Inline skating, also called Rollerblading, is a fun activity that can significantly improve your health. It is an exercise with fitness benefits comparable to running or cycling. Some inline skaters augment their workout by incorporating ski poles fitted with sharp metal tips that dig into the pavement. Rollerblading with ski poles is used by some cross-country skiers as a method of dry-land training, as well as general fitness enthusiasts seeking to get a better total body workout.
Background
Inline skating was invented in the early 1980s. The activity grew out of rollerskating, and initial participants in the sport used the blades to perform tricks similar to those being performed by skateboarders. Over the past three decades, inline skating has become a common activity among fitness enthusiasts and people seeking health benefits. The use of ski poles among inline skaters, although not widespread or common, is a manifestation of a sport that has evolved considerably over the decades.
Purpose
Many reasons exist why a skater might choose to use ski poles. Ski poles, although more challenging to coordinate, provide an additional source of balance for the inline skater, which may be especially important for a newcomer to the sport. Ski poles can help a skater slow down or come to a stop. Most inline skates possess some form of breaking system--the use of ski poles can greatly enhance the effectiveness of such breaking systems. Ski poles recruit upper-body muscles that are not usually engaged during skating, providing the inline skating enthusiast with a better workout.
Equipment
The ski poles used for skating are nearly identical to the ski poles used for cross-country skiing. One notable exception is the tip of the ski pole. Because skaters primarily skate on pavement, ski poles used for inline skating are fitted with special metal tips, also known as ferrules, that possess a sharp point that can dig into the pavement, which helps a skater propel herself forward. Like normal ski poles, ski poles used for skating possess wrist straps to improve a person's grip on the pole. Wear gloves when using ski poles for inline skating, as they can help prevent hand blisters and road rash, in the event of a fall. Nordic Skier Sports states that skating poles, including inline skating poles, should be tall enough to reach a person's chin.
Benefits
The benefits of using ski poles when inline skating are both immediate and long-term. During the activity, ski poles can improve a skater's control, along with his sense of balance and confidence. This is particularly important for beginners, who may be nervous about falling. The health benefits of using ski poles when inline skating include a better overall workout and increased upper-body muscle strength and endurance. Inline skating with ski poles is an effective way to train for cross-country skiing in the warm summer months, giving skiers a significant advantage when they begin skiing on snow-covered trails in the winter.
Warning
A person who skates with ski poles should be aware of certain risks associated with the practice. Hand and finger blisters are common among people using ski poles when skating. Gloves, such as cycling gloves, should be worn when using ski poles, as this can help reduce the likelihood of blisters. Occasionally a skater using ski poles will plant the pole in the wrong location, causing her to trip over the pole and tumble to the pavement. Be aware of the location of ski tips when skating near pedestrians, joggers or other skaters. The ski tip may be extremely sharp, and a careless movement of the pole may cause cuts or other injuries to passersby.
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