Diet & Fitness 

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Intro to rollerblading

Congratulations on trying a new sport. Rollerblading is a great way to have fun staying in shape. The first thing you should do, since you are a novice, is take some lessons. Some local skate shops can teach you the basics or they’ll know where to direct you. Here are some other helpful hints:

Equipment:

• If you haven't done so already, get a helmet and wrist guards. The greatest potential danger is falling and hitting your head. Kneepads and elbow pads are also a great investment. Wrist injuries are common because the natural tendency is to stick your hands out to break your fall.

Starting to skate:

• Learn how to stop. The first challenge is learning how to stop confidently. Also, as you realise how easily manoeuvrable the rollerblades are, you can learn to plan direction changes ahead of time when cruising along at high speeds, especially downhill. You have to think like a bit like a skier and pick your path ahead of time.
• Seek out a car-free, relatively quiet location to start working on technique. If you don't have a park with paved paths near you, find an empty car park or playground. Just choose a place where there won't be too many other skaters, bikers or runners in your way.

Getting in shape to skate:

• Strengthen your legs. Skating places tremendous demands on your muscles. Squats and lunges will strengthen your hip and glutes (the muscles in your bottom), as well as your quads and hamstrings (your thigh muscles). All the power needed for the skating stride comes from these muscles. If you go to a gym, add leg extensions and leg curls to your workout for a more thorough leg routine.
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