Over the past week, we saw something that offered a glimmer of hope and excitement for the summer ahead: three different people on Rollerblades. Seriously. In-line skating, which, in similar vain as Kleenex, became universally known as Rollerblading (whether you owned the market-dominating Rollerblade brand or one of the many others), and shot to popularity in the early 1990s. We can still recall Rollerblading up until the early 2000s, when our high school and university budgets did not allow for cabs or cars. Somewhere along the way, though, it seemed to disappear altogether. Here are seven reasons why we should bring it back.
Rollerblades are less of a hassle than a bike
Rollerblades are much easier to transport in the car or down the elevator than a bike is. Not to mention, they are easier to store and can remain under your desk all day for the way home. And you don’t have to find a pole to lock them to either.
You can hold hands doing it
Which makes it more romantic than many other sports out there. That is why it makes a great date option, and an affordable one too. Come to think of it, a wallet-friendly Sunday filled with blading and ice cream sounds way more sexy and fun than a stuffy restaurant on a Saturday night to us.
It saves money in transit costs
Think of how much money you would save if you hopped on your Rollerblades instead of transit to get from point A to point B. In Toronto, if you did this even 20 times between now and when the leaves turn in the fall, that would equal $60, or loosely 12-14 cappuccinos at your upscale coffee shop.
It gets you noticed (attention singles!)
Ever notice how you look twice at a Rollerblader? There is something about the activity that draws second glances and lingering stares, especially when a fit body and cute outfit are involved. For singles, a pair of Rollerblades may be just the perfect pick-up accessory this summer.
Your thighs and butt will thank you
Not only is Rollerblading so much more fun than the gym, it burns calories and tones as effectively as other intense cardio exercises. If you are looking to tone that lower body after a long winter spent sitting at the desk and on the couch, Rollerblading is the way to do it. It works the abductors of your outer thigh, the adductors of your inner thigh, the quadriceps, hamstrings, your glutes and the gastrocnemius of your calf.
It is freeing
During these hectic days of our young professional lives, we need all the help we can get when it comes to stress relief. Few things are more freeing than a long blade ride on a freshly paved bike path, especially alongside a body of water a la California babe in the 1990s. Think of the graceful, floating glide of the action, the wind in your hair and salt air on your face, seagulls…
It is a nostalgic blast from the past
Rollerblading fits nicely into a time of Beverly Hills 90210 (the original), the original Nintendo (complete with the orange gun and Duck Hunt game), neon bicycle shorts and Sony Walkmans. Strapping a shiny new pair on and taking your first spin will inevitably transport you back to that simpler, most amazing time before it all got real.
Sure, people may argue that our city streets and sidewalks are already too crowded with people, cars and bikes and that a return of Rollerblade culture may present a total nightmare – from injury to annoyance. And fine, maybe you don’t want to arrive to work sweaty from a Rollerblade commute in the middle of a heat wave, but we believe that it’s definitely notable within the right time and place and that we should bring it back. Who’s with us?
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
Cover image from: Oneblademag.com
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