Inline skates provide moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise. Because inline skating targets different muscles than running, this sport can serve as a good cross-training exercise for runners. Inline skating also provides a lower-impact workout than jogging because your feet glide along the pavement rather than pound against it. Once you learn to use inline skates, you might find that you enjoy skating enough to add it to your weekly exercise routine.
Step 1
Select a type of inline skates to purchase based on the kind of skating you want to do. Recreational skates typically have four medium-sized wheels and an easy-to-use heel braking system. Inline speed skates have five larger wheels designed for better acceleration and efficiency over long distances. Aggressive skates have smaller wheels designed for performing tricks on half pipes and rails. Inline speed skates and aggressive skates typically don't have a heel brake.
Step 2
Purchase a pair of inline skates that fits your feet. Try the skates on with the socks you will wear to skate. Push your heel all the way into the skate and tighten all laces or buckles. Your toes should be near the end of the skate but not crunched against it, and your heel should not move around inside the skate.
Step 3
Put on a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and hand and wrist protectors before you try out the skates.
Step 4
Find an open, grassy area or a large rug to use as a practice space. Your skate wheels will not roll on these surfaces, allowing you to learn to stand and walk in your skates more easily.
Step 5
Put the skates on in the grassy area or on the carpet and stand up carefully. Hold onto a sturdy object for support.
Step 6
Take steps in the skates as if you were walking normally. Continue walking like this until you feel comfortable balancing on the skates.
Step 7
Take strides in the skates. Push the wheels of your skates forward and to the side in a V shape. Your toes should point away from you. Continue striding on carpet or grass until you feel comfortable enough to move to a smooth surface.
Step 8
Take slow strides on the smooth surface where your skates roll. Keep your knees bent and your arms stretched out in front of you.
Step 9
Use your heel brake to stop. Let the foot with the heel brake slip behind the other foot. Bend the knee of your front, nonbraking foot and lower your butt into a seated position. Hold your arms out in front of you for balance. Lift the toe of the back foot to drag the heel brake against the ground to stop.
Step 10
Practice skating faster once you have learned to use the heel brake.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice skating in an uncrowded area free of obstacles or hazards. Avoid hills until you feel comfortable enough to handle them. Even when you feel more confident on your skates, avoid bumpy or cracked pavement and skate around puddles or mud. Don't wear headphones while you skate because headphones can prevent you from hearing approaching vehicles or hazards. Remain aware of your surroundings and look over your shoulder regularly when skating on crowded roads or sidewalks.
- Inline skating has inherent risks. Skate at your own risk.
Things You'll Need
- Inline skates
- Protective gear
Member Comments