GET ON A ROLL
If the wheels have come off your search for calm, chase an old-school high on Rollerblades. Lacing up could help you rebalance your mood
If you’ve not been on TikTok recently (or, well, ever), we’ve got some news for you: Rollerblading is cool again. Both quad skates (four wheels arranged two by two) and inline skates (four wheels in a straight line) have made a comeback. And the trend isn’t just being driven by Generation Z: older people are also lacing up for the first time since the heyday of roller discos. Indeed, sales of Rollerblades rocketed to a five-year high back in May.
It’s not too surprising when you consider the science. As well as providing a great excuse to spend time outdoors and exercise – both of which are proven mood-boosters – skates are a way to sharpen your focus and achieve true mindfulness. As with rock-climbing, Rollerblading switches on your proprioception (your sense of selfmovement), forcing you to concentrate on your body and its surroundings. Attempt the moonwalk without giving it your full attention and you’ll see what we mean. This has the beneficial effect
of shifting your thoughts away from negative patterns and anxieties –the risk of face-planting on the tarmac is all the incentive your mind needs to forget work stress and – oh, yeah – that global pandemic thing.
That’s not the only reason to be cheerful. Rollerskating can burn up to 600kcal an hour and is recognised as an aerobic fitness sport by the American Heart Association. The shock impact on your knees is also 50% less than you experience when running, according to a study by the University of Massachusetts. It’s worth being up to speed with this latest wellness trend. Get your skates on.