A Tutorial on How to Roller Skate

Roller-skating is a low-impact aerobic exercise recommended by the American Heart Association. This exercise, with a cardiovascular benefit equivalent to running and swimming, works the entire body and helps to tone legs. There are two basic types of roller skates: quad skates and inline skates, also known as Rollerblades. Quad skates feature two rows of two wheels, while inline skates comprise a single row of four wheels. While you can skate faster with inline skates and the balance is a bit different, you skate the same way in both types of roller skates.

Instructions

    • 1

      Wear a pair of roller skates that fit you well; they should fit about the same as a pair of boots. Buckle or lace the skates and tuck the laces in so that they don't come untied, creating a tripping hazard.

    • 2

      Wear protective gear, including a helmet, kneepads and elbow pads, to prevent injury. Safety gear is especially important when you first learn to skate.

    • 3

      Roller-skate on a smooth, flat surface, such as an area of poured concrete or at a skating rink. As you develop your skill, you may be comfortable with sidewalk skating, but the bumps that separate each section of concrete may be difficult for beginners.

    • 4

      Stand up straight with your heels together and toes apart to create a V shape with your feet. Keep your back straight and your knees slightly bent.

    • 5

      Put your weight on one foot to push off and allow the other skate to roll. When you begin to roll, lift the push-off leg up off the ground.

    • 6

      Set the other foot back down on the ground in front of you and use the rolling foot as the push-off foot this time. Continue alternating feet to push off as you lose momentum.

    • 7

      Shift your weight to one foot and drag the toe stop of a quad skate along the ground to come to the stop; if using inline skates, lift your toes up to drag the heel stop. Slow down gradually instead of putting all your pressure on the skate stop at once.