Exercise - Free Fitness Library
Get in-line & get in shape
If you are looking for an active pursuit that is good fun, highly sociable, and provides you with a good all round aerobic workout, then in-line skating takes some beating.
Already immensely popular in the U.S.A. where there are over 12 million regular in-liners, the sport is a spin off from ice hockey. In-line skates are essentially ice skates on wheels. Instead of the blade, the boot is equipped with 4 or 5 polyurethane wheels and sophisticated bearings that will enable you to travel up to 40 m.p.h. (skaters normally maintain a comfortable speed of around 14 m.p.h.).
You can in-line on any flat surface, like asphalt. Favourite spots for skaters are public parks (London's Hyde Park and Regent's Park are full of them on Sundays), and you will find that the people who skate are extremely sociable and will readily pass on information on other suitable venues. In-lining is a very friendly sport, when skating in public areas, other more experienced skaters will often come to your assistance and are prepared to teach beginners the basic moves to get them started.
As a means of keeping fit and strengthening and conditioning the hips,
thighs and legs, in-lining is ideal. It is comparable to a low impact
aerobic workout with the average calorie loss for a 30 minute session
being a healthy 285. Practised as a regular aerobic activity 2-3 times
a week, you will be amazed at the change in your fitness level and also
the distances you clock up.
In-line skating also develops muscle tone and enhances co-ordination,
balance and stamina - attributes that are required by many other sporting
disciplines. The British Freestyle Ski Team train out of season on in-line
skates as it is the closest activity there is to develop the attributes
needed for freestyle skiing. The word for skiers is, if you're planning
a winter holiday this year 'get your skates on first!'
As with any sport it is important to start off with the right equipment. A decent pair of in-line skates will cost around £80, and protective equipment such as knee, elbow and wrist pads cost between £10 and £20.