How rollerblading provides a killer workout

Why should Barbie and Ken have all the fun? Experts say rollerblading boasts many benefits for the mind and body. Read on to find out why – and how – to get rolling.

It’s little wonder that rollerblading is Barbie and Ken’s go-to sport.

The retro exercise is a fun, low-impact way to boost your physical and mental health, enjoy the great outdoors, and even add years to our lives.

Now, the ’90s sport is staging a comeback, after Barbie stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling donned neon yellow rollerblades under the Californian sun in the popular film.

So get your skates on, hit the beach and roll your way to fitness this summer.

Is rollerblading good exercise?

Rollerblading, also known as inline skating, boasts multiple health benefits for the body and mind, according to researchers.

Research shows it can provide just as much of an aerobic workout as running on a treadmill, helping to improve fitness levels and burn calories.

Regular gliding sessions along your favourite path can also strengthen both lower and upper body muscles, engage the core, and improve balance, coordination and posture, exercise physiologist Alex Marriott says.

“Any good sport is about fitness, but also the social interaction and the fun that you have to drive a positive health experience,” Alex says.

“Rollerblading intertwines all these things.”

Alex says like any exercise, the impact will depend on how fast you’re skating, how often you go and for how long.

“If you’re meeting the physical activity guidelines of 300 minutes a week of moderate physical activity, or 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of those, you’ll start to notice a difference,” he says.

How do you rollerblade?

Ready to roll? These tips will help you get started safely:

First, get a feel for it

Experienced skater and Rollerway Skate Centre owner Raul Aparicio recommends beginners get used to the feeling of rollerblades before they start to skate.

“The reason people find inline skating difficult is because when you walk in your shoes, it’s heel toe,” Raul explains.

Add wheels to those shoes, and it can become tricky.

“We get people to pretend they are little ducks for their first steps, with knees bent, feet turned out, and one hand on a rail – if they can waddle along flat-footed, they usually pick it up in minutes, at any age,” Raul says.

Check your posture

Raul says the keys to rollerblading are to keep your knees bent, ensure your centre of gravity is over your skates, and not to be put off by the potential to fall.

“If you lean too far forward, you fall forward; but you sit too far back, (and) you’ll fall on your bottom,” he explains.

“The action is similar whether you’re rollerskating, ice-skating or inline skating, with some subtle differences.”

Learn how to stop

Once you get going, one of the scariest parts of rollerblading can be learning to stop.

Some rollerblades have a stopper on one boot, but many inline skaters use different techniques to grind to a halt.

“For beginners, I would suggest simply turning the engine off – stop skating,” Raul says.

If you’re new at skating, he also recommends sticking to a flat surface.

Are rollerblades or rollerskates easier to use?

In the world of skating, the answer can depend on whom you ask.

Many people assume rollerskates are sturdier, with two pairs of wheels situated side by side as for a car.

For a first-timer, Raul says rollerblades often have a steeper learning curve but the long wheelbase helps to prevent falls.

“Rollerskates have a shorter wheelbase, so you’re more likely to topple forward or backwards if you lean in those directions,” he adds.

Skating instructor James O’Connor says rollerblading is easier outdoors, as the wheels can more easily navigate rough surfaces; rollerskates are the better option indoors, on smooth flooring designed for activities such as dancing.

What to consider when buying rollerblades

James recommends buying good quality skates that properly secure ankles, as well as safety gear, including a helmet and elbow, knee and wrist pads.

“I always say to people, ‘Don’t be a cheapskate’, because you need good equipment to have the best and safest experience,” he says.

James also suggests getting fitted at a dedicated skate shop, and taking a lesson to help you master the basics.

More on getting fit while having fun:

• Hula hooping: the fun retro craze you need to try
• How to dance your way to health and fitness
• Creative apps to make fitness fun
• 5 old-school exercise activities that are great for fitness

Written by Elissa Doherty.