Roller Skating for Weight Loss

Roller Skating for Weight Loss
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Cardiovascular Exercise Was Never So Fun!

Cardiovascular exercise has the stigma of being a drudgery, not a fun activity. This is not always the case. Roller skating is a perfect example of a fun form of cardiovascular exercise. Many of us can remember those days of skating for hours as kids. It wasn’t exercise, it was fun! Developing the habit of daily cardiovascular exercise is important for weight loss, and when the activity is fun, it becomes easier to form those habits. You’re more likely to work out for longer periods of time when the activity is perceived as enjoyable. Extra time skating will translate to more calories burned, and that makes it a perfect activity for those who wish to lose weight.

Benefits of Roller Skating

Roller skating is a great addition to a weight loss exercise program. It burns 500 calories an hour, which is important in creating the calorie deficit needed to lose weight. Roller skating is a fabulous muscle toning activity. It actually works those adductor, or inner thigh muscles that many workouts don’t address. Building muscle is essential for a healthy metabolism that supports weight loss efforts. Roller skating is low impact too. It’s much easier on your joints, tendons, and ligaments than running, jogging, or aerobics. Roller skating helps build better balance and coordination. Beyond the physical benefits of roller skating are the emotional benefits. Skating improves your mood and reduces stress. You’ll boost endorphins and soothe your spirits through the smooth, repeated motions of roller skating. Stress reduction is an important part of the weight loss equation. Those who relieve stress through exercise are less likely to overeat for emotional reasons. Cardiovascular exercises like roller skating also help keep cortisol levels under control, which is another good reason to try skating your way to weight loss.

Roller Skating: Easy on the Budget

You can get rolling for a lot less than a gym membership. All you really need is a good pair of skates and the appropriate safety gear. A helmet, knee and elbow pads are essential to the beginning skater, since falls could happen at any time. Typical helmets cost anywhere from $25 to $50, and elbow and knee pads can be bought for under $20 each. Skates will cost a little more, from $80- over $200, with inline skates costing more than traditional roller skates. This however is a one-time purchase, so spending a little more might be worth it. You’ll want comfortable skates that fit properly and support the ankles. Try on your skates before you buy them because sizing can vary from brand to brand. Skating is a fun way to burn calories and lose weight, so go ahead and give skating a try. You might actually forget you’re working out!

Resources

1. Inline Warehouse: https://www.inlinewarehouse.com/FitPGElbow.html

2. Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=3416791

3. About.com: https://inlineskating.about.com/od/healthbenefits/a/health-benefits.htm