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