Outdoor Quad Skating

Question
Hi Pat,
I'm 42 and not pleased with the way my body is changing with age; i.e. excess fat and things are drooping! I hate to exercise the traditional way, so I thought back as to how much I LOVED to rollerskate as a teen.  About 6 yrs ago I purchased inlines, but I really never felt comfortable on them, and certainly would not now that I'm older. I want to buy some outdoor quads for this reason, but all the blogs I've read about quads vs. inline seem to be saying that inlines are what you need to do for weight loss and firming, and that quads are just basically recreational. Please tell me is not true! I would think if one works, the other should. Please help! Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you.

Answer
Hi Wendy,
  I know the feeling you're talking about very well but don't believe everything you read.  One thing you have to remember is that any amount of exercise is more than you're getting now, right?  

  Quads can give you just as good of a workout as inlines can.  It's the amount of time you spend on them and the amount of energy you use while skating that will take off the pounds and tone up your muscles.

  I believe that people say inlines are a better workout because they seem to make you work a little harder pushing with them.  Quads roll a little better which in my mind is a "good thing".  You'll just get further for your effort.

  So, go with your gut feeling and skate on what you enjoy the most.  Do it on a regular basis and when the weather is bad, find a local rink and skate indoors.  

  If you want a hard workout, most rinks have speed teams that allow you to join just for the workout yet not demanding that you get into competition.  

  When you skate, skate hard, build up a sweat and drink a lot of water.  When you skate outdoors make sure you wear safety equipment such as wrist guards and knee pads.  

  Enjoy your new exercise program.....the pounds will start dropping off and you'll feel like a million dollars.

  If I can help with anything else, please feel free to write again.

Good Luck
Pat