FUN YOU CAN FEEL!!!

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.