Rollerblades is a generic term used to describe inline skates and the name of the company that pioneered them. The two terms are often used interchangeably, much like the company-specific name Xeroxis sometimes used to describe any photocopier. Growth in the inline-skating industry peaked in the 1990s, but it remains a popular sport and fitness pursuit.
HIstory
The Rollerblade company specifically, and popular inline skating in general, got its start when two hockey-playing brothers found an early version of an inline skate in a sporting goods store. They recognized the inline skate as a potential offseason hockey training tool. Skiers adopted inline skates as a training tool too, and marketing efforts to establish inline skating as a sport began -- and took hold -- in the 1980s.
Types
The four primary types of inline skates are:
Recreational skates -- With four wheels and easy-to-operate heel brakes, these are best-suited for cruising long distances for fitness or commuting to work.
Aggressive skates -- Smaller wheels, stiff boots and grind plates give you the control you need for extreme tricks like jumps and rail slides.
Fitness and speed skates -- These are designed for nothing but speed, with five wheels for an extra-long wheelbase and no heel brake to create a potential stumbling block.
Hockey inline skates -- Built for the specialized sport of inline hockey, these skates have a short wheelbase, and no heel brake, for better maneuverability.
Fitness/Calories Burned
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that to stay healthy, adults should do 30 minutes of moderate cardio five days a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous cardio three days a week. Skate hard enough to break a sweat and breathe hard, but still be able to carry on a normal conversation, and you're working at a moderate intensity. To work out vigorously, skate hard enough that you can only get a few words out at a time.
If you're trying to lose weight, increase your workouts to 60 to 90 minutes. If you weigh 200 lbs. you can burn 1,138 calories in an hour of inline skating, as published on MayoClinic.com. But if you want that impressive calorie burn, you have to work for it -- no matter what kind of exercise you're doing, how many calories you burn is directly proportional to how hard you work out.
Learning Without Getting Hurt
Experienced inline skaters might make the sport look effortless, but the learning curve is full of bumps and bruises as you learn not to roll out of control. Taking a few lessons from an inline skating instructor can help you master the basic techniques of starting, stopping and turning more quickly. You can learn on your own, too, but take it slow. Start out on the flattest, smoothest pavement you have access to, with the fewest obstacles and least traffic possible -- an empty parking lot is ideal. Even experienced inline skaters can speed out of control when descending hills, so work your way up gradually by tackling very short, gentle slopes at first.
Protective Equipment
Protective equipment isn't strictly necessary; many experienced inline skaters go without it. But there are enough factors beyond your control, including cracks in the pavement, loose dogs or children, loose gravel and cars at intersections, that wearing protective gear is a good idea no matter how well you skate. That goes double when you're first starting out. Your basic protective gear kit should include a bicycle helmet plus elbow, wrist and knee pads.
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