When Rollerblade introduced inline skates, it revolutionized the skating industry at the rink scale in the 70’s. In the 90’s, everyone ran out and bought the new skates and hit the streets. Many of these new skaters didn’t realize that in-line skating is, in fact, a full-body workout. Therefore, within the first year, and continuing to this day, doctors receive many cases of injuries from this sport. Most of these injuries are caused and could be avoided by simply warming up before starting.
Understand the warm up
The purpose of a warm-up is to prepare your body for strenuous activity. A normal and healthy workout should consist of three distinct parts: the warm-up, the activity, and the cool-down. Of these three parts, the warm-up serves to protect the body. By integrating a warm-up into your workout, you’ll avoid many of the normal stresses on your body. Injuries like shin splints, sore ankles, sprained ankles, pulled and strained muscles, and even unnecessary pain can all be resolved with a good warm-up routine. The warm-up should be tailored to your specific exercise. To protect your body from injury, incorporate this warm-up before skating.
skating warm up
Since it is recommended to warm up before skating, the best way to start is by stretching. Your warm-up before skating should stretch all the major muscle groups you’ll be using. Start by stretching your legs. Hold all stretches for 1 minute.
* Toe touches: Bring your legs together and stretch as far as you can.
* Side Stretches: Spread your legs apart and try to touch your toes. Repeat on each side.
* Butterfly – Together the soles of the feet, press the thighs with the elbows.
The next part to warm up before skating is the arms. If you’re skating correctly, your arms should swing from side to side. The best arm stretches are:
* Triceps stretch: Grasp your elbow and pull it toward your head.
* Shoulder Stretch: Pinch your fingers together and raise your arms above your head.
* Entire arm: join your fingers and extend them in front of you until your arms are straight.
The last part to warm up before skating is the back. This is supporting your weight and you should pay attention to this area.
* Lower back: Place your hands on your lower back and lean back as far as you can.
* Upper back: Lean forward and stretch as far as you can.
* Mid-back: Place your hands on your hips and rotate them to the left and then to the right.
With these few stretches as a warm-up before skating, you will save yourself pain and unnecessary medical appointments.