Roller Skating is a form of sport and recreation with quite an extensive history with its origins reaching as far back as the 1700s. It is amazing to see how far this piece of equipment with 4 wheels has come when considering it now in the 21st century.
Its development of wheel technology using internal ball bearings has allowed it to become significantly easier to use and has also enhanced its performance. Roller skating very quickly became popular in countries like the US where entire roller-skating rinks have been built in dedication to this activity.
How It Became the Phenomenon That It Is?
Roller skating rinks became cultural places of recreation for many as roller skating was seen as an important affiliation with various types of musical genres and theatre. Crowds would flock to see such spectacles and the appeal to this activity was clearly seen. The addition of the inline skate changed the whole dimension of the world of roller skating. Roller skates were no longer seen as a piece of equipment you could use for fun but rather as a competitive sport.
This is just like hockey which is considered a major sport all around the world. Inline skates allowed hockey players to speed up, take turns and slow down much more effectively. From a fitness and well-being standpoint inline skating is now seen as a means for transport and many people roller skate on urban cycle paths for exercise and fitness. Roller skate is known to provide both an anaerobic exercise and an aerobic exercise depending on the application you use it for.
It is seen as a useful activity to do if you are interested in strengthening your leg structure inclusive of the gluteal and abdominal area. There is an ideal posture to have when roller skating, ensure you crouch and lower your body’s centre of gravity for the right balance so you do not sustain unnecessary pain and injuries in the long run.
Roller skating is a sport that encourages the use of your limbs and improves your balance the more practice you put in. Dancing and figure skating grew quite popular in the 1930s and skating was seen as a prominent way of showing one’s proficiency in balance and talent.
In-line skates were quickly adopted as means of exploring different sports such as polo, ice hockey, and even skateboarding. Skateboarding ideally uses the same technology and is a very popular recreational activity amongst most of the youth. Tricks are a part of skateboarding and roller-skating with them being seen as a serious talent.
Is It Worth the Investment?
It is a lot of fun and can be quite an effective form of exercise for your lower body. It will not cost you a lot to invest in the equipment. Roller skating can lead to becoming a hobby and even a professional sport in some cases depending on the time and effort you are willing to put into it.