Post by High Priestess on Jun 6, 2017 3:34:09 GMT
I wanted to share something new I am getting involved in for exercise -- using a kick scooter. Not a fan of gyms, my main forms of exercise have been walking/hiking, bicycling, and gentle yoga. However, after a doctor's diagnosis that I have some arthritis in one foot, and after some foot pain occuring after long walks, I began to think maybe doing long walks/hikes wasnt' the best exercise for me and thought I should emphasize bicycling instead. I also recently decided to look into using a kick scooter as another form of exercise...as well as a means of transportation in urban areas.
For those who dont' know what a kick scooter is...here is a photo:
I tried out 3 types of kick scooter -- the Xootr Mg, the Razor A5 Lux, and the Hudora with the large (230mm) front wheel. I found that the Hudora scooter with the largest wheel(s) was the most comfortable and smooth to ride. However the other 2 certainly were also do-able. One can get scooters with even larger wheels, or with shock absorbers on front and/or rear wheel.
What I found one week into the exploration of kick scootering, is that this form of exercise gives a more intense workout than either walking/hiking or bicycling. (Unless the bicycling is on steep terrain or otherwise tough) THe quadraceps get a good workout! I find that this leaves me feeling "lighter" when I walk and I'm hoping it puts my leg muscles in balance.
www.yedoo.eu/en/blogpost/riding-a-scooter-ideal-form-of-exercise.aspx
The same article compares scootering to jogging and cycling and finds it favorable compared to both:
I have noticed that -- I can get a sore neck and back from bicycling, and also sore feet when I use bike shoes and clip-in pedals. (Standard pedals seem to be more comfortable though there isn't as much efficiency with their use)
Scooter riding is more intense exercise even than cycling -- and certainly more intense than walking. This is important if like me you tend to be busy and have limited time available for exercise! Of course this means that you probably can't do as much. I am finding that about 30 minutes of scootering feels like enough. I dont' have to pay to go to a gym and do quads machines to exercise -- I can just dash outside and ride my scooter on the sidewalk like a big kid!
For those who dont' know what a kick scooter is...here is a photo:
I tried out 3 types of kick scooter -- the Xootr Mg, the Razor A5 Lux, and the Hudora with the large (230mm) front wheel. I found that the Hudora scooter with the largest wheel(s) was the most comfortable and smooth to ride. However the other 2 certainly were also do-able. One can get scooters with even larger wheels, or with shock absorbers on front and/or rear wheel.
What I found one week into the exploration of kick scootering, is that this form of exercise gives a more intense workout than either walking/hiking or bicycling. (Unless the bicycling is on steep terrain or otherwise tough) THe quadraceps get a good workout! I find that this leaves me feeling "lighter" when I walk and I'm hoping it puts my leg muscles in balance.
www.yedoo.eu/en/blogpost/riding-a-scooter-ideal-form-of-exercise.aspx
In Western Europe scooter riding has become a new phenomenon of female fitstyle. Experts are also full of praise - for the human body it is more beneficial than jogging or cycling. While riding a scooter most muscle groups are working (namely those which shape our belly, buttocks, thighs, calves) and it is also an excellent assistant in weight loss. And we can only say - it is such good fun!
The same article compares scootering to jogging and cycling and finds it favorable compared to both:
Scooter vs. Jogging
Scooter riding saves joints significantly because it does not lead to any shocks. On the other hand, jogging may have negative impacts on joints and backs because of shocks.
Scooter vs. Cycling
Cycling actively employs only the lower part of the body while the upper part becomes stiff which may result in back pains. Scooter riding is far more effective - apart from lower body muscles it also effectively employs back, chest and belly muscles which are stretched and strengthened. On top of that, there are no pressure sores from a hard saddle!
Scooter riding saves joints significantly because it does not lead to any shocks. On the other hand, jogging may have negative impacts on joints and backs because of shocks.
Scooter vs. Cycling
Cycling actively employs only the lower part of the body while the upper part becomes stiff which may result in back pains. Scooter riding is far more effective - apart from lower body muscles it also effectively employs back, chest and belly muscles which are stretched and strengthened. On top of that, there are no pressure sores from a hard saddle!
I have noticed that -- I can get a sore neck and back from bicycling, and also sore feet when I use bike shoes and clip-in pedals. (Standard pedals seem to be more comfortable though there isn't as much efficiency with their use)
Scooter riding is more intense exercise even than cycling -- and certainly more intense than walking. This is important if like me you tend to be busy and have limited time available for exercise! Of course this means that you probably can't do as much. I am finding that about 30 minutes of scootering feels like enough. I dont' have to pay to go to a gym and do quads machines to exercise -- I can just dash outside and ride my scooter on the sidewalk like a big kid!
Scootering is an unexpectedly effective weapon in fighting obesity - according to calorie charts, in a one-minute scooter ride at the speed of 18 km/hour you burn 0.76 kJ/per one kilogram of weight; while cycling at the same speed and the same time you burn "only" 0.46kJ. If you want to burn the same amount of calories, you would have to cycle at the speed of cca 30km/hour. In terms of energy, scooter riding equals very a brisk running or fast swimming. You burn roughly one fourth more joules than you do e.g. during aerobics, judo training or zumba dancing - and this really is, my friends, food for thought!
