Head to a Roller Rink for a Leg Workout
By Brandi Swieter
The roller rink was once a popular hangout spot for many, giving kids and teens a safe place to socialize with their friends. Nowadays, roller skating isn’t as popular. Kids and adults alike tend to be seen on bikes instead. The vigorous workout that roller skating and blading provides is often far too much for people to handle. Adults should get back to the rink, however, and get a great leg workout that will really have them working on their fitness goals. The activity is ideal for targeting the lower body and abs.
A Lessened Impact
Running and biking are both harsh on the joints, particularly the knees. Injuries can easily develop during these activities. Roller skating uses a gliding motion that has a lessened impact. It is not as harsh on the joints as some other physical activities.
Developing Leg Strength
The legs are the primary body parts being utilized during roller skating. For this reason, the lower body is what gets targeted and therefore worked out the most. Roller skating will allow a person to greatly develop their leg strength if they keep up with the routine.
Targeted Muscle Groups
The most targeted muscle groups during skating include the calves, hip abductors, quadriceps, and hamstrings. It takes a considerable amount of leg movement and strength in these areas to keep the body propelling forward on skates. It’s important to stretch out each of these areas before going to the roller rink to ensure they are all adequately prepared and flexible enough for the activity ahead.
Burning Calories
Roller skating burns roughly as many calories as running. Skaters can expect to burn around nine or 10 calories per minute, depending on their body size. As many as 600 calories get burned in just one hour of skating, making this an ideal goal to shoot for when trying it out.
Works the Core
Skating is the ideal workout for both the legs and the core. The center of the body has to remain balanced to keep the person upright. It takes a strong core to manage that. With both a core and leg workout possible, people should really consider skating as part of their fitness routine.
An hour or more spent at the roller rink can leave the body feeling sore. Visit The Joint Chiropractic after a skating session to alleviate some of the tension felt and help the body return to normal. Some soreness will still be felt after all the exercise, but some joint restrictions throughout the body can be relieved.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Kingwood, Tex.