Skate Yourself Fit
By December 4


Have you seen Drew Barrymore’s new movie Whip It? It’s about a girl named Bliss Cavendar (played by Ellen Paige, who starred in Juno) who leaves her pageant crowns behind to join a roller derby league.

Here at Fitsmi we’re firm believers in making exercise fun, and skating is definitely a fun way to get moving. In fact, roller skating can work your whole body. Daily Venus Diva has tips for making the most out of a day at the roller rink:

• “Twisting, or making tight turns with your knees together can work your back and abs.”
• “Crossovers (one skate over the other while turning) can help build inner thigh strength.”
• “Skating low (squating with bent knees, using arms to pump, head leaning forward) is as good as a squat and can help build arm and chest strength and muscle tone.”
• “Taking longer strides (power stroking) can help you increase your heart rate and strengthen your back muscles.”

If you find that you’re really into skating, why not join a roller derby league like Bliss Cavendar? There may even be a roller derby league for teens in your neighborhood. Or, check out RollerDerbyWorkout.com for a roller derby-inspired workout you can do at home with or without skates. MizFitOnline.com has a great review of the video.

Image by Ashley Feucht. Origina photo by: mahfrot