5 Ways to Tell if In-Line Skating Is For You

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

30 Jul 2006 05:30 AM

Yesterday, I talked about wanting to get a pair of in-line skates and as an aside while I was writing that piece, I bopped in to see my husband to make sure he knew it was on my wish list. Cause you know, it never hurts to ask! Unfortunately, my birthday was back in April so I have to wait for December (but that's only about 5 months away now). And yes, before you ask, I am one of those people who shops in the summer and stores up for the winter months.

But I digress.

If you are interested in in-line skating, but you aren't sure it's for you, here are 5 ways to tell whether it is for you or not.

• You have good knees - if you are arthritis or weak knees, then chances are you don't want to try out in-line skating. If you do have these conditions and you are interested, be sure to consult with a physician about any precautions or steps you should take in order to do it
• You have a lot of long sidewalks, bike paths or a park with plentiful sidewalks near your house. Wide sidewalks are best because you need the room to stride properly and you don't want to worry about dodging cars or kids
• You are adventurous - In-line skating is an outdoor activity that gives you a lot of opportunities for fun and enjoyment, you may not be interested in suiting up in the padding, but the first avoided skinned knee or elbow and you will find that your enjoyment is even more fun
• You have a fondness for ice-skating - ice skating is very similar to in-line skating, you just don't need ice to in-line skate on
• You want the cardio, but you need low impact - the cardio workout available through in-line skating is considerable and you are stressing your joints about fifty percent less with in-line skating than you are running or riding a bike and it still gives you a good cardio and muscle toning boost

Another good way to tell if in-line skating is for you is to give it a shot. There are some places that allow you to rent in-line skates or if you have a friend with a similar size, you can try out their skates. This isn't always ideal, on the other hand - there are few other ways to try out the in-line skates without investing in them.

How did you tell if in-line skating was for you?

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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