When I (Shan) was in grade school, you were SO cool if you had your birthday party at a roller rink. I think I went to Skateland at least once a month - whether it was for a birthday party, those $2 Tuesday nights or something for school. IT WAS THE BOMB DOT COM.
I never thought about roller skating (or blading) for exercise, though, until recently. I got a pair of blades for Christmas after wanting to purchase them for about two-three years. You forget how much fun you had as a kid! And you realize how uncoordinated you are as an adult! But - that's besides the point.
According to health.com, roller skating has been on the up and up for the past ten years but really boomed with in the past 2-3 years which makes sense because shortly after I graduated college, I was seeing people roller blading everywhere on the east side.
If you still have your skates, try going for a ride. According to the Roller Skating Association International, roller skating uses every muscle in your body and can burn up to 600 calories per hour!
If your looking for skate or blade recommendations, click here to get to the article!
I personally find joy in the fact that Milwaukee has such a cool community for this with Roll Train (a group that dances on skates, does fitness on skates and so much more). Click here to find out how you can get involved and check out one of their teasers below!