Inline Skating Technique Longer Strides and Glides
Inline skating is a popular sport that has been widely accepted by individuals of all ages. It's a great way to get some exercise while having fun at the same time. However, just like with any other sport, proper technique is crucial in ensuring that you are getting the most out of your workouts and reducing the risk of injury. One critical aspect of inline skating technique is longer strides and glides.
When we talk about longer strides, we refer to the distance your leg travels with each skate stride. It's all about maximizing the distance you move through each phase of your skating stride, which then translates to faster and more efficient skating. Long strides come in handy when skating long distances, such as in marathons or races. Skaters who have mastered the technique will attest to it being a game-changer.
One misconception about long strides is that it means extending your leg as far as you can during each stride. This is not advisable and can lead to significant injuries. The ideal technique involves pushing off with your back leg as your front leg moves forward, keeping it slightly bent and close to the ground. Doing this lets you build up more speed as you skate, and you get more control, making it easier to maneuver around corners. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that your stride length is reasonable, sustainable, and comfortable for you.
One common mistake novice skaters make is taking short strides that only cover a small distance. It's often because they want to feel more in control or are unsure of their skating abilities. However, short strides are not efficient when it comes to speed skating as they require more energy to produce the same amount of movement. This is why it's essential to learn how to take longer strides; it can reduce the amount of energy expended, making it more sustainable for long distances.
Another important technique in inline skating is the glide. A glide is essentially when you let yourself coast on the last push of your stride, trying to maintain your speed before taking the next stride. The longer the glide, the less energy you need to expend, and the faster you go. Proper gliding technique is crucial in inline skating as it reduces the amount of energy you expend and allows you to maintain higher speeds for a more extended period.
The ideal technique for a good glide involves lifting your back foot once you've completed your stride with your front foot. Lift it off the ground while keeping it close to your back foot, and try to maintain that position for a few seconds. Doing this allows you to coast, which then becomes a glide. Keep your weight centered over your skates, and use your arms to maintain balance while you glide.
One thing to keep in mind while gliding is to always be aware of your surroundings. Gliding requires you to look up and scan ahead to make sure you don't run into any obstacles, such as rocks, cracks, or other obstructions. It's especially critical at high speeds. You should always maintain your balance and agility while gliding in case you need to make a quick stop or maneuver around something.
Learning how to take longer strides and glides requires patience, practice, and determination. Start by focusing on your stride length and making sure it's comfortable and efficient for your body. Practice gliding by lifting your back foot and maintaining balance with your arms. Initially, it may feel difficult, but with consistent practice, you'll soon learn how to put everything together.
Inline skating is a sport that offers numerous health benefits. Aside from being an excellent cardio workout that can burn several calories, it's also low-impact and gentle to your joints, making it an ideal form of exercise if you have knee or joint problems. However, improper technique can lead to injuries and discomfort, so proper technique is crucial.
In conclusion, learning how to take longer strides and glides is a critical aspect of inline skating technique. Longer strides allow you to move more efficiently while gliding reduces the amount of energy expended and increases speed. Practice and patience are key, so take your time and don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Once you master these techniques, skating will become even more fun, and you'll be able to reap the many benefits of inline skating.