Published May 2, 2004 12:00AM
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Bodywork, May 1997
In-line Skating By Jim Harmon If you’re in search of powerful, walnut-cracking thighs, strap on those in-line skates. “Some people describe well-developed skaters as T-rexes on wheels: huge legs, small arms,” says Mark Greenwald, a former U.S. Olympic speed skater and a coach at Calgary’s Olympic arena. By exerting a high amount of force at a relatively low frequency, skaters build uncommonly powerful quads and glutes. Skating also strengthens hip abductors and adductors, dramatically enhancing your legs’ ability to make quick lateral movements — you’ll be able to more easily juke a defender in that open-field soccer matchup. One caveat: In-line skating will condition your legs in this fashion only if you actually master the stroke. It’s as simple as adopting a low stance, skating in a crouched position as though you’re ready to plop down into a chair. To transfer your weight, glide on one skate and use the other to propel you by pushing off to the side — not the back — swinging the opposite arm forward for momentum. Really thrust with your legs, and don’t let your shoulders twist, lest you throw off your stance. Photograph by David Roth |