Benefits of roller-skating and roller-blading
There are many benefits from roller-blading or roller-skating, both in terms of health and recreation. Here are some of the main advantages of this activity:
1. Improving physical fitness
Roller-blading is an effective form of physical activity that engages many muscle groups, as we will describe in detail below. Regular practice of this sport increases endurance, flexibility and improves coordination.
2. Strengthening the muscles
Roller-blading and roller-skating engages the entire body, with many muscles working together to ensure a smooth and coordinated ride. Of course, muscle work will also be influenced by proper technique, intensity of effort, and type and terrain of riding.
Here are some of the main muscle parts that work during this activity:
- Leg muscles – they work to propel movement, control balance and perform maneuvers.
- Abdominal and back muscles – are active to maintain body stability and postural control.
- Core muscles – important for controlling movement and maintaining balance.
- Arm muscles – are used to maintain balance, control arm movement and perform maneuvers, especially when turning and braking.
3. Improving balance and coordination
Roller-blading requires maintaining balance and fine motor coordination. Regular practice of this activity can therefore help improve these skills as well as develop a more springy step and feel more confident with your body!
4. Quick calorie burning
Roller-blading is an activity of moderate to high intensity that can help burn calories and maintain a healthy body weight. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average calorie burn during this physical activity can vary depending on individual factors such as weight, intensity of the effort and its duration. Here are the approximate values of calorie burn while roller-blading (depending on body weight):
- A person weighing about 60 kg will burn about 330 kcal during an hour of moderate-intensity roller-blading.
- A person weighing about 70 kg can burn about 385 kcal during an hour of moderate-intensity roller-blading.
- A person weighing about 80 kg burns about 440 kcal during an hour of moderate-intensity roller-blading.
However, it is worth remembering that these figures are only estimates and individual results may vary. Exercise intensity, terrain, speed and technique can affect the exact number of calories burned.
5. Your heart will thank you for that!
Roller-blading is a form of aerobic training that strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system. Regular exercise of this kind can therefore contribute not only to improving overall physical fitness, but also cardiovascular endurance.
Read also “A hearty workout for your heart – what types of physical activity will make you fitter?”.
6. Pleasure for everyone
Rollerblades are available for people of all ages and skill levels. They can also become a great form of recreation and a way to spend time outdoors. It’s worth focusing on the right choice of equipment and protectors (remember the helmet, too!). Choose low-traffic routes if possible. You can go roller-blading or roller-skating anytime, and a growing number of bike paths support roller skaters.
7. Reducing stress
Roller-skating can help reduce stress and improve your mood, especially with company. It will help you catch your breath literally and figuratively if you focus on your riding technique and route rather than the problems of everyday life. According to the MultiSport Index 2023 report: “The mental well-being attained through regular physical exercise facilitates the achievement of set goals, helps maintain consistency in action and increases resistance to stressful situations”.
What do you need to know about roller-blading or roller-skating?
Which type of wheeled shoes will be better for you? In general, it is impossible to say unequivocally whether roller-blading is more difficult than roller-skating or vice versa. It all depends on individual experience, preferences and the equipment purchased.
Both activities have their own unique characteristics and require a certain degree of learning and practice. Roller-blading has a more stable platform thanks to alignment of the four wheels. This can make it easier to maintain balance, especially for beginners who are only learning to ride. Roller blades are also more popular among professional athletes.
On the other hand, riding on roller skates, which have two wheels at the front and two at the back, may require more effort in terms of balance, especially at first. Roller-skating is associated with carefree childhood, and therefore also with a child’s play, and this can be deceptive for adepts of the sport. Because if the youngest can master the ride, why should adults have a hard time with it?
Roller skates have a stiffer structure and are more often made of materials that exhibit less cushioning and flexibility (due to their more recreational, rather than sporting, nature). Although the weight of the body when roller-skating is transferred parallel from one leg to the other along the axis of the skate, and the movement seems much simpler to control, the wheels force less maneuverability and smoothness of movement and the need to adapt to the design of the equipment.
The same is true for skiing and snowboarding, so people who practice these sports may feel more confident on roller skates. On the other hand, if you have experience with ice skates, try your hand at riding their asphalt counterparts.
Roller-blading and roller skating techniques
Both skills share a common foundation, based on similar principles of maintaining balance and making turns. Here are some general tips on roller-blading and roller-skating techniques:
- Correct body posture: it is important to maintain a stable and upright body posture while roller-blading or roller-skating. The feet should be parallel to each other and the knees slightly bent. Remember to maintain balance by focusing on the centre point between the wheels.
- Use of arms: the arms play an important role in maintaining balance and stability. Try to keep them slightly bent and relaxed, and use their movement to help with balancing and turning.
- Push technique: to get moving on roller blades or roller skates, you can use a push technique called pumping. It involves alternate bending and straightening of the legs, while shifting the body weight from one leg to the other. This allows for generating torque and drive to help accelerate.
- Turning: to turn on roller blades or roller skates, you can use the technique of tilting your body in the direction of the turn. Shift your body weight to the side you want to turn, keeping your knees bent and using arm movement to help maneuver.
- Braking: there are several ways to brake on roller blades and roller skates. The most common technique is called parallel braking (T-stop), which involves placing one foot perpendicular to the direction of riding, and using the other foot to form a “T” on the ground. The foot forming the “T” exerts resistance and helps to stop. Another way to brake at the very beginning of learning is to ride onto the grass or bend your knees toward each other.
Both roller-blading and roller-skating require appropriate protective equipment (such as a helmet, elbow, knee and wrist pads), and learning should be gradual and take place in a safe environment, such as on level, smooth terrain or on specially adapted tracks or paths. Time will come for hills and elevations.
Whatever your choice is, patience, regular practice and learning under the guidance of an experienced instructor can help you master your riding skills. With the MultiSport card, you can get to visit roller-skating rinks in different cities across Poland. You can easily find the nearest such facility using our search engine.
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References:
1. MultiSport Index 2023. Nowy wymiar aktywności.
2. WHO, Wytyczne dotyczące aktywności fizycznej i siedzącego trybu życia - omówienie, nr dokumentu: WHO/EURO 2021-12040-40953-58211.
3. „Jakie mięśnie pracują podczas jazdy na rolkach?”, [w:] Niecodzienni.pl, [stan na: 03.06.2023].