For a fun way to lose weight, as well as see a little scenery, head over to the local bike trail and slip on a pair of roller skates. In a half hour, you will burn between 191 and 398 calories, depending on your weight. If you're new to roller skating, or haven't tried it since you were a kid, there are two options to choose from: quad and inline skates.
Quad Skates
Also known as roller skates, quad skates feature four wheels and a toe brake. Quad skates come in a wide variety of sizes and styles for men, women and children. To learn how to roller skate, you can either slip on a pair of skates and venture off on your own, skate with a friend who is skilled at roller skating, or take roller skating lessons from a certified instructor. Many first-time roller skaters learn on quad skates since it is easier and it does not require the same level of balance as inline skates. Quad skates tend to be slightly heavier than inline skates, but the extra weight helps users burn more calories.
Inline Skates
Inline skates feature four wheels as well, but as the name suggests, the wheels form a straight line, similar to an ice skate blade. Inline skates also might feature a rear heel brake. Inline skates come in a wide variety of sizes and styles for men, women and children. Inline skating is a popular form of exercise, and there are many sports that utilize inline skates, such as street hockey and roller derbies. Some might consider learning on inline skates difficult because it requires more balance as well as skill and experience to master braking. However, inline skates tend to weigh less than quad skates, are capable of going at much higher speeds and are easier on your feet when skating for long distances.
Protection
Whichever skates you choose, it is important to protect yourself from serious injury. If you are learning how to skate for the first time, start off on a smooth flat surface away from traffic. Examples include a roller skating rink or park. Always wear protective gear, such as a helmet, elbow, and knee and wrist pads. When skating on sidewalks or bike trails, stay alert for any bumps or debris in the road that might cause you to derail.
Balance
If you believe you have a poor sense of balance, incorporate workouts and exercise equipment such as squats, tai chi, a jump rope or a stability ball into your daily workout routine. Having a strong core also will help improve your balance. Consider incorporating typical workout routines, such as crunches or pushups, while working out on a balance board or a Bosu ball.
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