Skating: Not Just for Kids

The other day, a friend called and asked if I wanted to go skating with her. ? Like the kids and hockey players do? I hadn't skated in several decades and I wasn't sure I'd even remember how. It seemed like a ridiculous idea. Then I recalled my New Year's resolution to try new ways to exercise. Skating fit the bill.

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Granted, skating wasn't completely new to me. I'd done it before, but I was about 12 at the time and a lot more graceful. Even back in the day of Friday night “open skate” at the local rink, I'd never been particularly good. Sure, I'd gotten a Dorothy Hamill haircut, but alas, copying the famous skater's hairstyle had not conveyed any talent on me. So I wasn't exactly confident as I headed over to my friend's house to embarrass myself on her backyard rink.

Since I didn't have skates of my own, I'd have to use hockey skates, something I'd never tried before. “Just don't lean back,” my friend advised. Visions of a trip to the emergency room with a broken arm flashed into my mind.

The first task, of course, was getting dressed for the activity. By the time I donned layer after layer, and then wrestled the skates on, I was exhausted. I needed a rest break before we even started. Next up, the moment of truth, when I stepped on the ice.

I was surprised to find that I remembered some of the basics and was able to move myself across the ice. Unfortunately, I was so focused on not leaning back that I stayed completely bent over, hands out, ready to fall at any moment. Slowly I started to work my way around the rink, always careful to be near the boards, in case I needed to grab on. Finally, a several minutes, I began to loosen up. Even with hockey skates, I managed to get the hang of it.

I never really got to the point where I was managing to get a great cardio workout because I stayed at a snail's pace the entire time. But I definitely felt my lower legs working overtime. Will skating replace running as my go-to workout? Probably not, but I can see how it would be excellent cross training: low impact and a good cardio workout, assuming you go at least a little faster than I did.

Most importantly, skating was a great way to enjoy a winter afternoon. And, I'm proud to say, that I did not fall, not even once. Of course, there's always next time.  

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