Roller skating is a wonderful way to get some exercise. If you’re like many people, you are setting a New Year’s Resolution to get in shape. One way to get in shape is to choose a fun activity like roller skating. And just like with any type of exercise, it’s important to warm up and stretch before you skate.

Roller Skating Stretches

 

Perform these every time you skate: 

• Jog or March in Place: Before you start your stretches, march or jog in place. Get your knees up in order to get your heart rate up.
• Lunges: Your legs work hard when you skate, so make sure to warm them up! Do a few side and back lunges. For side lunges, step out to the side, just outside of your shoulder width. Go from side to side several times to really stretch those muscles.
• Figure Four Stretch: A great stretch for the hips and glutes is the figure four stretch. Sit back into a shallow squat and shift all of your weight to your left leg. Cross your right foot over your left quad (safely above the knee). Sink back until you feel a stretch and hold. Repeat on the other side.
• Improve Balance: This exercise will help improve your balance before you head out onto the rink. Bend your right knee and then slowly pick up the left foot and balance on one leg for as long as possible. Repeat this several times on each leg.
• Standing Hamstring Stretch: Stand up straight and bend forward at the waist. Reach your hands towards your toes until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings. Hold for a few seconds and repeat.

Ready to skate? Head to Skate World Deer Park today!