Some people may not think to stretch before roller skating, however, the American Heart Association recognizes roller skating as a top rated aerobic exercise. That means, stretching before lacing up your skates can help you a great deal. According to Livestrong.com, “ stretching improves flexibility and makes up an important part of an exercise routine.” Take a look at a few stretches the Carousel Skate team has found that are good for stretching your hips, thighs and legs before stepping onto the rink.
Reclining Pigeon
This will stretch your lower back, hips, glutes and hamstrings. Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Cross flexed right foot over left thigh, hook arms around left hamstring, and lift left foot a few inches, keeping back and shoulders on floor. Gently pull right leg in toward you, until you feel a stretch; hold for 45 seconds to two minutes. Lower back to start, switch legs and repeat.
Quad Stretch
This will stretch your hip flexors, quads and hamstrings. Kneel on floor with both knees bent, shins on floor. Put your right leg forward, so right knee is bent 90 degrees in front of you, right foot is flat on floor directly under knee, and left leg is still bent underneath you, parallel to right. Put both hands on top of right knee and press back hip forward, leaning into stretch, keeping torso upright. Hold for 30 seconds and release. Switch legs and repeat.
Foldover Stretch
This will stretch your neck, back, glutes, hamstrings and calves. Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, arms by sides. Breathe out while you bend forward at the hips, lowering head toward floor, while keeping head, neck and shoulders relaxed. Wrap arms around backs of legs and hold anywhere from 45 seconds to two minutes. Bend knees and roll up slowly to release.
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Aerobically, putting on a pair of skates and racing around the rink provides the same benefits as running. Skating is also the equal of running when it comes to building lower body strength. But the impact on your joints is far less. Experts estimate that skating only has 50% of the impact on joints as running or jogging.