The Advantages of Rollerblading

Rollerblading, also known as inline skating, became popular in the United States in the 1990s and is still a fun way to get outdoor exercise that requires a modest investment in gear and equipment. You can rollerblade alone or in groups, on bike trails, on the road, in parking lots and skating rinks to get your heart rate up and improve your general health.

  1. Cardiovascular Health

    • Rollerblading is a cardiovascular exercise that will elevate your heart rate and make you sweat. The health benefits of breaking a sweat once daily are numerous. Engaging in cardiovascular exercise like rollerblading improves your circulation and you may continue to burn calories for several hours even after you finish a high-intensity session of rollerblading. Maintaining good cardiovascular health over time reduces your risk of developing heart disease, suffering a heart attack or stroke and will help keep you at a healthy body weight.

    Muscle Tone and Definition

    • Rollerblading works the major muscle groups in the lower body, so you can expect to have sore legs and glutes when you first begin rollerblading. Rollerblading strengthens the quads, glutes, calves, hamstrings and core, so with a dedicated rollerblading regimen you can expect to see improved muscle definition in your thighs, rear, legs and abs. The increased muscle mass you build by rollerblading also contributes to your body's more efficient use of calories during normal daily activity.

    Mood-Boosting Endorphins

    • The combination of a sunny day and a rollerblading session can work wonders to boost your mood. Engaging in challenging cardiovascular exercise like rollerblading releases neurotransmitters called endorphins, whose effects resemble those of opiates in their ability to contribute to a feeling of well-being and a decrease in pain. Regular exercise by rollerblading can also help avoid clinical depression, anxiety and other mood and mental health disorders over the long term.

    Improved Sleep

    • Getting cardiovascular exercise by rollerblading promotes better sleep at night. The boost in chemicals your body produces in response to burning calories by rollerblading help you fall asleep faster. Exercising in the morning or several hours before you head to bed also helps you reach a deeper, more restorative level of sleep. The deeper sleep you get as a result of the cardiovascular exercise provided by rollerblading improves your concentration, focus, energy, productivity and mood during the day.