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