7 Reasons to Strap on Your Rollerblades and Hit the Pavement

Trish Alexander, the executive director of Skate Journeys, an organization devoted to changing lives through rollerblading and roller skating, tells Real Simple, “The top benefit [of rollerblading] is exercise in ways that are fun, soul-filling, and mental health-enhancing.” 

We all know that we should be exercising several times a week, and picking a workout that is fun naturally motivates us to get up and get going. Rollerblading is an exciting way to get in fresh air and cardio.

Rollerblading is also a great exercise option because it’s so low-maintenance. All you need to get started is a pair of blades and some safety gear. There’s no need to shell out for a monthly gym membership or expensive equipment. “Rollerblades cost a lot less than a bike,” recreational skater Kim Brown tells Real Simple.

Not only is in-line skating cheap, it’s also functional. Rollerblading is much faster than walking and can take you up to ten miles. Maybe that’s why some Viennese citizens are choosing to integrate this sustainable activity into their commutes, National Geographic reports.

Skater and climate activist, Gerhard Ladstätte explains why he started Friday Night Skating, a free street skating event. “We want to move without burning fuel.” Commuters looking for an oil-free way to get to a workplace that isn’t too far from home, while integrating daily exercise into their routine, can consider rollerblading to work. Unlike a bicycle, you don’t need to find a place to store your skates while you work. It’s a compact and portable travel method.

Well+Good reports that like any form of aerobic exercise, skating is associated with a number of wellness benefits. Exercise and fresh air can keep stress at bay and boost endorphins. According to Hilary Weinstein, a New York based psychotherapist, “By gearing your attention to both the body and its surroundings, you can shift focus away from negative thought patterns and anxieties.” 

Psychotherapist Jordan Karson adds that rollerblading can also boost self-esteem. Moving our bodies increases positive feelings and self-efficacy,” Karson explains.

It isn’t just your core muscles that thank you for getting your skate on, CNN reports. Pushing off and gliding are both activities that engage your lower body, working out your hamstrings, calves, quads, and glutes. When you skate, you also swing and move your arms, using your upper body to propel yourself forward. And, as you shift your weight from side to side, your hips also get a workout.

Livestrong reports rollerblading is nearly as efficient an exercise as running. Skaters burn nearly the same amount of calories blading as they do when running. For some, rollerblading may even be a better choice than running. Because it impacts the leg joints much less, and is easier on the knees, those with lower body injuries can sometimes switch up their run for a blading session.

Rollerblading comes with a myriad of benefits, but, CNN cautions, safety comes first when jump starting an in-line skating hobby. Wearing all the safety gear, helmets, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guard included can prevent a traumatic injury.

If you are a beginning skater, don’t head for the office right off the bat. Practice on a smooth surface in a well-lit, traffic-free space, until you get used to it. And, as a beginner, there’s no need for speed. Focus on keeping balanced, swerving, turning, and stopping. If you put the time and effort in, you can roll your way into a healthy and rewarding hobby.

It's easy to see why so many people are discovering the joys of skating. Not only is it an incredibly enjoyable form of exercise and a great way to get fit, but it also provides excellent mental health benefits. So, grab your skates and let the good times roll!

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