| Inline skating is a fun way to get in shape and stay | | | | things to look for. If you're going to buy a really |
| fit especially on warm sunny days when it's a lot | | | | cheap pair I'll guarantee you that you will not enjoy |
| more enjoyable to exercise outdoors than on a | | | | inline skating. What I suggest that you buy a pair in |
| treadmill or exercise bike indoors at the gym. These | | | | the mid-price range.What should you look for in a pair |
| days most cities have nicely paved paths through | | | | of inline skates? The obvious being that the boot fits |
| parkland, beach and waterfront areas to make your | | | | your feet properly in a pair of sports socks. If you |
| rollerblading experience more enjoyable. Unfortunately | | | | feel the boot rubbing against your ankles or your |
| depending on where you live, you may not be able | | | | toes rubbing inside the boot, try another pair because |
| to or want to rollerblade all year round.There are | | | | ill-fitted boots will result in blisters and soar feet. Just |
| many benefits to be derived from inline skating. It's | | | | like a badly fitting pair of running shoes.I prefer laces |
| much easier and safer on the knees and back than | | | | for the boot with one plastic or velcro strap at the |
| jogging since your legs aren't taking as much | | | | top and soft boots with plastic heel and bottom |
| pounding against a hard surface. You don't have to | | | | moldings for extra support. Soft boots with no plastic |
| travel as far as cycling to get maximum benefits. | | | | molding support usually give way to your ankle over |
| Along with a great cardiovascular workout, blading | | | | time. Wheels should be in the 76-78mm range. 80mm |
| provides you with a fantastic lower body workout by | | | | is too big a wheel for most people. Look for bearings |
| strengthening and toning your thighs, gluteus, calves | | | | with ABEC 4-5. Most quality inline skates come with |
| and hamstrings. It's like doing thousands of lunges | | | | ABEC 5 bearings nowadays anyway.I've tried several |
| using your own body weight without even realizing it | | | | different makes of inline skates over the years. I find |
| or getting bored!I also recommend that you combine | | | | I like K2 the best and highly recommend them. I like |
| blading with strength training exercises with weights | | | | their sleek design, they fit my feet very well and |
| such as leg extensions, leg presses and calf raises to | | | | have great support. K2s are also very comfortable |
| name a few. This will ensure that your muscles and | | | | and light in weight. Ultra Wheels are also very good |
| bones remain strong and it helps to prevent any | | | | and I hear that Salomon are quality blades too.Inline |
| possible injuries from occurring.Before you begin inline | | | | skates are easy to maintain. The wheels need to be |
| skating for the day, you may want to do a little bit | | | | rotated every once in a while to prevent uneven |
| of light stretching particularly focusing on your thighs | | | | wearing out. So if you use them 3 times a week, |
| and hamstrings. Right now there is debate over | | | | monthly is fine or take a look for how much wear |
| whether or not to stretch before exercising. I believe | | | | there is on the wheels. The bearings need to be |
| you should do what feels best for you. Also, the first | | | | lubricated too. I do this by removing the wheel |
| few minutes should be done at a slower pace as a | | | | bearings assembly and wiping the surface of any dirt |
| warm up for your muscles.I find that roller blading is | | | | and then spraying the entire wheel bearing assembly |
| extremely safe once you get proficient at it. Rarely | | | | with lubricant. I don't remove the bearings from the |
| will you fall by yourself. If you do, it's usually a result | | | | assembly casing any more since I find very little dirt |
| of your surroundings. No different than cycling or | | | | gets in there and it's a lot of work.In this article I've |
| walking on a sidewalk. To prevent injuries and | | | | discussed the cardiovascular and strength training |
| scrapes, you may wish to purchase elbow, wrist and | | | | benefits associated with inline skating. What you |
| knee pads plus a helmet.What should you look for | | | | should look for when purchasing a pair of inline skates |
| when buying a pair of inline skates? If you're new to | | | | and their proper maintenance.Peter Kudlacz is the |
| this sport, I suggest you either borrow a pair from a | | | | owner of where you can find online fitness and golf |
| friend or rent a pair just to try it out, get a feel. | | | | programs, exercise instruction guides, articles, |
| When you're ready to buy a pair there are a few | | | | resources and tips. |