Does Go Karting Burn Calories? | Unveiling the Fitness Benefits

Updated: 20.05.25

Want a workout that’s fast, fun, and burns calories? Go-karting combines the thrill of racing with a high-intensity exercise that torches calories and boosts fitness.

Discover how go-karting transforms your fitness routine into an adrenaline-pumping workout.

1. How Many Calories Does Go-Karting Burn?

Go-karting is a powerful calorie burner. A 2025 study found that an average driver burns approximately 358 calories in a 30-minute session, up to 40% more than treadmill jogging.

2. Calorie Burn Compared to Other Activities

3. Go-Karting vs. Regular Driving

Unlike regular driving, which burns just 50–70 calories per hour, go-karting burns up to 358 calories in 30 minutes, offering a high-intensity workout.

Related: Why Does My Body Hurt After Go-Karting? (+ Remedies)

4. Why Go-Karting Is a Great Workout

Go-karting engages your body and mind, making it an effective exercise that feels like play.

Calorie-Burning Mechanics

Steering, accelerating, and navigating tight corners work your biceps, triceps, shoulders, lats, neck, and calves, burning calories through constant motion.

Cardiovascular Fitness

The fast-paced nature of go-karting elevates your heart rate, boosting cardiovascular health and reflexes. Check out our physical conditioning tips for karting.

High-Intensity Exercise

Racing spikes your pulse, pushing you into a high-intensity zone that maximises calorie burn and endurance.

Related: Why Is Go-Karting So Tiring?

5. Does Go-Karting Build Muscle?

Go-karting strengthens muscles through repetitive steering and body control. It targets:

• Upper Body: Biceps, triceps, and shoulders from steering.
• Core: Abs and obliques for stability during turns.
• Lower Body: Calves and quads for pedal control.

While not a primary muscle-building activity, it enhances muscle endurance and tone.

Related: How to Improve at Go-Karting

6. Is Go-Karting a Sport?

Yes, go-karting is a recognised sport that demands physical fitness, mental agility, and competitive strategy. It’s a gateway to professional motorsport, with drivers like Cameron Das starting in karting before racing in Euroformula Open.

The competitive thrill amplifies its fitness benefits, making it a dynamic workout.

Related: 10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Go-Karts

7. Safety Tips for Go-Karting

Go-karting is safe with proper precautions:

• Wear helmets, gloves, and other safety gear.
• Follow track rules to prevent collisions or flips.
• Practice good driving etiquette for a secure experience.

Conclusion

Go-karting burns up to 358 calories in 30 minutes, outpacing many traditional workouts. It builds muscle endurance, boosts heart health, and sharpens mental agility, making it a fun, high-intensity exercise. Swap the treadmill for the track and race your way to fitness!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories does go-karting burn?

A 30-minute session burns about 358 calories, up to 40% more than treadmill jogging, depending on weight and intensity.

Is go-karting good exercise?

Yes, it’s a high-intensity workout that burns calories, strengthens muscles, and improves cardiovascular health and reflexes.

Does go-karting build muscle?

It enhances muscle endurance in the arms, core, and legs through steering and control, though it’s not primarily for muscle growth.

Is go-karting a sport?

Yes, it’s a competitive sport requiring physical fitness, mental focus, and strategy, often a stepping stone to motorsport.

Is go-karting safe for fitness?

With safety gear, track rule adherence, and proper etiquette, go-karting is a low-risk, high-reward exercise.