Why Roller Blading Is Easier Than Roller Skating (2024)

FAQs

Is it easier to rollerblade or rollerskate? ›

If you're looking to go a longer distance, rollerblades are better because you go faster. That's not to say you couldn't go a long distance on skates, but it would be harder to keep up. Roller skates might be easier for young children, because they feel more stable initially.

Many beginner skaters when first starting out will ask themselves, is inline skating hard? And the answer: well, it's not easy. But that can always change, with practice. Attaching wheels to your feet is an altogether different reality to walking or running.

Quad skates have wheels that are arranged in a two-by-two configuration. This makes them more stable, and therefore better for beginners. Quad skates (or roller skates) are the perfect choice if you are interested in dancing on your skates (such as with artistic or jam styles) or if you are interested in roller derby.

Keep your balance: Try to keep your balance and stay upright as much as possible. Keep your weight centered over your skates, and avoid leaning too far forward or backward. Practice falling: If you're new to roller skating, it's a good idea to practice falling in a controlled environment.

According to statistics compiled by CPSC, nearly one-fourth of the estimated 135,000 of those injured are people over the age of 25. Last year alone, 100 senior citizens and more than 10,000 middle-aged adults were hurt by roller skates.

Ice skating also requires more technical knowledge for turns, and other movements, which can take a longer time to master. Rollerblading requires a similar commitment to balance, control, and skill, but it may be easier to get the hang of the basics.

It is never too late to learn how to roller skate. Why should adults learn to roller skate if they have gone so long without it? First, it's a ton of fun. Second, it has a ton of health benefits.

Anyone can learn to skate on their own.

If you put in the hours on skates, you WILL eventually figure out how to skate forward. Yes you will fall. Falling is part of skating. Yes you most likely will hurt yourself a little, or a lot, as you try and experiment how to do something new.

Yes, learning to rollerblade as an adult is somewhat terrifying. It's a weird confession, but I woke up one Saturday late-morning and was itching to rollerblade around like a bar of Dial soap was strapped to my feet. I've never been good with “rollie” activities like roller skating, longboarding, ice skating, etc.

Quantifying the precise calorie burn of roller skating is challenging, but it's on par with activities like cycling or rowing at moderate intensity. An average adult, skating non-stop for 30 minutes at a regular pace, might expend around 300 calories – quite impressive for a low-intensity cardio session!

How do you get good at roller skating? ›

The best way to get better at roller skating is to practice often. Find a roller skating rink in your area and go there at least once a week so that you'll be able to build on your skills each time you go. Practice gliding, stopping, skating backward, and skating as quickly as you can.

Feet parallel and one hand's width apart. Knees bent forward over toes and body upright. Your weight should fall on the front half of your foot — not the back half, which tends to be the default for uninstructed beginners.

After you have learned stepping, the best way to skate for a beginner is to form a 'v' shape putting your heels together. Then start stepping forward, forming a 'v' and soon you'll notice that you are actually gliding. Don't take high or wide steps, and keep your knees bent.