Skate Your Way to Weight Loss, Fitness, and Freedom
If you loved skating as a kid, turn your old hobby into a fun, new workout. Even if you’re a complete newbie, skating is easy to learn and safe as long as you follow some simple precautions.
Put some wheels or blades under your feet. Take a look at the advantages of skating and how to make rollerblading or ice skating part of your exercise routine.
Benefits of Exercising on Skates
1. Lose weight. Ice skating or rollerblading burns as many calories as running, which is about 400 calories an hour, depending on your weight. As a bonus, skating is also easier on your joints than running.
2. Tone your lower body. Skating engages your entire lower body, as well as your core. With one movement, you target your buttocks, thighs, calves, and abdomen.
3. Enjoy socializing. Skating is a fun activity to share with family and friends. Many rinks offer concerts and concession stands. Sip hot chocolate and listen to jazz after your workout.
4. Spend time indoors or outdoors. Indoor rinks allow you to stick to your program, even when it’s snowing or raining. On the other hand, skating outdoors can be especially appealing. Connecting with nature helps reduce stress and restore your energy levels.
5. Feel exhilarated. With rollerblades, also known as inline skates, you’ll be traveling fast from the time you take off. On pavement or ice, some skaters may work up to speeds of 25 miles an hour or more. You’ll feel graceful and relaxed as you fly along.
How to Exercise on Skates
1. Select your footwear. Proper fitting is essential. Your skate size will probably be a bit smaller than your shoe size, especially if you’re a woman. Ensure that your heels fit securely in the back of the boots. You may want to start out with recreational skates and switch to fitness skates as you become more proficient.
2. Take a class. Working with a qualified instructor could save you from many falls. Ask the staff at your local skate shop for recommendations or browse online for classes.
3. Learn to brake. Stopping safely in various conditions is one of the first skills you’ll want to master. Remember that figure skates brake in the front, while online skates brake in the back.
4. Train for balance. Additional balance training may also help keep you on your feet. Ask your instructor for exercises you can perform on your skates. Practice standing on one leg with your eyes closed to increase your balance.
5. Build up your strength. At first, your legs may feel sore as your muscles try to adapt to skating. Performing squats and lunges can help speed up the process.
6. Plan your route. Quiet parking lots or skating rinks are ideal for your first skating practices. As you become more steady on your feet, you can venture out to skating parks and trails.
7. Follow the rules of the road. If you’re skating on public roads, obey the same rules as a bicyclist. Wherever you skate, stay to the right. If you want to pass someone, check that you have enough room and let them know that you’re approaching on their left.
8. Wear safety gear. Helmets are essential when skating. Wrist guards and pads for your elbows and knees will also help protect you from injuries.
9. Intensify your workouts. There are many ways for skaters to heighten the challenge. Gradually increase your speed and distance. Bend forward at the waist to work your legs harder.
If your treadmill is starting to bore you, maybe it’s time to trade it in for a pair of skates. They’re not just for kids or Olympic athletes. You can skate your way to greater health and fitness.
Interested? Meet with a certified personal trainer to find out how to incorporate skating into your fitness plan.
Hey, I'm no stranger to the world of skating. Whether it's the thrill of cruising on inline skates or the finesse of gliding on ice, I've spent my fair share of time on wheels and blades. Let's break down the key concepts in this article to show you I'm not just skating on thin ice here.
Benefits of Exercising on Skates:
-
Lose Weight:
- Skating burns around 400 calories per hour, comparable to running, making it an effective way to shed those extra pounds.
- It's easier on the joints, providing a low-impact alternative to running.
-
Tone Your Lower Body:
- Skating engages the entire lower body, including buttocks, thighs, calves, and abdomen.
- The continuous movement targets multiple muscle groups for a comprehensive workout.
-
Enjoy Socializing:
- Skating is a social activity suitable for friends and family.
- Many rinks offer entertainment options like concerts and concession stands, providing a fun and social environment.
-
Indoor or Outdoor Flexibility:
- Indoor rinks allow consistent training regardless of weather conditions.
- Outdoor skating connects with nature, reducing stress and enhancing energy levels.
-
Feel Exhilarated:
- Rollerblading at high speeds provides a sense of exhilaration, reaching up to 25 miles per hour.
- Whether on pavement or ice, skaters experience a graceful and relaxed feeling.
How to Exercise on Skates:
-
Select Your Footwear:
- Proper fitting is crucial; skate size may differ from regular shoe size.
- Transition from recreational to fitness skates as proficiency increases.
-
Take a Class:
- Working with a qualified instructor is recommended to prevent falls.
- Seek recommendations from local skate shops or find classes online.
-
Learn to Brake:
- Mastering safe stops in various conditions is a fundamental skill.
- Note the difference in braking between figure skates (front) and inline skates (back).
-
Train for Balance:
- Additional balance exercises on skates can improve stability.
- Standing on one leg with closed eyes is a recommended practice.
-
Build Up Strength:
- Leg soreness is common initially; exercises like squats and lunges aid muscle adaptation.
-
Plan Your Route:
- Start in quiet areas like parking lots or rinks before progressing to parks and trails.
-
Follow the Rules:
- Adhere to road rules if skating in public areas.
- Stay to the right, signal when passing, and maintain awareness of your surroundings.
-
Wear Safety Gear:
- Essential gear includes helmets, wrist guards, and pads for elbows and knees.
- Prioritize safety to prevent injuries.
-
Intensify Workouts:
- Gradually increase speed and distance for a more challenging workout.
- Bending forward at the waist adds intensity to leg muscles.
So, whether you're a seasoned skater or considering lacing up for the first time, the benefits are real. And don't forget, safety first!
