Pushing off one foot and then the other while skating requires you to use your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves each time you lift a foot to move. Alternatively, when you slide with both feet on the ground, your lower body still works, but it stabilizes you instead of pushing you forward. This type of movement is like using an elliptical or other cardio machine at the gym, but even better because your body works with both feet stationary and both feet moving. Additionally, the stability required in your ankle, calf, and foot to balance on an elevated skate every time you take a stride is more intense compared to having your foot flat on the ground while running or on a cardio machine.
Before you head outside on your skates, there are a few things to consider other than the benefits of skating. Read on for tips to get started safely.
Profits
Roller skating and roller skating build core strength and improve stability in the lower body. Skating also improves upper body strength and mobility due to the pumping and swinging motion of the arms. As you twist your torso using your core muscles, you use your shoulders and arms to help propel yourself forward. The legs and buttocks also push you forward. Not only do you move forward, but you also move from side to side, which improves hip mobility and strength. Your quads, hamstrings, calves, glutes, and hips work in unison to start a skate, stop a skate, speed up, and slow down.
Starting
As a fitness trainer, I always recommend having the proper equipment before beginning a new training activity. Whether you rent skates or buy them, try out roller skates and inline skates to see which you feel most comfortable with.
Roller skates have four wheels that are lined up like car wheels: two in front and two in back. The wider base makes these skates a bit easier for beginners. When you are standing, you will feel more stable thanks to the base of the skate. However, it is more difficult to accelerate with roller skates than with in-line skates.
Most inline skates typically have four wheels lined up front to back and a brake behind the rear wheel, and the upper boot of the skate fits snugly. The wheels allow you to have a smoother ride and skate faster.
As a child I learned to skate with roller skates. I twisted and turned around the indoor rink and practiced skating back and forth across my driveway. When I became an adult, I opted for inline skates because I could go to my friend’s house a mile away and show off my speed on the indoor track.
I also recommend these steps for adults, a testament to the design, structure, and stability of different types of skates. Start with roller skates for fun and then move on to inline skates once you feel comfortable on rollers.
Security advice
Helmets, wrist guards, knee pads, elbow pads, they are all necessary for skating. Falling and scraping your knee is one thing, but falling sideways on your wrist or landing on your head could be a traumatic injury. The most common reasons people fall are losing their balance or trying to swerve to avoid a collision or an object in their path.
As a child, I was always embarrassed to wear so many clothes. But as I got older, I realized that I looked more serious with my team. Also, I felt safer to go fast, knowing that I had taken protective measures to keep myself safe.
For beginners, find a safe place to skate. Start on a smooth, level surface, like an empty parking lot or even a tennis court. Make sure you choose a location that is well lit, with no traffic or obstacles in your way. Avoid skating in the rain because the slippery surface can make it easier to fall.
Skate forward and aim for stability, not speed. Get used to starting and stopping. Then start to skate to the right for a few feet and then change direction to the left. Continue this bypass pattern as a workout.
Ultimately, listen to your body and do what feels best for your current fitness level.
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