Skating
Skating is a cardiovascular conditioning - inline skating exercise involving Quadriceps. Use these steps to learn the movement and work with your coach to choose a suitable level.
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- Primary muscles
- Quadriceps
- Secondary muscles
- Hip abductors, Hip adductors, Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Gluteus maximus, Hamstrings
- Exercise type
- Cardiovascular conditioning - inline skating
Exercise technique
- Equipment
Put on your helmet and protective gear, and check the skate fastenings and brakes.
- Area
Choose a flat, dry surface away from vehicle traffic.
- Preparation
Bend your knees slightly and lean your torso forward just a little from your hips.
- Push
Push sideways and backward with one foot while transferring your weight to the other skate.
- Glide
Keep the supporting skate pointing in your direction of travel and bring the free foot beneath your body.
- Rhythm
Link balanced right and left pushes while looking ahead.
- Stopping
Stop by gradually applying a braking technique you have already learned in an open area.
Key technique points
- Learn basic braking before picking up speed.
- Keep your knees soft.
- Direct the push sideways and backward.
- Look farther along your path.
- Avoid wet surfaces.
- Choose a speed that matches your balance skills.
Common mistakes
Skating with straight knees
Do not travel with a stiff stance that fails to absorb changes in the surface.
Swinging a foot forward
Do not fling the skate in front of you instead of pushing sideways.
Leaning backward
Do not shift your weight onto your heels and fall behind your base of support.
Speeding up before learning to brake
Do not increase your pace before learning how and where to stop.
Looking at your feet
Do not stop watching the path ahead.
Uncontrolled crossovers
Do not cross your feet quickly before developing your turning technique.
Frequently asked questions
Skating: why is “Skating with straight knees” a mistake?
Do not travel with a stiff stance that fails to absorb changes in the surface.
Skating: why is “Swinging a foot forward” a mistake?
Do not fling the skate in front of you instead of pushing sideways.
Skating: why is “Leaning backward” a mistake?
Do not shift your weight onto your heels and fall behind your base of support.
Skating: why is “Speeding up before learning to brake” a mistake?
Do not increase your pace before learning how and where to stop.
Skating: why is “Looking at your feet” a mistake?
Do not stop watching the path ahead.
Skating: why is “Uncontrolled crossovers” a mistake?
Do not cross your feet quickly before developing your turning technique.
What should I focus on when doing Skating?
Learn basic braking before picking up speed. Keep your knees soft. Direct the push sideways and backward. Look farther along your path. Avoid wet surfaces. Choose a speed that matches your balance skills.
Related exercises
Add this exercise to your program with your coach
If you have a health condition, consult a qualified professional.