10 Incredible Benefits of Roller Skating

Roller skating is not just about the tricks, it’s about the journey. Unknown

Feel the wind blustering through your hair, spend time outside in nature while you roll away your stress. Have fun with your friends and family while getting in some exercise. Yes, I am talking about this amazing activity called roller skating.

Roller skating has been a popular sport for centuries and today it remains a trendy activity amongst adults and children alike.

Why, you might ask.

In this article, we will be highlighting why roller skating is great for you and why it remains such a favoured activity amongst many.

Without further ado let's look at the top 10 health benefits of roller skating....

1. Roller Skating is Great for Losing Weight

A proven way to lose weight is to burn calories and roller skating is an effective and fun way to burn calories. Skating leisurely for 30 minutes means you'll burn up to 250 calories. If you can maintain a moderate pace for 60 minutes you can burn 330 calories if you weigh 65 kilograms. The amount of calories you'll burn also depends on your current weight, the type of skates you skate with and how fast you plan on skating.

You will burn more calories when skating with inline skates. If you skate for a longer duration at a faster pace you will also burn more calories whether you skate with quad or inline skates. I think it's safe to say that rollerskating definitely is a good and effective exercise for people of all ages especially if you would like to lose a few kilograms.

2. Build Muscle Definition

Now, you can tone muscles and have fun at the same time! Not only will you lose a few kilograms you will also tone various muscles groups.

Building muscle definition has never been this easy!

While you roller skate you will flex and firm various muscles like your abs, thighs, calves, quads, hamstrings, thighs and especially your glutes. After a few sessions you will start to notice the increase in muscle definition.

3. Improve Balance

The correct posture is vital to keep your body agile and healthy. Roller blading will help you to improve your balance and coordination which means it will have a positive impact on your posture. Another upside of having good balance is that it reduces the amount of energy you use when doing daily activities and also helps to reduce fatigue.

Your abs and lower back muscles get exercised when you roller skate and requires you to keep a steady core. As you strengthen your core you will automatically improve your balance. It not only builds core strength but improves stability in the lower body.

4. Build Muscle Strength

Lucky for you, strength training does not only happen at they gym!

Roller blading helps to build strength in your upper and lower body —overall it is a great workout for your whole body. It is particularly great to improve lower body strength. And a strong body means a healthy body.

When your body is strong you have a stronger immune system which means you will automatically have a healthier and happier lifestyle. Rollerblading allows you to strengthen your muscles while it improves your mobility, especially hip mobility.

Interesting fact: Studies have shown that roller blading involves all 640+ of your body's muscles and especially the heart muscle. 

5. Improves Muscular Endurance

You will be happy to know that besides building muscle definition and strength, roller skating also builds muscular endurance. You will start to notice your level of endurance increases the longer you skate. If you compare your beginner days of roller skating to where you are now you will notice a significant improvement in your endurance level.

Did you know skating builds more muscles than other exercises like running and cycling?

6. It's Wonderful for Your Heart Health

The American Heart Association classifies roller skating as an aerobic exercise.

Roller blading is a sought after venture and a great cardio workout that will not only get your heart pumping, but it will strengthen your heart muscle. Because it's such a great exercise for your heart, your chances of getting any cardiovascular disease is reduced significantly.

You can increase your heart rate between 140-160 beats per minute if you go at a moderate pace.

Your heart rate can increase up to 180 beats per minute if you put on a pair of inline skates and really go for it!

7. Roller Skating is a Low Impact Exercise

If you are looking for an exercise that does not work on your joints like running then rollerblading will be the perfect choice. Roller skating allows for fluid movements which means it's less harsh on your joints. There are a few studies that indicate rollerskating has 50% less of a negative effect on your joints than other high impact sports like running.

This is an incredible benefit for those of you who would like to preserve your joints or if you are a little bit older and would like to get some exercise.

8. A Great Activity and Exercise for Kids

There are few activities that are as wonderful for kids as roller skating. It is a fun pastime you can enjoy with your kids and it's a great way for them to also have fun on their own or to explore the world with their friends. Besides the fun part of roller blading, it's an effective way for your kid to get active and get in some exercise.

It is proven that children who spend more time outdoors and who are active are happier, sleep better and do better in school.

If you would like to know how to teach a child to roller skate we have a few helpful tips that can guide you to help them have a fun and exciting experience the first time around. Here are our top essential tips for a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Wear the appropriate protective gear like a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards
• Let them wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Warm up
• If you are letting your kid hit the skate rink make sure they follow the rules and guidelines
• Remind them to drink water and stay hydrated
• Let them take breaks whenever they feel they need a breather to rest a little before continuing

Let's move on to the next important benefit for children and adults.

9. It Can Develop Social Skills

Roller skating is a great way to spend time with your peers and it's a fantastic way to make new friends with similar interests. Making new friends will help you or your child to develop your social skills and to get you out of your comfort zone. You know how the saying goes, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"?

You can go skating at a skating rink, attend a roller disco or go outside and enjoy the nature that surrounds you while you mingle and build up a sweat.

10. Roller Skating Makes You Happy

We've left the best benefit for last.

Roller skating stimulate hormones like dopamine and endorphins. Dopamine gets released in your brain when you do something that you enjoy. It's like a reward system that gets filled with rewards every time you do something pleasurable.

Serotonin is a natural chemical that carries messages between your nerve cells and the brain and is considered as a natural mood stabilizer. Serotonin gets released when you engage in aerobic exercises, like roller skating. Light from the sun also boosts serotonin.

Can you see why roller skating can improve your mental health immensely?

When you roller skate it's an exercise, it's something you enjoy and if you do it outdoors, you enjoy some of the sun's energy!

What a fantastic and fun activity to engage in on a daily basis to get a dose of dopamine and serotonin!

Now that you are aware of how amazing rollerskating is, are you ready to put on your skates and start rolling? Now is the time to improve your overall fitness level!

When you become a more advanced roller skater you'll learn more rollerskating tricks and learn for example how to roller skate backwards.

But first, you must learn how to roller skate.