Issue Date: October 9, 2005
Roll on
Skate your way to weight loss.
Joints aching? Bored with pounding the pavement? Try inline skating: It burns as many calories as running, with less than half the impact to joints.
"Skating remains popular with kids, but we are seeing more adults take it up after they've injured a knee or hip or are looking for a new workout," says Stephen Charrier, vice president of sales and marketing for Rollerblade Inc. "And because it's fun, people actually skate longer than they would run, which means more calories burned."
Rollerblade offers these tips to get you started:
Wear protective gear. A helmet, kneepads, elbow pads and wrist guards will make your experience safe.
Sign up for a lesson. You will learn the proper technique for striding, the right way to stop and the best spots to inline skate locally. Many skating instructors offer a free first lesson. To find one, go online to usainlinefit.com or freeskatelesson.com.
Buy a quality skate that fits. You're more likely to stick with it if your gear is comfortable and supportive. The most common mistake is buying skates that are too big; be sure they're snug. Try to find a salesperson at your local sporting goods store who is interested in skating, or look for a specialty skating shop.
Once you've started, consider training for an inline skating marathon; 26.2 miles is a lot easier on wheels! Training for an event will keep you motivated. Check marathonskating.com for upcoming races.
Contact Jorge Cruise, author of "The 3-Hour Diet," at 3hourdiet.com.
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