BODY SYNC KNOWLEDGE BASE

HEALTH + FITNESS: ROLLER BLADING

first published as "An Awesome 8 Wheel Adventure", Oct 2002 Issue of "Brisbane Life"
©2001-2008 Andrew Thompson

Tired of treadmills? Bored with bikes? Jaded with jogging? Are you looking for a cardiovascular workout with just a bit more excitement? Then look no further!

Rollerblading or in-line skating as it’s becoming increasingly known, is arguably one of the best ways to stay trim and toned.

Originally regarded as just another passing fad, in-line skating has stood the test of time, proving that it’s here to stay. Strap a pair of "blades" onto your feet and you’ll soon discover why.

Be warned though. It’s addictive - very addictive.

Like cycling, skating primarily uses muscle power from the legs for propulsion. It also uses the hips, obliques and lower back muscles for steering and stability.

Compared to jogging or running, skating is quite low impact on knees and ankles, and with time and practice will also tighten your buttocks and waist.

OK, so let’s begin with the skates. You can purchase a cheap pair from a chain store for under $100. This is a popular option, however don’t expect them to last a terribly long time. Alternatively, you can spend $200-300 on an entry-level pair from one of the three major name brands; K2, Saloman, and Roces. Rebel Sports at Mt Gravatt, and Skate Biz in the City both carry a large range and are certainly worth a visit when you begin to shop around.

Next, you need to look at safety gear. Don’t be tempted to skate without it or you will definitely get hurt. Every skater takes a tumble at some point, especially when they’re learning, so you need to have the right protection; helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrists guards. You can usually buy a budget-priced safety kit from a department store for around $100, or a professional kit from a skate shop for around $180.

So where are the best places to skate? There are just too many cool tracks to list, so here’s a few to get you started.

- Kangaroo Point Cliffs: this is a very popular place for beginners - lots of flat wide paths with a few small hills to practice braking.

- New Farm Park: another great place for beginners, mainly flat with a cool little downhill plus the added excitement of speedbumps to practice your jumps.

- Bulimba Creek Bikeway: Running from Mansfield to Tingalpa, this is an excellent track for blading and very scenic as well.

- South East Bikeway: Runs from Griffith Uni to South Bank, with several tunnels, bridges and downhills which are heaps of fun. An older track with more than a few cracks and bumps, but that just adds to the excitement.

- Other cool places are Brisbane Corso, Riverside Expressway, Coronation Drive, South Bank, Western Bikeway, Minnipi Parklands, Manly, & Redcliffe.

Finally, remember that your personal safety is up to you. While you’re out there sharing the pathways with pedestrians and cyclists, make sure that you’re visible and treat other path users with equal respect. Clip-on flashing lights are also a great addition to your safety kit.

Happy blading!

Illustrations:
7. BS Bank, Switzerland 2003
8. Concord Pacific, Canada 2003
9. Bayside Blades, Melbourne Australia 2003

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