No matter what exercise you do, warming up and stretching is important. You might already know how prepare for activities such weight lifting or jogging. But do you warm up for skateboarding?
If not, don’t worry! We’re here to help! Continue reading to find out our top roller skating warmup moves.
Why is it Important to Warm Up Before You Start Skating?
Ever wonder why people “warm-up” before doing aerobic exercise?
You thought the phrase was figurative. It is actually literal!
Warm up exercises literally heat up your body. You also get the blood pumping, literally. It increases blood flow to your muscles and revitalises your cardiovascular system.
Roller skating is an aerobic activity, making it great for the heart. Before you go to the rink, get your blood pumping!
List of Warm Up Stretches for Roller Skating
1. Get moving
You can Jog around, do some jumping Jacks, or walk around for 10 to 15 minutes.
Don’t rush to stretch when you just begin. Each stretch should be held for at least 30 seconds.
2. Stretch your calf muscles
Keep your feet flat on ground and place one foot in front the other.
On your front foot side, lean forward, bending your knee while keeping your other leg straight and your foot on the ground. The stretch will be stronger if you lean forward.
Begin slowly and build up as you feel the stretch.
3. Hamstring stretch
Standing in the spot you choose, bend at your waist while reach for your toes. Keep this position for 30 seconds, then switch sides.
4. Quad stretches
Support yourself by standing next to a chair, or a wall.
Hold one hand up to the chair and then use the other to grab your ankle and pull it behide you.
This will stretch the quadriceps (aka the front thigh muscles). Keep going for 30 seconds, then switch sides.
5. Hips stretch
To stretch your hips, kneel on the ground in the “take a knee” position, aka one knee bent under you on the floor, and one out in front of you with your foot flat on the floor.
Slowly lean forward to feel the stretch. Continue to hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides.
6. Reclining pigeon
This will help stretch your hips, lower back, glutes, and hamstrings.
Lay on your back, with your knees bent.
Keep your feet flat on a hard surface.
Cross your right foot over your left thigh.
Hook arms around the left hamstring.
Lift your left foot a few inches off the floor, while keeping your shoulders and back on the ground.
Pull your right leg toward you until you feel a stretch. Hold for 45 seconds to 2 minutes.
To return to the beginning, lower your back and switch legs.
7. Foldover stretch
This will allow you to stretch your neck, back, glutes, calves and hamstrings.
Standing straight with your feet at hip width, knees bent and arms sides.
While you exhale, bend forward at your hips and lower your head toward ground while keeping your neck and shoulders relaxed.
Hold for 45 seconds to 2 minutes by wrapping your arms around the backs of your legs.
To release, bend your knees and slowly roll up.
After you have completed your warm-up and stretching, you should feel relaxed and energized.
