HEALTHY SKATING FACTS
read up on some healthy roller skating fitness facts!
Rollerskating.org – 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.
For more information on the healthy benefits of roller skating, contact your nearest RSA-member roller skating center or visit www.rollerskating.com.
FITNESS FACTS
Since 1980, the percentage of children who are overweight has nearly doubled. Almost nine million young Americans, or about 15 percent of all children, are overweight today. Without the proper diet and exercise, these children will be more susceptible to obesity-related health problems such as heart disease, hypertension and Type II diabetes when they become adults.
A recent report published by the Centers for Disease Control recommends that adolescents be physically active daily, or at least be active nearly every day while they participate in play, games, sports or planned exercise during the context of family, school, and community activities.
This challenge may not be easy to accomplish considering physical education programs and recess at schools are being reduced and eliminated. In addition, children prefer sedentary activities such as video games and television to physical activities like sports.
Today, kids need help and encouragement to stay in shape and live a healthy lifestyle. Roller skating provides a great way to exercise, and kids get to do what they like to do more than anything in the world – hang out with friends and listen to music. Kids may not realize that while they are socializing with their friends on skates, the activity itself is better than running the same distance.
According to the U.S. Secretary of Education, Rod Paige, “Kids today must be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day.” Roller skating provides a great way to be physically active for hours.
Facts & Statistics
• In-line skating as a form of exercise is as beneficial as running or cycling, according to Dr. Carl Foster, associate professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin Medical School (Information from International Inline Skating Association website)
• Roller skating is equivalent to jogging in terms of health benefits, caloric consumption, reduction of body fat, and leg strength development.
• Roller skating is safer than jogging. inline skating causes less than 50 percent of the impact shock to joints compared to running, according to a study conducted at the University of Massachusetts.
• Studies have shown that roller skating provides a complete aerobic workout and involves all 640+ of the body’s muscles, especially the heart.
• The American Heart Association recognizes and recommends roller skating as an aerobic fitness sport.
• 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 will burn up to 590 calories an hour!
• If someone roller skates one day, bicycles another, and swims or runs on another, he will take advantage of all the fitness benefits that aerobics can offer