Is Roller Skating Better Exercise Than Walking?

Comparing roller skating to walking is like comparing apples to oranges -- which one is better depends on your personal tastes. In determining which movement is the better exercise, analyze your personal expectations and physical limitations. Both activities offer a healthy way to incorporate cardiovascular endurance training into your fitness routine. Both activities may be enjoyable. Both activities may not be suitable for people of all fitness levels. If, however, you are capable of doing both, you may decide one is better than the other.

Benefits of Roller Skating

Roller skating involves all major muscle groups, including your heart. With similar health benefits and calorie consumption to jogging, skating burns between 350 and 600 calories per hour depending on your weight and exertion level, but with considerably less impact shock to your body, according to research published in "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise." Also, roller skating is fast-paced and exciting, providing a challenging balance dimension to your workout, requiring your body to move in unexpected ways that stimulate different muscles and heighten your athletic abilities.

Benefits of Walking

Walking requires no special equipment or location to get started. The easiest way to begin is to head out your front door and turn around halfway through your desired length of exercise duration. Unlike roller skating, walking does not necessitate practice or training, and it provides the same reduced risk of heart attack that jogging or skating provides, according to the Mayo Clinic. Walking also provides a social element if you do it with a group or partner.

Risks

Roller skating has an injury rate lower than soccer, basketball, softball and bicycling, according to the Inline Skating Resource Center. Walking, on the other hand, provides virtually no risk of injury to healthy participants. The American College of Sports Medicine published research conducted by the Health and Physical Activity Department at the University of Pittsburgh in 2007 on obese and overweight individuals who joined walking programs. The study concluded that the walkers' rate of injury was comparable to injuries that sedentary people reported. The greatest risks involved with walking were blisters because of poor footwear and muscle pain from beginning a new activity.

Conclusions and Cautions

Both forms of exercise are excellent ways to increase your level of fitness. If you are already in great shape and looking for a thrilling, new way to ramp up your activity regimen, roller skating may be an option. If you are newer to exercise or leery of possible injuries, walking may be a good choice. Either way, begin your routine with proper attire, a warm-up and some stretches. If you decide to try skating, the Inline Skating Resource Center suggests taking a lesson from a certified instructor first. And discuss your plans with your doctor before beginning any new fitness routine.