Like skating, sometimes you’re up in life. You’re moving fast, feeling invigorated by your surroundings. Then BOOM someone hurdles right in front of you. In life we must dodge and weave the obstacles we face. They may jump out, or they might be lightly veiled. Sometimes these hindrances may even knock us down. Will you stay down, or will you get up and redirect your path in a different direction? It’s okay to fall in life and in skating. The key is taking the control back by determining how quickly you can get up again.
My skate journey began in the fall of 2020 when I asked for aqua blue quad Impala skates (linked below) for my 23rd birthday. I enjoy hobbies that are good for the mind, body, and soul, so I figured why not? I had also recently created a TikTok account where I would always see super cute girls from around the world grooving on their own skates. I wanted in! This new hobby of mine was timely due to being added in a group chat with friends who were all going to adult skate nights Thursday evenings, at Scooters Skate Center in Wilmington, N.C.
I will never forget how much fun I had that first night at Scooters! The music was incredible, the lights were dreamy, and I remember being amused watching everyone dance the night away on their skates! After my first time, I was addicted.
The atmosphere is unique from the vintage arcade games to the giant disco ball. Filled with newcomers like myself and people that have been regulars for decades. When you’re skating there’s a certain liveliness you can feel the moment your skates hit the wooden floors. I believe this is because the floors were installed in the 1950s. Can you believe that? It’s interesting to ponder the evolution of skating rink music as time has passed through the decades. Although, you will still here a variety of disco music circa 1970’s and 1980’s.
I personally adore any sort of hobby that kills two birds with one stone. With skating, you’re having fun, and you’re also exercising! When I first started, I noticed my abs starting to become more defined. I also noticed a thigh gap beginning to form. This surprised me because naturally, my body is more inclined to carrying more fat in those areas. Skating really toned those areas up a lot! A win-win situation for sure. Those are hard areas to work on for me personally, especially with my Hashimoto’s, so this was another immediate reason I really began to love skating.
On average you burn around 600 calories per hour while skating and putting 50% less stress on joints as opposed to running. Skating will improve your balance by using lower back and abdomen muscles Skating requires you to maintain a steady core to be able to stay upright.
You can also increase your heart rate dramatically up to about 180 beats per minute while skating. Roller skating is an incredible exercise that will help you strengthen your heart. It is equivalent to jogging in that it reduces body fat and helps with strength development specifically in the legs. According to mayoclinic.com, a 160lb person can burn around 913 calories rollerblading at an average pace for one hour opposed to the average 600. I September thirteenth or 9-13 is my birthday, so this is how I will remember this caloric statistic easily. I recommend wearing an Apple Watch, Fitbit, or just simply calculating what you could potentially burn by entering your height and weight online if you are interested in this information. On the days I choose to skate I look at this as my work out for the day. I typically skate for about an hour to an hour and a half on average.
Skating is incredible for stress relief. When I’ve got something on my mind, I take it out on the rink. Listening to the beat of each song as I glide each foot forward, making sure to cut and carve around each person in my line of vision. My pace continues to pick up. Moving quicker and more steadfast until...BOOM! Wipeout. I am humbled on the spot. Life and the lane didn’t bring me to a pause, but a full-blown halt. Maybe my spill has knocked people down behind me. Maybe I tripped over someone that I was following closely behind when they fell. This is what I mean when I say that skating is spiritual and feels like an accurate metaphorical representation of life’s experiences and teachings.
Nothing in life was created or meant to be perfect. Can you imagine how boring that would be if it were? You grow through what you go through, and you learn by making mistakes. That’s the excitement in it. Growing better day by day and celebrating your milestones and accomplishments.
The first time I put my brand new gorgeous aqua Impala’s on the evening of my twenty-third birthday I was determined to become advanced that same evening rolling around my house; in hopes of being ready for the skating rink the next day. Let’s just say things did not go according to my plans. My legs slipped right out from under me while my friends and family were about six feet to the left of me enjoying my birthday cake. I took a spill so hard, landing on my tailbone that one of my feet punched a hole through my wall in my “not so new now” Impalas. I guess that’s one way to break them in!
My family and I still belly laugh about that to this day. The look on my face was priceless. Surprised yet a pensive look washed over me; A combination of realizing my wall would need repairing, and that I could seriously hurt myself on these bad boys. I was determined not to let these thoughts deter me from the sport. I’ve been skating now for about two and a half years. Wow, time flies when you’re having fun!
If you’re ready to switch things up a bit and experience a groovier way to get your body moving and blood flowing, then I 10/10 recommend giving skating a whirl. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s okay if you’re like me and bust your bum while still learning. You’ve got to start somewhere, right? Make sure you have knee and elbow pads. I sure wish I had purchased some for when I was learning. I will link these in addition to my funky skates, and Scooter’s website below! If you are in the Wilmington, N.C. area certainly check them out. The adult skate nights every Thursday evening from 7-10:30 are a blast. You can also rent the rink out for birthday parties, etc.
Enjoy skating friends! Make sure to think of me if “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees comes on while you’re skating. Until next time, stay Bloomie Brained.
7 Health Benefits of Roller Skating, https://wordofhealth.com/2020/06/03/7-health-benefits-of-roller-skating/ June 03, 2020