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Rollerblading

Rollerblading

Exercise Description:

Rollerblading is a low-impact, high-speed workout that's great for the health of your heart and strengthening your muscles.

A 19 kilometre skate is the aerobic equivalent of about a 9.5 kilometre run and avoids the strain on your knees. Rollerblading is good for overall leg toning and for building strength and power.  

What Muscles You Work:

Rollerblading primarily involves the lower body. In particular, it works leg muscles, including the quadriceps (top of the thigh), hamstrings (bottom of the thigh), and groin, as well as hip and buttock muscles.

Tips To Improve Your Rollerblading:

  • Learn how to stop using your heel brake.  Dont wait until you are out of control to brake. Start braking if you are not comfortable with your speed or the terrain. 
  • Make sure to bend from the knees, not the waist, when you brake. Practice in a safe, controlled environment until stopping becomes second nature to you.
  • Take a lesson with a qualified rollerblading instructor or ask your local skate shop for help if you have trouble learning how to brake. 
  • Stretch your entire leg after skating, but concentrate on the groin muscles. Do the following two stretches: Stand with your legs a few feet apart, hands on hips, and gradually bend your left knee and lean to the left. Keep your trunk straight. Hold for 20 seconds and then switch sides. Then sit down and bend your knees so that the soles of your feet are touching each other. Put your elbows on your knees and gradually push them outward. Hold for 20 seconds.

How Not To Get Hurt:

Rollerblading is a low-impact sport, but it can also be a sudden-impact sport. Always wear protective safety gear, and never attempt any fancy movements unless you have practiced them. Always look ahead to plan a possible alternative route, just in case your current path becomes obstructed.

Essential Equipment:

  • Comfortable, well-fitting rollerblades.
  • Knee pads, elbow pads, and stiff plastic wrist guards. 
  • Drink water, water, and more water. 
  • Good-fitting socks constructed of a fabric that keeps moisture away from the skin to prevent skin soreness.
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