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Staying Fit
In-Line Skating: Your Fast Track to Fitness!
Put those four-wheel roller skates in the attic alongside the eight-track tapes. In-line skates are now all the rage, and 20 million people glide down paths and trails on them each summer.
Skating provides a great fitness workout—done vigorously, it burns as many calories per hour as jogging. But it also poses hazards. “You will fall, and it’s common to fracture or break your wrist,” says orthopedic surgeon Dale Federico, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, himself an in-line skater. “But most injuries can be prevented with proper instruction and safety equipment.”
Here’s what you should know:
Getting started
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Start slow. Even if you used roller skates previously, you’ll need different control techniques for in-line skating. Learn them at an organized class taught by trained instructors.
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Learn to brake. It’s a tricky balancing act because only one of the skates has a rubber brake. Practice makes perfect.
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Learn to fall. There are several proper techniques, but one thing not to do is try to break your fall with your arms. “That’s what leads to wrist fractures,” Federico says.
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Skate in open areas. You want a smooth surface, but avoid streets and high-traffic areas. Most area roller rinks allow in-line skates, as do some local parks.
Staying safe
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Choose the right skates. A good pair can cost $135 and up, but is often worth it because higher quality provides better ankle support. Your skates should fit snugly around your foot, with your toes touching the front of the skate. If you don’t want to invest in new skates at first, rent a high-quality pair.
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Wear a helmet. Skating helmets are rounded in the back, thus covering both the top and back of your head.
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Use knee, wrist and elbow guards. Neoprene slip-on guards are good, but velcro guards keep you cooler. Each has a plastic shell that absorbs impact. They’re made so you can slide on the plastic—and not raw skin—when you fall.
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Maintain your skates. Check for and tighten loose wheels monthly and rotate wheels for even wear.
Want to Know More? Nestor’s Competition Sports offers in-line skate clinics every Wednesday night in Whitehall, PA and every Saturday in Quakertown, PA through Aug. 10. For details or a half-off coupon, call 610-402-CARE.
This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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