From improving posture, to burning at least 600 calories per hour, and getting you outside to breathe fresh air, it’s proven that this fun outdoor sport is incredibly beneficial to your mind and body. Plus, a solid pair of inline skates starts at only $180. “Rollerblades cost a lot less than a bike,” says Kim Brown, recreational inline skater. “You can easily do 10 or more miles and still make it to local destinations in the summer.” They’re portable, too. “Similarly, you can carry your blades with you, meaning you don’t have to worry about someone stealing them.” Plus, the sport is very easy to add to your daily routine. But before we go further, let’s get to the basics. Fun fact: The sport you think of when you hear “rollerblading” is formally called inline skating. Rollerblade is a registered trademark and the industry leader that started it all decades ago—hence why many people use the brand name generally when talking about the activity itself (a good analogy to this would be Kleenex, which is actually a brand of tissues, or Band-Aid, which is really a brand of first-aid bandages). So, technically, it’s referred to as inline skating or skating. How do inline skates differ from roller skates? The positioning of the wheels is the primary difference. Inline skates have one central frame and a line of wheels, whereas roller skates have two horizontal rows. Anna Zuver, a skater, massage therapist and Rollerblade brand ambassador uses skating to get exercise, connect with a one-of-a-kind community, and decompress mentally. John Gardner, NASM certified personal trainer and the CEO and co-founder of Kickoff shares the top five physical benefits of inline skating. Buy a pair. The top skate brands to check out are SEBA, FR, Rollerblade, and K2. Three great blades for beginners are the Macroblade 80 ABT, Zetrablade, and Advantage Pro XT, according to Rollerblade product and marketing manager, Tom Hyser. Invest in high-quality skates—it matters! Expect to spend a minimum of $180. “Once you buy the set up, you can skate for a few years,” says Alexander. “So invest early in high quality and keep them for a long time.” Add it to your daily routine. “Like running you can do it right out your front door, so it’s easy to add to your daily routine,” shares Alexander. Consider wearing a whistle on busy paths. “I’ve started wearing a whistle around my neck, and in busy areas, I’ll keep the whistle in my mouth ready to use it to warn people I’m approaching,” says Albus. “I use my whistle all the time and have found it to be the most effective way to have a safe blade.” Learn with a friend. Inline skating is a wonderful sport to partake in with friends and family. A bonus benefit is the community aspect. “Skaters are an inclusive group,” Alexander shares. “They are all looking for events to create or join and there has never been a better time to take it up—you’ll make so many friends.” RELATED: 7 Easy Ways to Get Even More Out of Your Walks
