When Rollerblade launched inline skates, it revolutionized the skating industry on the scale of skating rinks in the 1970s. In the 1990s, everyone ran out, bought the new skates, and hit the streets. Many of these new skaters did not realize that inline skating is, in fact, a full-body exercise. That is why within the first year, and continuing to this day, doctors receive many cases of injuries from the sport. Most of these injuries are caused and could be avoided simply by warming up before starting.
Understanding warming
The purpose of a warm-up is to prepare your body for strenuous activity. A normal, healthy workout should consist of three distinct parts: the warm-up, the activity, and the cool-down. Of these three parts, warming serves to protect the body. By integrating a warm-up into your workout, you will avoid many of the normal stresses on your body. Injuries like leg cramps, ankle pain, ankle sprains, muscle tears and pulls, and even unnecessary pain can 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.
Warming up on skates
Since it is recommended to warm up before skating, the best way to start is by stretching. Warming up before skating should stretch all the major muscle groups that you will be using. Begin by stretching your legs. Hold all stretches for 1 minute.
* Touch the toes: bring your legs together and stretch as much as possible.
* Side stretches: spread your legs and try to touch your toes. Repeat on each side.
* Butterfly: bring the soles of your feet together and press your thighs with your elbows.
The next part to warm up before skating is the arms. If you are skating correctly, your arms should swing from side to side. The best arm stretches are:
Triceps Stretch: Grab your elbow and push it toward your head.
* Shoulder stretch: interlock your fingers and raise your arms above your head.
* Whole arm: interlock your fingers and spread out in front of you until your arms are straight.
The last part to warm up before skating is your 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 much as possible.
* Middle of the back: place your hands on your hips and turn 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.