6 Surprising Health Benefits of Roller Skating
Most people consider roller skating to be an old-fashioned – outdated pastime. Roller rinks were all the range in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. But they disappeared or have been replaced by now, right? Not at all! Thanks to their many health benefits, roller skating, and rollerblading have seen a comeback among Americans, young and old.
While many rinks have re-opened, people still enjoy performing this fun and healthy activity outdoors.
If you want to switch up your exercise regimen, consider adding roller skating to your routine!
In this article, we look at the health advantages of roller skating.
1. Improved Balance
As we age, our balance, gait, and core decline. We become more unbalanced with a weakened gait, which increases our fall risk. Evidence shows that poor balance and gait are two factors that lead to falls in the elderly.
A sedentary life worsens declining balance and gait; however, physical activity slows down the progression.
Roller skating is a physical activity that improves balance and gait. It also enhances coordination.
For every second spent roller skating, you build abdominal and back muscles while keeping in touch with your core. These are essential to better balance, and you would notice the results.
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2. Increased Heart Strength
The American Heart Association (AHA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and similar organizations recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic activities several days a week for heart health.
Walking is the most recommended physical activity, but roller skating could be a heart-pumping aerobic activity for those interested in taking things up a notch.
Even at a moderate pace, roller skaters can increase their heart rate to 160 beats per minute. It helps the body send much-needed blood and oxygen to your muscles, improving your overall fitness level.
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3. Strength Training
When it comes to strength training, we often think of barbells, dumbbells, and weight machines; yet roller skating is a lot of work. It improves strength and muscle development in the legs, thighs, calves, and hips. It also helps build the glute muscles.
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4. Blood Sugar and Diabetes Management
For anyone with high blood sugar or diabetes, losing weight, and getting fit, can be difficult.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) emphatically recommends strength training and aerobic exercise for managing diabetes. This makes roller skating an ideal choice for helping your body better manage its blood sugar and insulin levels. It can also help you relieve stress, lower blood sugar, and lose weight!
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5. Minimized Joint Pain
Despite its high-quality workout, roller skating is surprisingly easy on the joints. With more fluid and less jerky motions, it does not cause your knees and ankles to compress and rub up against one another.
This is great news for people who love to run but find it too hard on their knees. It provides the same health benefits and a nice smooth ride.
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6. Serious Calorie Burn
Like swimming, roller skating works nearly every muscle in your body, making it possible to burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time. Most people will burn between 350 and 600 calories per hour, though depending on weight, some people can burn as many as 1,000 calories in the same period!
Final Thoughts
Roller skating is a great physical activity that can improve your health. It works your whole body, lowers blood sugar, and increases insulin sensitivity.
Don’t worry if there’s no roller rink in your town. You can still enjoy this fun and healthy activity in outdoor parks, trails, and greenways. You simply need a smooth surface that is free of debris.
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