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