Balance, stance and posture baseline all define the physics that keep a skater from falling. A few beginner skaters struggle to achieve balance, while others have natural balance that just needs to transfer to roller sports activities. Even the best skaters can still have weaknesses in certain areas of balance which may restrict the maneuvers they can do. But in any case, balance skills are a skating requirement that can be either learned or improved with good training information, practice and time.
Even after we have learned to skate, balance skills will still require maintenance. Unfortunately, our sense of balance begins to deteriorate after the age of 25, taking steps to maintain it should become part of your roller sports training regimen. Developing your balance should start now, to ensure a good skating season and a long skating career.
Add Balance to Daily Activities
Preservation of your balance skills begins with almost every activity that you do while standing on your feet and moving around. When you think about it, balance exercises are naturally included in your daily activities And many things can be added to help build balance while we go through day-to-day life. Decide to take advantage of static time while you're watching TV, doing laundry or cooking and balance on one foot while you watch or work. Try walking around the house with a book on your head. You will find other opportunities to test and improve your balance each day.
Try Specific Balance Exercises
There are also popular balance training exercises that can help you build or maintain skating skills. There are many simple balance exercises that are suitable for seniors or any age that you can do anywhere. Weight bearing and resistance exercises work to develop the joints and improve stability, too.
- Try a quick no weight workout that uses your major muscle groups and requires no workout equipment.
- The one-leg-squat-and-reach exercise isolates the gluteus and improves balance.
Use Balance Products
There are a lot of cross-training balance products that are easy to add to an off-season fitness routine. If used properly, they can work to improve your current skating and might even prevent some skating-related injuries.
- Try this challenging BOSU Ball total balance workout for the glutes, hips, thighs, upper body and core.
- Use a beginner exercise ball workout for balance, stability and strength.
- This total body strength, balance and stability workout uses several balance products.
- Try balance exercises will engage and strengthen your core.
Invest in a Balance Board
Balance boards are very portable, so you can keep one in a convenient location and take a few minutes for muscle building and balance drills whenever you have a break - at home or at work. They come in a lot of styles and work like a see-saw that you stand on, while trying to maintain enough balance to keep from falling off the board. A balance exercise board or balance pads might make a good addition to your off-season fitness training gear, if you learn how to ride a balance board properly.
Consider Yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi
Many inline skaters find that simple Yoga poses and beginner Pilates exercises are great for working on your balance and strengthening your core. The Mobile Yoga Workout, designed by Kris Fondran, even manages to incorporate Yoga into inline and roller skating on skates. Tai Chi is related to Chinese martial arts and can also improve your balance, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance. Consider working with a qualified tai chi instructor who can teach you the movements and help you practice Tai Chi safely.
- Try a variety of yoga-based poses using an exercise ball.
- Standing Pilates legwork exercises can develop balance.
Stretch and Strengthen
Stretching is also a great way to improve your range of motion, flexibility, and balance. A total body stretch workout is good to use after a workout or anytime throughout the day for flexibility and relaxation. The stretching exercises for snowboarding will meet the strength, agility, endurance and flexibility demands of inline skaters, too.
Consult your primary care physician before beginning any exercise or training program for the first time, or if you have any existing medical conditions that should be considered.
