Fashion trends come and go, but some things just keep coming back. From macramé wall hangings to roller skating, the 1980s are making a serious comeback. Whether you’re scrolling through TikTok, Instagram or Facebook, chances are you’ve seen people of all ages lacing up their roller skates and hitting the streets with style.
If you’re thinking about joining the roller-skating trend, you’re in for a treat! Roller skating is not only fun but also an excellent way to get moving and improve your fitness. Whether you're a first-time skater or an experienced roller, follow these five tips to skate safely and get the most out of your experience.
1. Find the perfect smooth skate spot
Skating rinks are popular for a reason: smooth, frictionless surfaces make skating easier and more enjoyable. However, finding an ideal skating spot outside of a rink might be more challenging, especially if you’re looking for smooth, flat ground.
For those just starting, try seeking out quiet tennis or basketball courts. These spaces often have smooth pavement that’s great for practicing your skating skills and perfecting dance moves.
If you’re looking to get some distance, try a paved pathway along a greenbelt or canal. It’s a great way to skate while enjoying the outdoors. While skating on the pavement outside your house is fine, it’s important to treat yourself to smoother surfaces when you can, especially if you’re just learning.
2. Wear your protective gear
Falls are inevitable when you’re skating, but wearing the right protective gear can minimize the risk of serious injury. Wrist fractures are the most common injury when skating because your wrists are most at risk during a fall. Wrist guards are an important piece of protective equipment to keep you safe.
While head injuries make up only about 5% of skating injuries, any head injury can lead to concussions or worse. Wearing a helmet is essential because it can help reduce the risk of severe injury, especially if you're a beginner.
If you do suffer an injury, treatment can range from a few days of rest to the need for physical therapy. For example, concussions can take months to heal, so it's important to stay safe. Sports are fun, but injuries aren’t. Wear the proper protection and take precautions so you can continue skating without worrying about injury.
3. Make your workout fun
Exercise doesn't have to feel like a chore. Roller skating can be as easy or challenging as you want, making it a fun and engaging workout option. Aim for about 30 minutes of daily physical activity and roller skating is a great way to get those minutes in.
The rhythmic movement of skating can improve cardiovascular health, flexibility and overall endurance. Plus, it’s enjoyable, so you’re more likely to stick with it. Skating helps you work on balance, strength and coordination while having fun—an ideal combination for a healthy workout routine.
4. Skate with friends
One of the best parts of roller skating is sharing the experience with others. Whether you're learning together or challenging each other to new moves, skating with friends can make the workout even more enjoyable.
Roller skating is a fantastic way to work out socially while keeping a smile on your face the entire time. Whether you're skating around a local park or hitting a rink together, it’s a fun and social activity that brings people together. Plus, the support of friends can help boost your confidence as you learn new tricks.
5. Avoid hills, especially as a beginner
While roller skates do have brakes, using them on a hill can be tricky. If you’re just starting, it’s easy to lose control when skating downhill, which can lead to falls and injuries. Stick to flat, level ground to minimize the risk.
Skating on level surfaces allows you to focus on building skills and getting in a great workout without the worry of sudden speed changes. Once you gain more experience and confidence, you can work your way up to skating on gentle inclines.
Have fun, stay safe and skate on!
Roller skating is a fantastic way to express yourself creatively while staying active and fit. Whether you’re dusting off your old pair of skates or trying it for the first time, remember to prioritize safety by wearing the proper gear and choosing smooth, flat surfaces. Stay hydrated, have fun and keep moving!
If you have questions about exercise, injuries or skating, contact a Banner Health physician to start the conversation.
Recommended reading
- Crush Your Fitness Goals, Not Your Wrists: Tips for Injury Prevention
- 8 Tips to Prevent Head and Brain Injuries in Adults and Children
- How to Tell Whether a Bump on the Head Is Serious
