Roller skating is a great way to get some exercise and improve your balance and coordination. If you are looking for a new way to stay active, you can consider taking up roller skating or joining roller skating classes.
If you are a first-time skater, you may wonder what goes on in a skating class and what you can expect to learn. In this article, let us take a closer look at what the first few sessions of a roller skating class for beginners cover.
Standing still on roller skates
One of the first things you will learn in a roller skating class is how to stand on the skates confidently without falling. Standing still on roller skates without falling can be difficult, especially when you are a first-time skater. Balancing the roller skates requires practice and coordination.
Your instructor will teach you to distribute your weight evenly on both feet and use your body to maintain balance. Your roller skating instructor will likely have you practice standing on the skates stationary on a flat surface, on a low-traffic part of the rink. Before this, your instructor may guide you on your skates and adjust them for a comfortable fit.
As you progress in your skating lessons and learn more advanced skills, standing still becomes less of an issue, and you will be moving around and using the momentum to balance yourself.
Balance exercises
To further improve your balance, you can expect lessons on balancing on your skates while doing some body movements. It will increase your confidence when on the roller skates, help you stay upright, and maintain control. To help you improve your balance, your instructor will take you through various exercises and drills, such as standing on one foot or gliding on one skate while holding onto a wall or railing.
Taking steps wearing skates
Your skating lessons will also include instructions to take steps, ‘walk,’ on your skates. You may learn this initially or when learning to move on the roller skates. Doing this will improve your control over your skates, and you will learn to control when you want to move and stop. Mastering this and achieving good balance will minimize the chances of falling into a beginner.
Moving forward and backward
Once you have mastered the basics and get comfortable standing and balancing on your skates, you will move on to learning how to move around in the rink.
You will learn how to roller skate forwards and backward. Your instructor will demonstrate the proper technique for each of these movements. You may practice it in a safe environment with support, such as skating along the wall or in a designated area with rails to hold for support.
Stopping your skates properly
Basic roller skating skills are not just about moving. Your instructor will also teach you to stop safely, more importantly for beginners, how to fall safely.
Perfecting your stopping in roller skating is crucial. It allows you to come to a safe and controlled stop when needed. Your instructor will show you how to use your skates to slow down and stop. Most roller skate shoes will have a brake, an immovable part that can be pressed on the ground using your heel (for inline skates) or toe (for quad skates). Your skating instructor may also teach you to use your knee pad to stop.
There are other techniques to stop what you will learn in advanced classes. It includes the spinout stop, the plow stop, and the T-Stop.
Falling safely
It is likely that at some point during your initial roller skating classes you might fall. Falling is normal in your learning process, and you should remember that it is not a failure. Your instructor will help you with tips to fall safely and protect your body by minimizing direct impact.
With practice and proper instruction, you will improve your balance and coordination and reduce the likelihood of falling.
In addition to the skills required to skate safely on a roller skate, your instructor may also sensitize you on some safety tips and rules for skating. It will include skating etiquette and wearing appropriate protective gear.
Overall, your first few lessons in a roller skating class will help you be comfortable on the skates and build a foundation for learning advanced roller skating skills. The right guidance, practice, and consistency will help you glide smoothly around the rink in no time.
Remember to start slow, and not take it too hard on yourself. The best way to learn balance and confidence is to go slow.
If you are looking to join roller skating classes in Dubai, look no further. At PursueIt we offer skating classes for kids and adults led by experienced skating instructors. You can take both group or private skating lessons. Get in touch to learn more.
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