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I 
 SKATING
FOR
HEALTH & FITNESS
Kids today need all the help they can get to stay in shape and live a
healthy lifestyle. Roller skating is a great way for them to get some
exercise, all while doing what kids like to do more than anything in the
world - hang out with friends and listen to cool music. Roller skating
is making a come back among the tween and teen market because it is fun.
What kids may not realize is that while they are socializing with their
friends on skates, the activity itself is better than running the same
distance.
 For many years, the
President’s Council on Physical Fitness, as well as the American Heart
Association, have recognized roller skating among the best overall
aerobic exercises, involving all the body’s muscles, including the
heart. Now that the activity is making a come back and is deemed "cool",
more teens can enjoy the health benefits of skating indoors.
With low-carb and other diet plans sweeping the nation, experts agree
that regular exercise is an essential part of an overall fitness plan
that contributes to weight loss and general health. Skating is a great
way to get this recommended exercise. Consider:
• Roller skating is equivalent to jogging in terms of health benefits,
calorie burning, reduction of body fat and leg strength development.
• Just one hour of moderate roller skating (6 mph) burns 330 calories
for a 143-pound person. If that same person skates vigorously (10 mph),
he or she will burn up to 590 calories an hour!
• According to a study at the University of Massachusetts, skating
causes less than 50 percent of the impact shock to joint compared to
running. 
While roller skating is an effective low-impact aerobic exercise, many
athletes also point to skating as a strength exercise. For example, the
March 2, 2004 edition of the Indianapolis Star quotes 2004 NBA
Slam Dunk champion Fred Jones connecting roller skating with his
incredible vertical leap. According to the Star, Jones developed
the strong leg muscles and learned some of the acrobatics that helped
him win the NBA slam dunk title from his days on skates while growing up
in Arkansas and Oregon.
 "When I was younger, my
parents used to take me to the skating rink at least twice a week. All
the time I spent on skates strengthened my legs and helped develop my
leaping ability." Jones said.
Roller skating provides a wonderful way to stay in shape and makes for a
stronger and better body. The bonus is that the skating center is open
for exercise no matter what the weather conditions are like outdoors.
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