The In of In-Line Skating

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

I've mentioned before that I really want an elliptical glider to work out on, but in lieu of that, I'd love to inline skate. It's on my wish list for an anniversary or Christmas present this year. I want a good set of recreational in-line skates so I can add skating to my repertoire of activities and so that I can keep up with my daughter when she is riding her bike. All the power walking in the world can't keep me side by side with her when she is really riding.

The Investment

In-line skating is relative inexpensive compared to an elliptical glider. A good pair of recreational skates costs under $200 and the padding (elbows, knees and helmet) will add up to about $75. If you are looking at investing in your own pair of in-line skates, be sure to get a pair that are designed for recreational and not hockey. They will offer you more stability and more ankle supports. If you're not sure how to tell the difference, look for in-line skates that have 4 wheels, not 3 or 5. The skates and the padding are all you need to get started, because you can in-line skate on your sidewalks and at your local park quite comfortably.

The Workout

In-line skating will get your heart rate up in no time flat. It also works the muscles in the glutes and the thighs that walking and cycling don't hit. The striding motion of in-line skating requires a certain amount of strength in your knees, so if you have bad knees you might want to check with a physician before you begin this type of workout. The other great thing about in-line skating is that you can get a good arm workout by swinging your arms while you are skating.

The Family Time

As I said above, I want the in-line skates so I can add skating to my workout, but also so I can spend more time with my daughter while she is riding her bike. My husband enjoys in-line skating as well so we can even make it a family activity. Since all you need is what they call a ribbon of concrete (a sidewalk) it's not like you have to find a special location for in-line skating, though parks are great for their long, empty sidewalks!

Do you in-line skate? Do you enjoy it?

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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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