5 workouts to improve your skating technique
What's the story
Inline skating is an enjoyable and efficient way to maintain fitness.
However, to maximize the benefits and extend your skating sessions, building leg strength and endurance is key.
This article details five exercises specifically targeted to strengthen your leg muscles, enhancing your inline skating experience by improving stamina, balance, and power.
Squats
Squats for stronger quads
Squats are key for developing leg strength, especially in the quadriceps, which are crucial for pushing off in inline skating.
Begin with three sets of 10 reps and progressively add more as you get stronger.
Maintain proper form by keeping your back straight and ensuring your knees don't extend beyond your toes as you lower down.
Lunges
Lunges for improved balance
Lunges are a great exercise for inline skaters because they target multiple muscles at once - glutes, hamstrings, and quads - and help improve balance and endurance.
Switch legs to complete three sets of 10 lunges on each side.
Remember to keep a slow and controlled rhythm, and always keep your upper body straight while doing lunges.
Calf raises
Calf raises for ankle stability
Strong calves are crucial for ankle stability in inline skating, and can help avoid injuries.
Stand on a raised surface with the balls of your feet on the edge and heels hanging off.
Raise your heels as high as you can, then lower them below the level of the step for a deep stretch.
Do three sets of 15 reps.
Plyometrics
Plyometric jump squats for explosive power
Plyometric jump squats add an explosive twist to the classic squat, building serious power for push-offs in inline skating.
To execute, begin with a standard squat, but as you come up, spring into the air with a powerful leap.
Make sure to land gently and go for another round of 10 jumps.
Three sets will amp up both strength and cardio, helping you skate longer and stronger.
Hamstring curls
Hamstring curls for muscle balance
Equal strength of muscles around the knee is important for skaters.
You can do hamstring curls either on a machine at the gym or at home using resistance bands.
Do three sets of 12 reps per leg. Make sure you pull your heel towards your glutes as far as you can without straining.