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