Inline skating, with Rollerblades as one brand, is a great way to build muscle and coordination while having outdoor fun and burning calories.

In fact, skating burns about 285 calories in a typical 30-minute period.

It’s a fantastic lower body workout, strengthening and toning hamstrings, glutes and calves as well as hips and lower back.

Plus, it’s low impact, meaning it doesn’t pound your joints.

Skating uphill is obviously a tougher workout, but it’s very important to master speed control since every uphill has a downhill.

Falls tend to be the result of surface conditions and, especially downhill when you gain speed, a fall can bang you up, which is why helmets are suggested. However, most injuries occur with beginners.

Once you get in the groove, skating is as natural as riding a bike. As with any cardiovascular exercise, a slow warm up before and stretch afterward will help prevent muscle injury.

When shopping for inline skates, make sure the boot fits comfortably while wearing the type of socks you’ll wear when you skate.

Plastic over the heel and bottom moldings add extra support for your foot and ankle.

And just like a car, rotating the wheels on your skates occasionally may help them wear evenly as to skate your way to fitness.