ROLLERBLADE FOR FITNESS
Learn How Rollerblading Offers a Great Cardio Workout That’s Fun!
 | In the 80s and 90s, many people tried rollerblades, or inline skates, as a way to get fit. While the trend has topped out, there’s still a reason you see lots of inline skaters whizzing along paths at the park or beach. Inline skating is a fun outdoor activity that you can do with friends and family of all ages, and it also provides an incredible cardio workout. |
According to the website, Rollerblading.com, a 30-minute period inline skating at a steady, comfortable rate burns about 285 calories and produces a heart rate of 148 beats per minute comparable to running and a better cardio workout than the stair climbing machine at the gym. And inline skating’s side-to-side movement tones inner thighs and buttocks while also developing hamstring, quad and calf muscles for overall leg toning. Just keeping your balance while on blades will also help stabilize your lower back and tighten your core muscles. Because inline skating is a low impact exercise, it generates half the impact to joints, tendons, and ligaments as compared to running.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO START ROLLERBLADING
Today’s inline skates are a lot more user friendly than your old pair of rollerblades. They’re lighter, and many have bigger wheels compared to older skates, providing a smoother but also more powerful ride. If you’re just starting out, you may want to stick to inline skates with smaller wheels so you won’t go quite as fast, plus they make taking sharp turns easier. The best thing to do if you’ve never tried rollerblading before is to rent a pair of inline skates to get the feel of it. While you’re at it, rent a helmet, knee, wrist, and elbow pads; some experts also swear by skin guards. You may feel super geeky in this get up, but since you’ll undoubtedly take a few spills, you’ll be happy for the protection.
When you’re ready to buy gear, make sure your skate boots fit snugly. Too roomy boots will cause your foot to slip around and rub against the inside of the boot, causing blisters. But don’t just rely on your shoe size as a guide as inline skates vary by brand. Try on skates a half size larger and a half size smaller than your normal shoe size to find the perfect fit. Remember not to tie the laces too night as your feet might go numb. Thankfully, when it comes to pads (yes, you really need them!), there are several brands that aren’t too bulky; shop at a store that specializes in rollerblades to for best selection.
ROLLERBLADING TIPS
| ROLLERBLADING TIP#1: Warm up before you lace up your skates by stretching your legs, back, and torso. |
| ROLLERBLADING TIP#2: To help maintain balance and absorb bumps, especially in the beginning, keep your knees bent gently while skating. Don’t give up if you’re wobbly at first. As with ice-skating, inline skating takes practice! |
| ROLLERBLADING TIP#3: Choose a paved, fairly wide, and flat path to learn on. Later you can add hills and curves. |
| ROLLERBLADING TIP#4: If you skate for 30 minutes at a fairly steady pace you’ll burn 285 calories. Interval skating, where you skate quickly for two minutes every five minutes and then cool down for three minutes in the same 30-minute period, will help you burn 450 calories. |
| ROLLERBLADING TIP#5: Cool down by skating slowly for at least five minutes, and stretch again after you take your skates. |
| ROLLERBLADING TIP#6: Enjoy the social aspect of working out by inline skating with a friend, spouse, or child. This is one sport that is perfect for everyone! |
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Article Written By: Julie Mitchell; Julie is an accomplished writer from San Francisco who loves ballet, yoga, walking, cooking and reading. Her experience as a wife and mother of two lend to her articles and blogs for DivaVillage.com and VillageMAMA.com in the areas of wellness, fitness, beauty, parenting and food.
