While many people are familiar with the term "Rollerblading," they might not be aware that the proper name for it is in-line skating. The term Rollerblade actually is a registered trademark of in-line skate manufacturer Rollerblade Inc., according to the Inline Skating Resource Center website. Regardless of what you call it, Rollerblading is a fun exercise that can give you an effective, low-impact cardiovascular workout while also building muscle and improving your balance and coordination.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Cardiovascular exercises, including Rollerblading, increase your heart and breathing rates, which in turn boosts your metabolism and improves both blood flow and oxygen uptake. Practiced consistently, Rollerblading can help reduce the risk of disease, including stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure. According to the Inline Skating Resource Center, Rollerblading was found to be a better aerobic workout than cycling but not as good as running. The difference between running and Rollerblading is that you can't coast when you run. You can make up for this difference by skating uphill or skating faster, both of which increase your intensity level and make your heart and lungs work harder.
Low Impact
A study published in 1997 in the journal "Medicine and Science in Sports Medicine" found that, compared with running, Rollerblading results in less impact shock to the body with each foot contact. This means Rollerblading is less likely than running to cause injury to the ligaments, tendons and bones of the leg and feet. If you already have issues with your joints, such as a previous injury, Rollerblading might be an effective way to get cardiovascular exercise without causing further problems.
Muscular Benefits
Rollerblading is a more effective way to build the muscles of the hip and thigh muscles than running or cycling, says the Inline Skating Resource Center website. In addition, Rollerblading also builds muscles in all of the upper leg, buttocks, hip and lower back. If you swing your arms actively when Rollerblading, your shoulder and arm muscles also get a workout. Rollerblading also recruits major muscle fibers to help you maintain your balance and stay upright, which builds strength and endurance in an increased range of motion.
Weight Control
According to MayoClinic.com, a 160 lb. person Rollerblading for an hour will burn 913 calories. If the same person jogs at 5 mph, he will burn only 584 calories in an hour. If he runs at 8 mph, he will expend 984 calories in an hour. Compared with Rollerblading, running burns slightly more calories when all other factors are equal, including speed and the amount of time spent exercising; however, Rollerblading does have have the added benefit of being lower impact and more effective at building muscles than running.
Considerations
Consult your doctor before attempting Rollerblading if you have not exercised in more than a year or have an underlying medical condition. Wear proper safety gear, including shoulder and elbow pads and a helmet. Avoid Rollerblading downhill or uphill until you have more experience and endurance, and stay in an area free of car traffic and rough terrain. Check if your community offers a designated area to Rollerblade, such as a rink or paved path. Ensure your Rollerblades are working effectively and fit your feet correctly before attempting to use them.
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