Try This! Rollerblading to Stay Fit!

5/11/09 Posted in Megan Farhat  |  0 Comments

The sun was out and the weather was warm as I strapped on a pair of my rollerblades and walked out the door. I used to think rollerblading was only for little kids, but after I was reintroduced last week to this great sport, I realized how wrong I was.

My weekly workout routine, like most people, has typically consisted of going to the gym or going outside for a run. The only problem is that some weeks the idea of navigating through the myriad of fitness machines or gearing up for a run outside seems absolutely dreadful. I sometimes resent feeling achy and sore the morning after a long workout, which makes getting the motivation to do it all over again difficult. By adding rollerblading to my routine, suddenly my workout for the day didn’t seem so grueling.

“That’s the best part about rollerblading, it’s fun! You aren’t going to be hating your workout the whole time,” said Bill Swano, a manager at Summit Sports in East Lansing.

Another very important quality of rollerblading is that it is low impact. If you are a little bit older or if you have bad knees and ankles, then rollerblading is definitely for you. Not only will it support your ankles in a soft, durable boot, but also the natural gliding motion that makes up rollerblading is easy on your legs, core and back.

The best way to get the most out of your rollerblade workout consists of two parts. The first is setting a smaller, specific distance and keeping your completion times. Set a goal for yourself and work on that same distance untill you are able to complete it in the desired time range. The best way to benefit from rollerblading, however, is skating longer distances with a focus on time efficiency.

Safety comes first in this sport, especially for those who are just beginners. The most important things to consider for safety gear are as follows: helmet, wrist guards, kneepads, and elbow pads, in that order, Swano said. Many stores offer this gear in packs so that you don’t have to buy everything separately, which makes it more affordable.

As far as apparel goes, rollerblading is the same as running or any other sport where materials that wick away the sweat are key. Avoid wearing anything cotton and instead opt for polyester, synthetic materials or Smartwool. It is also important to consider wearing rollerblade-specific socks to keep the sweat off your feet to prevent slipping and blisters.

Another thing to consider, when it comes to safety, is where you are going to be rollerblading. A good idea for beginners might be at a local skate park to reduce the risk of injury because of the smooth pavement that skate parks offer. It can get tricky riding on cracked roads and sidewalks that have not been maintained. Overall though, you can go wherever you want and enjoy the ride just the same.

If you are already sold on the thrill of rollerblading and can’t wait to get started, but still need to purchase your skates, I’d recommend getting fitted for the right kind of boot. It is crucial to do so in order to get the best quality and most comfortable fit.

“Each different type of skate is designed to fit and enhance a different type of foot. Every employee here at Summit Sports is trained specifically to help you find the perfect boot. We measure the length and width of your feet and then discuss what kind of rollerblading you’re into. Whether you are into high speed racing or just cruising through town, it’s very important to know what you’re buying,” Swano said. The old days of hard shelled and heavy boots are over, as modern rollerblades have gotten a lot more comfortable and lighter, which makes the overall experience more enjoyable.

It’s also important to consider the wheels and the boot.

“As far as the wheels go, I always say the bigger the better,” said Swano, “It will really help you to get over junk in the pavement and it will give you a lot higher top end speed. It lengthens the frame which allows you to have longer strides and increase efficiency.”

Other things to consider are the lacing system, frames and bearings. For example, some rollerblades have pull-cord lacing systems that make them a lot easier to strap on. You’ll want to make sure to get a soft boot and avoid plastic frames. Aluminum or composite frames are going to be the best and are typically what most rollerblades have anyway.

The rollerblade industry is even going green. They now have bamboo frames and use all recycled materials for the plastic pieces and fabrics. So if you are environmentally conscious, there is also a skate for you.

Rollerblading is truly for everyone, which is just another reason why this sport is quickly increasing in popularity. The freedom to go fast without the ache and pain that is associated with running is wonderful. And who doesn’t love to go fast? You can glide effortlessly or push yourself to go that extra mile, either way you are getting a workout that is unlike any other. Since the day it was introduced, rollerblading is a timeless sport that advocates not only a healthy lifestyle but a fun way to get fit.