Try These Stretches Before You Skate!

You may not even think to stretch before you start roller skating, but you should! Skating is an aerobic exercise, so stretching before you skate can make a huge difference for your body. Stretching is an important part of exercise and improves your flexibility. We found these lower body stretches that can help stretch out your legs, hips, and thighs before you step on the roller skating rink!

Quad Stretch

This stretch will help your hip flexors, quads, and hamstrings. To do this stretch:

1. Kneel on the floor with both knees bent and shins on the floor.
2. Put your right leg forward to where your right knee is bent 90 degrees in front of you. Your right foot should be flat on the floor directly under your feet, and your left leg should still be bent underneath you parallel to the right.
3. Put both hands on top of your right knee and press your back hip forward. Lean into the stretch and keep your torso upright.
4. Hold for 30 seconds and release.
5. Switch legs and repeat.

Foldover Stretch

This will stretch your back, glutes, hamstrings, calves, and even your neck. To do this stretch:

1. Stand tall with your feet hip width apart, knees slightly bent, and arms by your sides.
2. Breathe out while you bend forward at the hips and lower your head to the floor while keeping your head, neck, and shoulders relaxed.
3. Wrap your arms around the back of your legs.
4. Hold between 45 seconds to 2 minutes.
5. Bend your knees and slowly roll up.

Reclining Pigeon

This stretch will help your lower back, hips, glutes, and hamstrings. To do this stretch:

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
2. Cross your right foot over your left leg and hook your arms around your left hamstring.
3. Lift your left food a few inches while keeping your back and shoulders on the floor.
4. Gently pull your right leg towards you until you feel the stretch.
5. Hold for 45 seconds to 2 minutes.
6. Slowly release and lower leg to reset.
7. Switch legs to stretch both sides.

Try these stretches next time you visit Rainbow Skateland! Trust us, your body will thank you for it later.