Calories Burned Ice Skating
Calculate how many calories you burn during ice skating. Personalized results based on your weight and exercise duration using a scientifically validated MET value of 7.
Ice Skating Calorie Calculator
Ice Skating for 30 minutes
254 kcal
MET 7 · 73 kg · 508 kcal/hour
Calories Burned by Duration (Ice Skating)
How many calories you burn during ice skating at different durations, based on your current weight of 160 lbs.
Calories Burned Ice Skating by Body Weight
The table below shows estimated calories burned during ice skating for different body weights. Heavier individuals burn more calories because moving a larger body requires more energy.
| Body Weight | 30 Minutes | 60 Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| 120 lbs (54 kg) | 191 kcal | 381 kcal |
| 140 lbs (64 kg) | 222 kcal | 445 kcal |
| 160 lbs (73 kg) | 254 kcal | 508 kcal |
| 180 lbs (82 kg) | 286 kcal | 572 kcal |
| 200 lbs (91 kg) | 318 kcal | 635 kcal |
| 220 lbs (100 kg) | 349 kcal | 699 kcal |
| 250 lbs (113 kg) | 397 kcal | 794 kcal |
What 254 Calories Looks Like in Food
After 30 minutes of ice skating, you would have burned the equivalent of:
3.3x Egg
78 cal each
2.7x Apple
95 cal each
2.4x Banana
105 cal each
2x Glass of Wine
125 cal each
1.8x Can of Soda
140 cal each
1.2x Bowl of Rice
206 cal each
About Ice Skating and Calorie Burn
Ice skating provides a unique cardiovascular workout that builds lower body strength, balance, and coordination. The gliding motion on ice engages the glutes, quadriceps, and inner thigh muscles in ways that few other exercises can. Skating also develops proprioception and ankle stability. Whether recreational figure skating or fast-paced speed skating, the activity offers low-impact exercise since the gliding motion reduces joint stress compared to running.
Understanding the MET Value
Ice Skating has a MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) value of 7. This means ice skating burns 7 times more energy than sitting at rest. The formula used is: Calories = MET x Weight (kg) x Duration (hours). For example, a 70 kg person doing ice skating for 1 hour would burn approximately 490 calories. MET values are sourced from the Compendium of Physical Activities, the gold standard reference for exercise energy expenditure research.
Tips to Maximize Your Ice Skating Calorie Burn
- Bend your knees and keep your weight centered over your skates
- Wear warm, flexible clothing that allows full range of motion
- Start by holding the rail and practice balancing before skating freely
- Push to the side rather than backward for proper skating technique
- Wear thick socks and ensure skates fit snugly without being too tight
Muscles Worked During Ice Skating
Category
Cardio
Intensity
Moderate
MET Value
7
Equipment
Ice skates
How We Calculate Calories Burned During Ice Skating
Our ice skating calorie calculator uses the MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) formula, the same method used by exercise physiologists and health researchers worldwide. The formula is straightforward:
Calories = MET x Body Weight (kg) x Duration (hours)
For ice skating with a MET value of 7, the calculation works as follows: If you weigh 160 lbs (72.6 kg) and do ice skating for 30 minutes (0.5 hours), you would burn approximately 254 calories.
Keep in mind that actual calorie expenditure can vary by 15-20% based on factors like fitness level, exercise intensity, environmental conditions, and individual metabolic differences. The MET value of 7 for ice skating represents an average across typical conditions and effort levels. Your actual burn may be higher or lower depending on how vigorously you perform the activity.
Ice Skating vs. Other Activities
See how ice skating compares to other popular exercises in terms of calorie burn for a 160-lb person exercising for 30 minutes.
Similar Activities
Walking
MET 3.5 · Low · Cardio
~127 cal / 30 min (160 lbs)
Brisk Walking
MET 5 · Moderate · Cardio
~181 cal / 30 min (160 lbs)
Running
MET 9.8 · High · Cardio
~356 cal / 30 min (160 lbs)
Weightlifting
MET 6 · Moderate to High · Strength
~218 cal / 30 min (160 lbs)
CrossFit
MET 12 · Very High · Strength
~435 cal / 30 min (160 lbs)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories does ice skating burn in 30 minutes?
A person weighing 160 lbs (73 kg) burns approximately 254 calories during 30 minutes of ice skating. This is based on a MET value of 7. Heavier individuals burn more calories, and lighter individuals burn fewer.
What is the MET value of ice skating?
The MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) value for ice skating is 7. This means ice skating burns 7 times more energy than sitting at rest. MET values are established by the Compendium of Physical Activities and represent average energy expenditure for the activity.
Is ice skating good for weight loss?
Yes, ice skating is an effective exercise for weight loss. With a MET value of 7, it burns a significant number of calories per session. A 160-lb person burns about 508 calories per hour. Combined with a balanced diet, regular ice skating can help create the calorie deficit needed for weight loss.
How does body weight affect calories burned during ice skating?
Body weight significantly impacts calorie burn during ice skating. A 120-lb person burns about 191 calories in 30 minutes, while a 250-lb person burns approximately 397 calories in the same time. This is because moving a heavier body requires more energy, regardless of the activity being performed.
What muscles does ice skating work?
Ice Skating primarily works the Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Glutes, Adductors, Core, and Calves. Regular practice helps strengthen these muscle groups and improve overall fitness.