Roller Skating Fitness Training

Roller Skating Description

Roller skating is a fun activity which can be effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular endurance. It requires relatively good balance and coordination. Roller skating can be done with either traditional roller skates which have two sets of side-by-side wheels on each skate, or the newer in-line skates which have wheels lined up one behind the other, or "in-line". It is necessary to learn the basics of skating including turning and stopping and to wear protective gear to avoid possible injury.

Roller Skating Warnings

• Consult a physician before engaging in this activity if you have had problems in the past with your knees, lower back, hips/pelvis, or ankles.

Roller Skating Risks

• Muscle strains of groin or calf
• Ankle, knee, shoulder, lower back, elbow or wrist sprains from falls or collisions
• Bruises, cuts, or lacerations from falling

Roller Skating Sport-specific applications

• National and international level competition
• Roller hockey (Olympic demonstration sport in 1992)
• Speedskating
• Artistic (figure) roller skating

Roller Skating Equipment required

• Skates: different wheels for different terrains, single wheel or double; serious skaters usually purchase boots and wheels separately; in-line skates, commonly referred to as rollerblades, are very popular today
• Protective gear includes helmets, knee and elbow pads and gloves

Roller Skating Applicable substitutions

• Ice skating
• Nordic (cross country) skiing
• Jogging/running

Roller Skating Reference sources, organizations and publications

• International In-Line Skating Association (IISA): Lake Calhoun Executive Center, Suite 300, 3033 Excelsior Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN 55416, (800) 367­4472
• U.S. Amateur Confederation of Roller Skating (USAC/RC): 4730 South St., PO Box 6579, Lincoln, NE 68506, (402) 483­7551
• Rollerblade Sports Marketing and Entertainment: 5101 Shady Oak Rd., Minnetonka, MN 55343, (800) 255-7655
• Wheel Excitement, Neil Feinman, Hearst Publishing

Mode

Cardiorespiratory: Aerobic

Fitness Benefits

• Cardiorespiratory 4
• Flexibility 2
• Muscular Strength 1
• Muscular Endurance 4
• Body Fat Recution 4

Fitness Requirements

• Cardiorespiratory 1
• Flexibility 1
• Muscular Strength 1
• Muscular Endurance 2
• Coordination/Skill 3

Muscle groups used

Primary muscles: quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, hip adductors and hip abductors (gluteal muscles, tensor fasciae latae) Assistance muscles: erector spinae, abdominals and obliques

Energy expenditure

Approximately 0.054 Calories per minute per pound of body weight