Is Roller-Skating A Good Workout?

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Roller skating has received a burst of popularity due to social media promotion by users who document their progress when they are learning to roller skate. Many people are left to wonder about the type of exercise they can expect from this fun activity.

It is common knowledge that physical activity is good for the human body, but roller skating, in particular, provides a range of benefits such as cardiovascular endurance, balance, strength, and core stability. The experts at Jump On Wheels have shared valuable information on roller skating, but the following details on the workout gained by this exercise may surprise you.   

The most obvious muscles engaged by roller-skating are from the lower regions like the legs and hips. The calves, quads, glutes, and hamstrings are thoroughly activated after just a little while on the skates. The glutes are activated mostly because of the pushing motion required where the hips laterally rotate.

Because you begin to exercise the glutes, you may notice that your hips are aesthetically well-balanced. You would also have a greater level of body stability and your back pain would be reduced from these simple exercises. You would also see an improvement in your muscular imbalance if you suffer from it.

Any skater knows that the core muscles are heavily relied upon. Roller skating will challenge the balance of a person as they endeavor to stay in control while they are on the wheels. The wheels are by nature a bit unstable forcing the skater to stabilize the midsection as they glide through space. You are kept upright with the help of your rotator muscles of the abdomen and spinal erectors.

If activating the lower muscles of the body we’re not beneficial enough, the calories burned while roller skating gives an even greater motivation to begin this activity. At a fairly fast pace, you are likely to lose a ton of calories while roller skating. With an impressive intensity rating of seven metabolic equivalents, you can rest assured that roller skate thing is a calorie burner that can rival even cycling or rowing.

For a clearer example, someone who weighs 160 lb or 73 kg that maintains an intensity that is consistent for half an hour, should expect to lose approximately 267 calories. The benefits are more than just about burning calories, it also gives the skater muscle definition throughout the entire body.

Because roller skating is a low-impact activity, you will find that it is easy on the joints when compared to other vigorous exercises. This means that injured persons and those with joint problems may find roller skating to be an acceptable option.

There are many talented roller skaters out there who have worked on themselves to develop skills and tricks on their roller skates. Anyone who does this would usually notice a marked improvement in flexibility as well as coordination or a greater sense of cohesion with the mind and body.

For those wondering if inline skates provide a better workout, then the truth is that they do.  However, the difference is not major. The expenditure of energy is about the same for the two types of skates.  

Inline skates can provide a metabolic equivalent of 7.5, which is only minimally higher than quad skates. This is most likely because inline skates were created to facilitate speed as opposed to dancing or tricks. Many people prefer the traditional quad skates but the flexibility and speed that can be achieved on inline skates are no match.

It would be wise to start slowly if you are a new skater. If you are looking to take up roller skating as a form of exercise you can expect many more advantages. Start slow and practice until you are able to get the hang of it. You can make use of safety equipment as a beginner so that you do not injure yourself.

You will find that over time your endurance will build as you become accustomed to skating on a regular basis. Not only that, but you may use helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads to help you. You would have to master the correct form as you roller skate so that you can get a good grasp of the skill even faster. 

To sum it up

Roller skating can be risky if not done safely because it involves some level of speed and agility. However, this may take a while for some to learn, so beginners may need to expect a few bumps and bruises as they learn. More serious injuries like ankle and wrist sprains should be avoided. Some skaters even suffer more serious injuries.

However, this should not deter anyone from learning how to roller-skate because there are many advantages to be had from exercise while doing a fun activity as opposed to submitting themselves to other tedious tasks that they may not enjoy.