Rolling along to fitness

I have enough trouble balancing on a bike. Wheels in the classroom overwhelmed me. Can you imagine the insurance cost per class? My mind boggled at the ramifications of this crazy idea.

I'm not making this up! I have pictures of students doing high kicks and jumps on rollerblades. They just show the takeoff; forget the landing. Rollerblade aerobics classes were expensive, and I can see why. You can spend a lot of money on first-aid supplies. And I can't think of an aerobics floor around here that would take the punishment of jumping on rollerblades.

Times have changed, thank goodness, and I'm certainly not knocking rollerblades. They seem like a lot of fun as well as a lot of work. I'm for both when you're dealing with physical fitness.

A good pair of blades that you can trust will cost you plenty, but you need good, trustworthy wheels under you. Those extra wheels aren't cheap, either. But it's better than using indoor exercise machines when the sun is blazing.

Outfit yourself with knee pads, elbow pads, chin pads and helmets for protection. As I said, this sport isn't for everyone, but that's to be expected. We all aren't 20 years old, and some of us fall a lot more than others. I was surprised when I added up the cost of supplies and class fees in a class in rollerblade aerobics. And that's before the bones are set!

I remember learning to ice skate, another balance sport. What is the difference between ice skating and rollerblading? One important factor: The ice let you slide without losing skin when you fall. Concrete and asphalt aren't so forgiving. In either sport, you need a dynamic sense of balance if you wish to keep your teeth.

Anyway, I wanted to remind you about exercise fads gone by. My mind just wouldn't let it rest. I'm still incredulous that the idea ever evolved. Don't come to my fitness class with your rollerblades on. I've had steps, trampolines and barbells brought into class and used safely, but I draw the line at rollerblade aerobics.

Jerry Vance is certified by the American Council on Exercise and teaches fitness at the Carson City Community Center and Healthsmart.

Jerry Vance is certified by the American Council on Exercise and teaches fitness at the Carson City Community Center and Healthsmart.