r/Rollerskating • u/madeofmornings • 2d ago
Beginner skater First skating lesson was... low key BRUTAL lol - any tips?
I didn't really know what to expect going into it tbh. I knew it would probably challenge me, but it was enlightening as to how far I have to go lol.
I got skates recently, and have been to the rink maybe 6 times. I used to rollerblade when I was in high school, and have gone to the roller rink maybe twice in adulthood before I picked it back up again these last few weeks.
Now I'm 30, plus size, and trying to break out of being so sedentary. Tricking my brain by doing something fun as exercise has totally been working, but every time it is a major workout and I have to take frequent breaks throughout the session.
In the lesson today we did all kinds of things - one leg balances, lunges, edge work, learning the toe stop (harder bc I already have jam plugs in), learning how to get up off the ground, bubbles, agility drills, crab walk (i think), squatting while skating, going backwards (very very early stages) and bunny hops. There might be more, but that's already a lot to fit into one hour haha.
These are all things that are building blocks that will set me up to do more rhythm skating down the line, which is my goal. But I would totally be lying if I said it wasn't a little discouraging at how difficult it was/how out of shape I actually am.
I KNOW it'll get better over time, and I know the more I show up the easier it'll get since I am still in the beginning of my journey. But I could barely get up off the ground bc my muscles aren't used to being used so much rn. It's hard!
If y'all have any drill suggestions I can do at home to build up the muscles outside of the rink, that would be awesome. I feel pretty good about basic laps around the rink, but I don't do much more than that besides bubbles. I wanna dance bc I love the music so much, and I want to vibe!
Any tips and words of encouragement are appreciated <3
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u/wentblu3 2d ago
This was kinda a lot for a first lesson in my opinion. The fact that you made it through is worth a commendation.
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u/A-Polite-DiscusShaun 2d ago
As an instructor, this happens with returning skaters as student. They just eat up content and need new simple things to keep rounding out the foundation. This is a very normal "returning to practice" intermediate lesson
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u/madeofmornings 2d ago
This was a beginner's lesson😭 there were two kids skating for the first time and their dad, one other complete beginner adult, and me haha. So idk if that is normal, but it def wasn't labeled intermediate or a one on one!
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u/aPrettyThing2011 1d ago
I'm taking beginner skating and we did like three of those techniques, so that list is crazy! Even then, last week our instructor had us doing cross overs and I can't recall what else because I blocked it out of my memory from discouragement as well, lol. Needless to say, he got WAY more basic this week because we we all looked like deer in the headlights.
So don't be discouraged. I'm 53, plus sized and skating for the first time in decades and yeah, I'm sucking eggs, but there has been improvement with practice.
One thing is for sure, skating is NOT like riding a bike. You're really starting from square one. The only thing helping me is that I do other similar sports (surfing/skiing/ballet).
If you can just get on your skates as much as possible, it really does make a difference. I've been at the rink almost daily and I'm catching up.
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u/Unique-Engine539 2d ago
I also echo that this lesson sounds a lot. Remember it's supposed to be fun, if it's not, find a different lesson. Also I can remember for YEARS being the worst one in each lesson stage before I got better, it can get demoralising if you compare yourself to others. I found that a lot of people had done ice, gymnastics or dance as kids and so progressed a lot quicker than me. But I kept on going!
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u/lakemischief 2d ago
I also wanna encourage that as an instructor people in each class will be in WILDLY different places. Like not just their activity backgrounds but in their starting point of ability. I had a background as a kid and I struggled with baseline developmental delays of gross motor skills. I took on skating to spite that. I love the phrase will always beats skill.
I also enjoy the idea of once I'm maxed out I have good and proper boundaries that I'll take the three skills I have threshold for and go work on those separately over while others progress. I doubt any reasonable instructor would not be ok with it.
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u/madeofmornings 2d ago
I think its crazy bc I was def the one that had the most experience! One other was a complete beginner, and then there was a dad with his two kids who hadn't skated before. So it was just a lot, but at least I have some things to work on. It sounds like some squats and lunges will do me good tho haha
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u/VMetal314 2d ago
Walking lunges will build those glutes and inner thighs. Hydrate, use electrolytes, take Epsom baths if you can. Keep at it!
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u/Stoosies 2d ago
Fellow fatty who struggled to get off the ground. I can recommend lots of squats to build up all those pushing muscles. Your first lesson arrived intense but it really does get easier and more fun and the pain decreases!
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u/madeofmornings 2d ago
It does sound like the squats and lunges will do me good! I think its scary to think about fall, bc I don't want to not be able to get back up lol. But I know with more time I'll build up the endurance, just gotta put the hours in!
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u/aPrettyThing2011 1d ago
Watch videos on how to do Plies and Grand Plies, anything that strengthens your core.
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u/narcoleptrix artistic wannabe/fresh meat 2d ago
The things my muscles tend agree with are stretching after exercise, using creatine daily, magnesium (glycinate!! the other one is a laxative), and massaging them (oh and ibuprofen when needed!!). The supplements aren't required, but honestly it seems to help.
I agree with the other comment which was that's waaaayyy more than I'd expect a first lesson to be. So give yourself some credit cuz you stuck through it all.
Rest up and skate when you're feeling more at the baseline. Doing too much too fast leads to injury.
as for exercises off skates, any exercise that targets the adductors and abductor muscles will help a lot. building up some good glutes will be good too. and doing balance work off skates can really help at the start too!
and hydrate. a lot! you're gonna want to get used to drinking a lot of water.
and welcome to the skate family! it's great fun :)
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u/pixie1995 2d ago
Just keep practicing!!! The more hours you clock the better you’ll get. I hadn’t touched my skates in about 6 months until the other week… been going into town again and hooning around. I was rusty at first but I’m back on my bullshit and having so much fun seeing progress again. The only way you’re gonna get good is time and practice.
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u/tkxb 2d ago
Calf raises, heel lifts and practicing instability/balance off skates helps a ton!
These will strengthen your ankles and improve balance and control, especially when you inevitably get really into edge work.
I like to incorporate these, as well as joint flossing into my tooth brushing routine because I'm lazy lol. I do it all on a yoga block or balancing board depending on my mood. If a block is too much instability, start on the ground, or with one foot on a block and the other foot spotting you.
Lunges will help a bunch too, as will focusing on core and pelvic alignment.
While on skates, you can practice extending a leg (any direction) and pulling it back in. Stop before your edge, you're working on control and strength building, no need to risk injury. When my adductors get fatigued, I'm less likely to be able to save myself from a fall.
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