Rollerblading started when the company Rollerblade introduced their new, innovative design of the new roller skate to the world in the early 90’s. With this new form of fitness came more companies developing their version of the rollerblade. Many people reported injuries when first attempting this innovative sport. People of all ages began to see more and more people at parks and on the city streets flying by on boots, which looked like a mix between a ski boot and ice skate. As the popularity rose, so did sales, as well as one of the largest fitness trends which have not lost momentum after 15 years.
What made rollerblading so popular? Besides the feeling of flying and being able to skate on any surface, the overall cardiovascular benefits and weight loss people began to see was shocking! The movement of sliding side to side, the entire body and all muscles being used at once, and the kicking of each leg became daily and weekend outings for groups of fitness buffs. From child through adult, exercising became fun again and allowed families who had members who did not like to bicycle ride, a new form of transportation to join in the family in Sunday outings at the park.
Rollerblades come in many forms, weights, styles, colors, and shapes. Besides the boot, the wheels and bearings can all be purchased to upgrade or show off your personality.
There are blades for aggressive inline which is the version shown on the X-games where skaters slide on rails, jump 20 feet in the air, or ride a half pipe while wearing protective gear. Speed skates have become popular; similar to speed skating done on ice, the sport has been adopted to the concrete world. The difference between these two versions of rollerblades is quite simple; the trick skates tend to be a short boot with the bed allowing four wheels and larger plates to give more stability when attempting tricks. Speed skates have a longer amount of space to put close to eight wheels under the bed and the boots are more flexible, which when worn, is more like a sneaker to fit tight and snug.
Regardless which version of rollerblading an individual finds appealing, with all from speed, fitness, aggressive, or hockey, the fitness level of the exerciser increases within a month. The body begins to slim down while muscles begin to form and the skin tones up, all while having fun! Some people find the first couple of times their feet will hurt since rollerblades are like wearing new shoes, they need to be broken in. Don’t give up if your feet begin to burn; just take short breaks as the inside of the boot is forming to the shape of your foot, similar to a new pair of sneakers!
For any person living in the city who are close enough to their job, rollerblades have become the new bicycle. Transportation on a subway or bus can be expensive as well as crowded; so many commuters have decided to strap on a pair of blades and skate to work.
Besides getting to work quicker and costing nothing, the benefits of exercising first thing in the morning allowing the body to take in all oxygen, as well as getting the blood to flow is a huge benefit for people working in a corporate office environment for the mind and body.