Increase intensity to maximize calorie burn.
Vary moves - Backwards skating, crossovers, jumps, and spins hit more leg muscles.
Monitor diet - Eat in a slight calorie deficit to lose fat while protecting muscle.
Add plyometrics - Jumps, hops, and agility moves build explosive power.
Add weight training - Squats, lunges, and presses build leg muscle that raises metabolism.
Allow time - It takes weeks of consistent training to see noticeable results.

Be patient and keep burning calories through a varied skating program combined with a sound nutrition plan to reveal those sculpted, slimmer legs over time.

15. Can You Get Ripped from Skating?

While skating alone may not get you ripped, incorporating it into a properly designed training program certainly can. Here are some tips:

Train 3-6 days/week - Frequent intense skating sessions burn fat and calories.
Include sprints/intervals - Anaerobic bursts boost metabolism and build muscle.
Add strength training - Lifts like squats, and deadlifts, cleans and builds muscle.
Allow recovery - Rest for 1-2 days between hard skating workouts.
Eat sufficient protein - Consume 0.5-1g of protein per pound of body weight daily.
Manage diet - Consume 500 calories below TDEE (total daily energy expenditure).
Sleep 7-9 hours nightly - Proper rest and recovery help build muscle.
Be patient - It takes 4-12 weeks of smart training and nutrition to get properly ripped.

With dedication and consistency, combining skating with targeted strength training and proper nutrition can certainly help you get ripped over time.

16. How Many Calories Should I Burn a Day?

A daily calorie deficit is required to lose weight. A moderate deficit of 500 calories daily can lead to 1 pound of fat loss per week. Here are calorie burn guidelines based on your goal:

Maintenance - Match your calorie intake to your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure).
Mild Loss - Create a 250-500 calorie per day deficit.
Aggressive Loss - Create a 500-1000 calorie per day deficit. Don't exceed 1000.
Extreme Athletes - Burn 500-750 calories more than you consume daily.

Calculate your TDEE using an online calculator, then track calories with a food journal app and fitness tracker. Adjust your calorie burn to 500 calories higher or lower than your target intake to meet your goals.

17. How Do You Lose Weight When Ice Skating?

Here are some tips to maximize fat loss on the ice:

Skate at vigorous effort for 45-90 minutes to burn 500+ calories
Maintain heart rate 60-80% max for duration of workout
Include intervals and hills for variety and boosted calorie burn
Skate sessions 5-6 days per week for consistency
Only consume non-caloric beverages during long skating workouts
Follow a reduced-calorie meal plan for your goals and nutritional needs
Combine skating with yoga, weights, running, etc. for cross-training effects
Prioritize sleep and recovery between hard training days

It requires a calorie deficit to lose weight - skating alone won't slim your waistline. But combined with proper nutrition, recovery, and cross-training, it is very effective for weight loss over time.

18. Can Figure Skating Give You Abs?

Figure skating involves many core-intensive moves like jumps and spins that can strengthen abdominal muscles. However, the layer of fat covering those muscles obscures muscle definition. Here are some tips:

Perform off-ice core routines - Planks, crunches, leg raises, Russian twists, etc.
Reduce body fat through diet - You must have low body fat to reveal a 6-pack.
Add burst training - Sprints, skating hills, and intervals help shed fat.
Watch sugary foods - Limit sweets, soda, alcohol, etc. to uncover abs.
Monitor portion sizes - Reduce calorie intake slightly to lose fat.
Drink more water - Staying hydrated supports fat loss.
Add weight training - Compound lifts like deadlifts, squats, and rows build abdominal muscle.
Allow time - It takes consistency over weeks/months to get visible 6-pack abs.
Vary cardio - Mix in hiking, swimming, and cycling to burn fat from different angles.
Get quality sleep - Recovery is essential for fat loss and muscle building.

With diligent training on and off the ice focused on burning fat, building core strength, and proper nutrition, figure skating can definitely help reveal those elusive 6-pack abs over time.

19. How Many Hours Should I Ice Skate?

How much you should ice skate depends on your goals and skill level. Here are some general guidelines:

Casual Skating - 1-3 hours per week
Active Lifestyle - 2-4 hours per week
Weight Loss - 3-6 hours per week
Improving Skills - 3-8 hours per week
Training for Competition - 8-20+ hours per week

It's important to build up duration gradually to avoid overuse injuries. Take at least one rest day between intensive skating days. Cross-train off the ice to supplement hard training days. Prioritize recovery including nutrition, sleep, foam rolling, and stretching.

20. How Many Calories Do You Burn in an Hour and a Half of Ice Skating?

Using the standard calories burned formula based on body weight, we can calculate calories burned in 1.5 hours of ice skating:

125 lb person:

Hour 1: 340 calories

Hour 2: 340 calories

Total = 680 calories burned

150 lb person:

Hour 1: 400 calories

Hour 2: 400 calories

Total = 800 calories burned

180 lb person:

Hour 1: 480 calories

Hour 2: 480 calories

Total = 960 calories burned

200 lb person:

Hour 1: 544 calories
Hour 2: 544 calories

Total = 1088 calories burned

As shown, an average individual will burn 800-1000 calories during an hour-and-a-half recreational skating session.

21. What Exercise Is Ice Skating?

Ice skating is classified as the following types of exercise:

Aerobic - It elevates heart rate and improves cardiovascular fitness.
Anaerobic - Aggressive skating includes anaerobic bursts.
Weight-bearing - Your legs support your body weight, improving bone density.
Low-impact - One foot is always gliding on the ice, reducing joint stress.
Interval - Changing intensities by sprinting and then recovering.
Resistance - Transporting and controlling your body provides resistance.
Balance/Coordination - Improves balance by activating stabilizer muscles.
Mental - Requires concentration and awareness of body positioning.

The combination of being aerobic, low impact, weight-bearing, and physically and mentally challenging makes ice skating a uniquely beneficial form of fitness training.

Finalizing the topic

We've now explored calories burned by ice skating in depth - from casual recreational skating to elite athletes. Understanding the mechanics and benefits of ice skating reveals why it can play such a key role in any fitness plan.

Tracking your calories burned and integrating targeted nutritional strategies will allow you to use ice skating to achieve goals like weight loss, increased fitness, and improved body composition. Combine it with complementary forms of training, and ice skating can transform your physique.

Strap on those skates and hit the rink - you'll have fun while burning hundreds of calories and improving your overall health! Just be sure to skate consistently and refuel properly afterward. Now go enjoy gliding your way to fitness!

While recreational skating provides great exercise for people of all levels, competitive figure skaters at the highest levels can earn significant incomes. Top figure skaters who make it to the Olympics or turn pro can make millions in endorsements and performance fees.

Understanding how much money elite figure skaters make provides insight into the potentially lucrative careers possible at the pinnacle of the sport. For most skaters, the physical and mental health benefits are the biggest rewards. But it's motivating to know that with enough dedication, the hard work can truly pay off.