Ask anyone who skates regularly and they’ll tell you the same thing: it doesn’t feel like exercise. But a few laps at a steady pace will get your heart pumping and your legs burning. Here’s what roller skating does for your body and mind.
1. Great cardio
Steady skating is an aerobic workout that raises your heart rate and builds endurance. Depending on how hard you push, it can be a moderate-to-vigorous workout comparable to jogging or cycling. Skating at a steady pace for 30 minutes or more is a solid cardio session.
2. Lower impact than running
Because you’re gliding instead of pounding the pavement, skating is easier on your knees and joints than running. That makes it a good option for people who want a cardio workout without as much impact — as long as you’re wearing protective gear to protect against falls.
3. Leg and glute strength
Skating works your quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves. The side-to-side push of each stride also hits muscles running often skips, like your hip abductors and adductors (outer and inner thighs).
4. Core strength
Every second on skates, your core is working to keep you balanced. Turns, crossovers, backward skating and dance moves all build abdominal and lower-back strength.
5. Balance and coordination
Skating trains your body’s balance system and coordination. Those skills carry over into everyday life and other sports, and balance training is especially valuable as we get older.
6. Mood and mental health
Like other exercise, skating can boost your mood and help relieve stress. Add music, friends and the simple joy of gliding, and it’s easy to see why so many people call the rink their happy place. Learning a new skill also gives you a real sense of accomplishment.
7. Social connection
The rink is one of the few places where kids, teens, adults and grandparents all share the same floor. Skate groups, adult nights and derby leagues are great ways to meet people and stay active together.
How to get the most out of it
- Skate consistently. A few sessions a week adds up.
- Mix it up. Steady laps for endurance, sprints for intensity, drills and dance for skill.
- Use good form. Bent knees and full strides work your muscles properly and protect your back.
- Stay hydrated, especially skating outdoors in South Florida heat.
- Stretch afterward — especially hips, quads and calves.
Safety first
The biggest health risk in skating is falling. Wear a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads, learn to fall safely and skate within your ability. If you have health conditions or haven’t exercised in a while, talk to your doctor before starting a new activity.
Fun, fitness and friendship on eight wheels. Not bad for a “kid’s activity.”
Grew up skating at Super Wheels? The floor remembers — and so do we. Share your Super Wheels memories and photos so the next generation knows where South Florida learned to roll.