Inline skates provide healthy aerobic exercise and an enjoyable way to see your surroundings. Although it can take some practice to learn to use inline skates, you will probably find that they feel more natural than roller skates. You can use inline skates for a variety of different purposes.
Function
Inline skates have four or five wheels that sit in a line rather than in two rows. You attach most inline skates to your feet using buckles or laces. You can wear inline skates to get an aerobic workout, perform stunts or simply enjoy a leisurely trip around a park.
Types
Inline skates fall into several different categories. Recreational skates designed for leisurely skating in parks or neighborhoods typically have four medium-sized wheels and a heel brake. Aggressive skates have harder, more durable outer shells designed to withstand the wear and tear of half-pipe stunts, rail grinding and jumps. Aggressive inline skates have much smaller wheels and often have antirocker wheels in the center that are even smaller than the front and back wheels. This wheel design allows for a greater landing surface for stunts. Inline speed skates typically have five wheels that are larger than those found on recreational skates. The larger wheels provide better acceleration. Aggressive skates and speed skates usually do not have heel brakes.
Benefits
Inline skating can provide a mild to intense aerobic workout. MayoClinic.com estimates that one hour of inline skating can burn 913 calories for a 160-lb. person, 1,138 calories for a 200-lb. person and 1,363 calories for a 240-lb. person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise each week. Inline skating can help you achieve these weekly exercise totals.
Considerations
Make sure that you purchase a pair of inline skates that fit. With your foot all the way in the skate, your toe should be near the front of the skate but not crunched against it. Your heel should not move around in the boot when you tighten the buckles. Try skates made by a variety of different manufacturers because skate width can vary by brand. Rotate your wheels to a new position on the skates frequently to avoid uneven wear. Replace the wheels once they are too worn to roll smoothly.
Warning
Inline skating can be dangerous. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear, such as kneepads, elbow pads and hand and wrist protectors when you skate. Avoid skating in overly crowded places or at night.
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