Inline
Skating Newsletter Article Inline
Skating Newsletter Article
Take good care of your skates, and they'll give you years of enjoyable use. Take good care of your body, and you'll not only cover more miles with less effort, you'll maximize the many benefits of inline skating. For starters, take a fresh look at the ORBIT Fitness Archives. The articles we've published in this category over the years include lots of tips about nutrition, improving your balance, building strength and more.
Next time you strap on those skates for a long skating excursion, remember to be extra nice to your body so it'll carry you further and more efficiently down the trail:
Stretch to ward off skeletal strain. Warm up with a mile of moderate skating and then stop and stretch quads, ham strings, hips, low back and calves. Do this holding onto something for support at the trailside.
Dress appropriatly for the weather and environment. Put on sunscreen if it's sunny. If it's cool, wear layers you can remove to avoid overheating.
Wear socks that wick away sweat to protect your feet (not cotton!), and remember beforehand to apply moleskin or tape to places where you have a tendency to get hot spots.
Carry a pack-mounted hydration system so you can conveniently replace precious body fluids by sipping water every 15 minutes or so.
For mid-workout snacks, carry an energy bar or a banana to help keep fatigue at bay.
Wear your protective gear, especially a helmet and wrist guards. Skate with the Expert's Attitude.
Do a 30-minute stretch of all body parts as soon as possible (preferably while you're still hot and "elastic") after you stop skating.
Finally, I've been dying to share two fitness-related products I use all the time to keep my own body balanced and well tuned. Each has proved to be well worth the purchase price.
Work Out Whizzer - Work your arm and upper torso muscles (or rehab your shoulder rotators) wherever you happen to be with this highly portable and versatile gadget. I don't skate with it (I could if I didn't tuck), but I do use it while waiting at airports or for the long walk from the parking lot to my desk at work.
StretchBreak Pro - Computer users, prevent repetitive stress injury and spine problems by moving and streching several times a day. I've had this installed on my home and work computers for 3 years now, and highly recommend it. It's fun, too!
Comments or questions? Ask Liz