So. A good friend posted a photo of herself at a roller derby class. And I was jealous! So obviously, I had to know more. I’m not shy. So I asked-and she said that she had found a Groupon, and so she signed up.

Wait. What?! Apparently, there’s a rink not far from me that has a competitive roller derby team-and they have beginner classes! 

Y’all, I have not been on skates since I was a kid. And then, I think they were roller blades…. But I do remember that I LOVED to go to the Roller Drome (yes, that’s actually the name) for skate parties. I loved the silliness, the DJ, the musty smell (I’m weird).

SO. Obviously, I’m a bit rusty…but I have this dream of being a bad ass. And roller derby might be able to make my dream come true…right?

I just need to figure out my protective gear…like a helmet, pads, a wrist guard, KT tape (as someone who’s sprained both ankles multiple times, it’s necessary)…oh, and skates. I really, really want pink skates (I’ll rent skates until I’m sure that I’ll stick with it…or until a skate company sends me a pair! Hint, hint.).

Plus, roller derby is a great workout!

Increased Endurance

Roller skating is a cardio workout, no matter how you slice it. And competitive teams compete in one-hour bouts. So that’s 60 minutes of cardio, which means I’ll need to step up my cardio game a bit.

Better Balance

Let’s face it, it takes some talent to stay upright on skates. And when you turn skating into a contact sport? I’m going to have to up my balance game. Good thing my yoga helps me with balance!

Increased Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacity

I’ve already mentioned that you get your 60 minutes during a bout-but then there are the 2 minute “jams”, or point scoring sessions, that require increased speed. Basically you go from 0 to warp for a short time. This is great for your anaerobic health.

Remember, roller derby isn’t a slow “couples” skate-it’s an all out brawl between two competitive teams.

Group Cardio

I don’t know about you, but I tend to get bored if I do the same type of cardio over and over and over and over. So I like to change it up. Lately, I’ve been using my elliptical, but I’m getting bored. HIIT is fun, but again, I get worn out from doing so much of the same. Plus, roller derby is a team sport-and if you’re like me, you don’t want to let your team down.

Oh, and you can torch upwards of 400 calories in an hour. 

Killer Legs

I’m bottom heavy. I always have been, but this also means that I build leg muscles like nobody’s business. All of the lateral movements required from skating will help to whip my butt into shape-literally.

As an added bonus, the constant crouch that roller derby babes use while hitting and such will seriously work your core. Score!

So. I have my first class on Monday…and I’m excited but scared. I’m going to ROCK this!

What fun thing have you done for your health lately?