why do speed skaters swing one arm

Speed skaters swing one arm mainly to stay balanced through the turn, save energy, and reduce air resistance while still getting some help from the arms.

Why do speed skaters swing one arm?

The core reasons

• Balance in the corners
  In long‑track races, skaters spend a lot of time in the turns, pushing sideways rather than straight back like a runner.

Swinging the outside arm (the arm farthest from the center of the curve) helps counter the powerful sideways leg push so the body does not twist or tip.

• Sideways push = sideways arm motion
  In running, the legs push mostly straight back, so arms pump forward–back to keep the torso facing forward.

In speed skating, the push is diagonal and largely sideways, so the arms must move more side‑to‑side to counter the rotation from those pushes.

• Energy saving on long races
  Moving both arms hard every stride costs energy and raises the heart rate, which matters in 1500 m, 5000 m, and 10,000 m events.

Tucking one arm on the lower back reduces the amount of muscle work in the upper body, so skaters can maintain speed longer and save a “kick” for the finish.

• Aerodynamics and drag
  With one arm folded neatly on the back, the front of the body is a bit more compact and can be slightly more streamlined than with two big swinging arcs in front.

Some experienced skaters report they can hold a higher cruising speed at the same effort by letting one arm swing while the other stays tucked, because it balances power and drag effectively.

Mini breakdown: arm patterns you see

• Both arms swinging (often at the start or sprint)
  • Used to accelerate quickly on the straightaways.

* Gives maximum power but costs the most energy.

• One arm swinging, one arm on the back (classic look in corners)
  • The tucked arm keeps the body compact; the swinging outside arm helps with balance and rhythm in the turn.

* Very common mid‑race and in longer distances.

• Both arms on the back (especially in long events)
  • Used when the skater is “cruising” at a controlled pace and relying more on leg efficiency and glide than on upper‑body drive.

* Saves energy, but if the pace or corner forces go up, skaters often release one arm again.

A simple way to picture it

Imagine you’re on skates pushing sideways off the ice instead of straight back, like doing long lateral lunges while trying to go forward in a tight oval.
If both arms were locked still, your upper body would want to twist with each big side push; if both arms swung aggressively, you’d waste energy and create extra drag.
Swinging just the outside arm becomes a sweet spot : enough movement to counter the twist and help with rhythm and power, but controlled enough to stay aerodynamic and efficient.

Quick Scoop (SEO‑style notes)

• Focus phrase: why do speed skaters swing one arm
• Short meta‑style summary: Speed skaters swing one arm to counter the sideways leg push in the turns, stay balanced and streamlined, and conserve energy in longer races.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.