It’s time to go to work. Let’s see should I use the car, go on the bus, or should I rollerblade? Can I rollerblade as a way of commuting? Rollerblading is one of the best activities to get exercise. There are some factors that we should pay close attention to when it comes to rollerblading anywhere. In this article, we will tell you if rollerblading is a good alternative to commuting.
What Does The Route Look Like?
Rollerblading on your commute all depends on the route that you take. Do you have to climb up steep hills? Do you travel by highway? Traveling by rollerblades on the highway is not a recommendation.
For people who live close to work, they could very well rollerblade as a way of commuting. Just don’t forget to take a pair of shoes with you so you are not stuck in rollerblades all day.
Planning Out Your Route
Nobody should walk (or should I say rollerblade) into this blind. Everyone should be aware of the route in which they go to work. Rollerblading makes a great alternative for commuting if you’re not skating through a busy town, an unsafe area, and not over any highways as mentioned.
Know your route. Take the weekend to make a test run. It is important to know how long it will take to get to your destination. Being late to work is not fun. These experiments will help you figure out the route, see how long it will take, and what to avoid.
Avoiding Large Hills
Upon examining your route, avoid going down any large hills. It is not easy to stop at that range. Big hills are best bypassed in case it rains or just generally because of the traffic that might be on them and the challenge in stopping suddenly.
You could get injured. Plus, don’t make your commute as strenuous because that only means that you have to climb up that hill at the end of a long workday.
Exercising in Your Commute
Let’s face it, we’re all spoiled when it comes to cars. Most people start up their car and drive a block just to drop something off at a friend’s house. Sitting at a work desk all day is boring. Exercise is very important. Instead, skip the driving and turn your commute into exercise. Head to and from work on rollerblades and you will have a full exercise.
Rollerblading Skill
To ensure that you are going to commute on rollerblades, you should be in the right shape. We need core muscles in order to rollerblade. Balance is one of the most important of all elements to be aware of. Rollerblading helps you with your balance. For those who feel unsteady on skates and fall more than once, commuting on rollerblades is not your best bet.
What Else to be Aware of:
- Motions
- Brakes
- How to Turn
- Wear safety pads
- Take it slow
- Master all the basics
Is Rollerblading Better Than Walking?
Let’s investigate more into the popular way of commuting. People walk a lot every day. However, rollerblading actually burns more calories than walking. In the long run, it doesn’t matter because you are trying to show up to places.
On average, people who rollerblade burn 8.7 calories per minute. Those who walk burn 6.2 calories. Rollerblading allows you to sprint and exert more effort. The exercise also recruits more muscle groups including your core. Plus, rollerblading is a lot of fun.
Are You up to Speed?
Make sure that you are in the right shape to rollerblade anywhere. Stretch your muscles before you skate. We understand that you want to get on your commute as quickly as possible, stretch out all your muscles so you won’t get a cramp. Even when you are finished.
Every single person, no matter the age or skillset, will get injured if you don’t allow your body to be flexible when you’re exercising. This is especially relevant for skating long distances because of the pressure it puts on your back.
Bumps in the Road
Bumpy surfaces are tough to rollerblade on. The sooner you plan out your route, the better you will know which pathways to take. Every rollerblader knows the feeling of being on flat, smooth asphalt that slides easily and being on paving stones.
Which is why you should stick to rollerblading on smoother – and empty – roads for your commute. Find quiet areas to commute to work. It’s better to rollerblade on an empty sidewalk than one with busy crowds.
Pay Attention to How You Smell
Every commuter has to be aware of their own hygiene. Even if you are just commuting by car or by train, make sure that you smell nice. For those who go to work either walking, biking, or rollerblading, just know that you are going to sweat.
Rollerblading into work causes you to sweat. Sweat is not appealing. And rollerblading in your fancy work suit. Nah, I would not want to ruin that. Bring a change of clothes and also a spare deodorant so you won’t have people turning your heads at you.
Rollerblading Through Traffic
Traffic is terrible when sitting in a car and just counting down the minutes. Sitting in traffic is also a huge waste of gas. Upon planning out your route ahead of time, rollerbladers still run into traffic. Note the time of day in which all those cars pile up around those stoplights.
Bring Spare Clothing
Success! I have rollerbladed into work for the first time. Oh, wait. Oh, no. I forgot a pair of shoes. Never. Forget. To. Bring. Regular. Shoes.
Don’t ever let this happen to you. People who drive into work or take another transportation already have everything they need. Travel light. You don’t want to carry a heavy backpack because it will only put pressure on your back. Bring a bag of clothes and anything that you take to work.
Avoiding Crowds
Not just cars, but people, too. When does the sidewalk full up with people? People walking on the sidewalk are not expecting you. They’re not walking at the pace that you are going. Be aware and think of the people around you. Having people skills is essential.
Crowds are not fun to get stuck in. Even if you are very skillful, when it comes to rollerblading, watch out for other cyclists. Most importantly, you should follow the direction of the traffic instead of weaving in the wrong direction. They can come out of nowhere and knock into you, injuring yourself or even themselves. Be responsible.
When to Set Your Alarm
As mentioned, when you go for a test run, not how long it takes you to get to work. Most commuters have to do that anywhere whether they drive, take a bus, or go on the train.
Being early is important. Have you ever heard that saying? Early is on time, while on time is late. Make an impression. For those who are going to rollerblade into work make sure that you arrive at a suitable time so you can get work done.
The Outlook of the Weather
Cars are a blessing. Rollerblading in the rain is not a recommendation. Plus, you should never rollerblade through puddles. Anything wet ruins the wheels. Wet surfaces make it very hard for you to stop.
Examine the weather carefully on days where you want to rollerblade to your destination. If it looks nice in the morning but then it will be dreadful in the afternoon, it is safer to avoid rollerblading that day. Only rollerblade on days that are nice.
Storing Your Rollerblades
Take an extra bag with you to place those rollerblades for the day. It’s not a good idea to have those rollerblades out in the open where someone is going to trip over them.
The Importance of Looking After Your Rollerblades
All that rollerblading is good for your core muscles, but how are your rollerblades holding out? When you skate you typically put more weight (and friction) on the inner part of the wheel, which indicates the inside part of the wheel rubbing down more quickly, and soon your wheels are not going to be symmetrical in wear.
Over time, the constant use of wear on rollerblades will gradually make skating all the more difficult. Rotate the wheels on your rollerblades and change their positions.
Avoid Rollerblading in the Dark
For people who want to commute to work by rollerblading, they should pay attention to the setting of the clock. In the days where the sun sets right when you get out of work, don’t rollerblade in the dark,
You can’t see anything in the dark. And people don’t see you. This is relevant to traveling when the sun goes down early. Know ahead of time when it rises and sets so you can plan traveling before it does so. You don’t want to get stuck in the dark without lights.
