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A typical Skate Reebok class involves going through the exercises, which include squats, stopping and lunges on skates for about the first twenty minutes. After that, you’ll head out for a 20-30 minute skate before finishing with stretches. Classes can be held for individuals and for groups and costs vary according to region, but you’ll pay around £25 for a one-on-one lesson or £4 to £5 if you’re in a group class.

Here are some samples of basic exercises you might learn in skate school:

1. Basic skating posture: Keep your knees slightly bent, your ankles flexed forwards and your hands in front of you, as though you’re pushing a shopping trolley. Keep your eyes upwards and look forward. Start moving slowly by taking a few small steps forward. At first you may feel as if you’re waddling like a duck, but stick with it. Once you’re comfortable stepping, start gently pushing your foot out to the side with each step. After a a few practice steps, your movements should turn into more of a glide. If at any time you feel you’re losing your balance, steady yourself by bending your knees even more and placing your hands on your thighs. Pretty soon, you’ll be gliding almost effortlessly.

2. Stopping: This basic stop will work, no matter how fast you’re going. Roll along on both skates with your knees bent and your feet about four to six inches apart. Then, keeping your knees bent and your body weight forwards, gently shift most of your weight onto your non-braking foot and slide your braking foot as far forward as possible (most skates have a brake on only one foot, usually the right one). At this point, your leg should be straight and your toe pointed with the wheels of the skate on the ground. Then, lift the braking toe so that the heel brake makes contact with the ground, and bend deeper into a squat so that you’re pressing your weight onto your braking heel. The most important thing is not to lean backwards or panic. Just remember, the faster you’re going the longer it will take you to stop.