Is roller skating harder than rollerblading?

Be it roller skating or rollerblading, both are super fun. But, if you are a beginner and learning your way around skating, this question may come to your mind – Is Roller skating harder than rollerblading?

Before, I’ll tell you which one is more challenging than the other. First, let’s find out what makes them different from each other. 

Difference between Roller Skating and Rollerblading 

Wheels are what make roller skating and rollerblading different from each other. Roller skates have wheels positioned on the left and also on the right of the center. It makes it easy for anyone to stand in an upright position on roller skates at any skill level. Hence, making it a popular choice for beginners who are learning how to balance and move without falling over. 

Rollerblades or inline skates are perfect for performing tricks and moving in different directions. They have a narrow line of wheels to allow you to weave blades effortlessly and flawlessly. On the contrary, roller skates do not move as fluently as rollerblades. Sometimes you can even face problems skating in a straight line with roller skates.

Also, the back break featured on the inline skates works to stop your movement. You just need to apply force to your heel by extending your leg. It seems complicated if you are new, but once you learn to master skating, it’s the most natural movement. 

No matter if you are using roller skates or inline skating, you need to keep your knees bent. Also, you need to spend a fair amount before learning how to balance and move on skates. So, if you just want to do some basic skating, then roller skates are right for you. Simultaneously, the movement of inline skates is more flawless once you know how to balance. It’s up to your personal preference which one you choose.

Is roller-skating easier than rollerblading?

Are you still confused and still wondering – Is Roller skating easier than rollerblading?

Just read further, and you shall get your answer!

Many factors impact the movement and learning curve in both rollerblading and roller skating. Thus, it is entirely up to you to decide which one is the most suitable for you. But, before you make your choice, have a look at some points that I have raised down below. 

• For Children  

Children find roller skates much easier. As it is easier for them to stand upright and balance by themselves. It gives them a great sense of confidence as they move. But they may not be too fond of rollerblading. Since the leg muscles of children are still developing, they find it difficult to stand upright. 

• For Adults

Comparatively, rollerblading seems like a breeze for adults. Since their leg muscles are mature and developed. Hence, adults can make curves and weaves in a fluid movement. Also, adults do not find any problem balancing themselves on the inline skates. So, for adults, inline skates are a much better option to consider.  

Factors that can affect your skating 

Now that you know, it is totally up to you to pick roller skates or rollerblades. No matter which one you choose, there are a few factors that significantly impact your movement. These factors can either make it easy or hard for you to skate. So, read on further to ghetto know all the information in detail.

• Terrain

Terrain plays an essential part in defining how fluid your skates are going to move. Typically, a regular ground is the best option to skate on either using roller skates or rollerblades. It is the safest option that skaters choose, as a bumpy surface can cause falls. Sometimes, ice service is used for inline skates, as it is slippery, and so movement is effortless. But for beginners skating on ice may be a nightmare. Due to the extra slip, there are more chances to fall over.

• Skating Tricks

Skating tricks are all about speed, balance, and agility. Despite your choice of skates, skating tracks are pretty much the same. But comparatively, it is easy to perform tricks using inline skates. But, it all depends on you. Some people find it easier to perform tricks on roller skates. At the same time, some people love the speed and agility of rollerblades.

• Momentum

If it’s speed or momentum that you want, then rollerblades are a much more suitable option. Since the small wheels in straight lines of the rollerblades make it easy to pick up speed. Compared to roller skates that may be easy to balance, it isn’t easy to build a speed momentum. You may need to put in a vast amount of force for speed pickup in roller skates.

• Movement

For skating, different people have different views on movement freedom and fluidity. Some people find it easier to move on roller skates than rollerblades. In comparison, some think that rollerblades give better movement control.

• Stopping 

The stopping action of roller skates is different from rollerblades. Inline skates or rollerblades come with a built-in stopper at the heel. Using a little posting of your heel and shifting your weight backward, you can quickly halt your movement. In comparison, roller skates come with a brake positioned at the front part of the skate. To stop your movement, you need to shift your weight slightly forward.

Rollerblades vs Roller skates for outdoors 

If you are confused and asking yourself – are roller skates or blades better for outdoors?

Let’s find out if rollerblades are more suitable for outdoor or Roller Skates.

• Rollerblades or inline skates

If you want to move with speed, then Rollerblades or Inline skates are a much better option. It is because inline skates come with taller wheels. Such wheel positioning helps you to balance to gain speed and momentum. Plus, inline skates are far easier to learn. As they have a wheelbase that extends all over the foot and a little beyond. It gives you a more incredible platform to achieve stability. It also helps in shock absorption in case of any bumps or cracks on the skating surface.

Also, another really great thing about rollerblades is their small yet tall wheels. It makes it easier for you to swerve past even the most minor hurdles in the way instead of hitting anything. Inline skates offer versatility in movement, allowing you to use them wherever. It makes an excellent choice for outdoors like parks and sideways. Some people even use inline skates instead of walking in most urban areas. You can also play hockey wearing inline skates or rollerblades.

• Roller skating

In comparison, roller skates are more suited for indoor use instead of outdoors. There are many kinds of skating rinks that are built indoors or outdoors, and it is perfect for roller skating. They may not have a speedy pickup like rollerblades, but the roller skates allow you a maximum stability level. It is the reason roller skates are the first choice for beginners. 

The big four wheels may make you stable, but they don’t work well in bumpy terrain. That’s why a skating rink is the best place for roller skates. As you don’t have to worry about any rocks or bumps along the way. Roller skates are commonly used for Figure skating and Roller Derby. Both these sports require mobility and stability that is successfully delivered by roller skates. 

Roller skates vs rollerblades for exercise

Fitness and exercise have become the most essential part of our daily routines. Many fitness sports exist nowadays, but skating remains the one that most people enjoy most. You can easily exercise either using roller skates or rollerblades. I will discuss all the information you need to know to better understand which type of skates you can use to exercise. 

• Muscle workout

Roller Skating and rollerblading both are excellent options for muscle workouts. Compared to roller skating, rollerblading helps to strengthen and work out different muscles. It is because rollerblading requires a tremendous amount of effort, especially from leg muscles. You get to have toned calves, buttocks, and abdomen muscles. Also, the legs’ movement helps to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstring, and glute muscles as well.

Besides, while rollerblading, you tend to move your arms in synchrony with your leg muscles. This movement of arms helps to make use of all your lower back and core muscles. Roller skating on the other hand gives a great workout. Flexing muscles while roller skating helps to engage lower back muscles. It also helps to strengthen and tone thighs, calves, quads, and hamstring muscles, especially when you move in forward and backward motion while roller skating. It gives an excellent leg muscle workout.

• Weight Loss and calorie burnout

Skating is a fun way to lose weight as it helps to burn out calories. Besides, you also get to work your heart as skating improves cardiovascular activity. So, if you skate on a regular basis, you don’t have to worry about doing any extra workouts. Research shows that rollerblading helps to burn more calories compared to roller skating. On average 30 minutes of roller skating burns about 250 calories. While with rollerblading, you can burn about 300 calories in half an hour. However, the figures can differ depending upon age, body type, and sex. 

So no matter whichever option you pick, either it’s Roller skating or rollerblading. Both give you a great workout and boost weight loss while keeping you fit. Skating is, in fact, a fun way to lose weight and burn calories keeping your body toned. If I have to choose between Roller skates vs. rollerblades for exercise, my choice is rollerblading. During rollerblading, you get to burn more calories at the same time compared to roller skating. But, still, you can choose whichever option you feel the most comfortable with. It all depends on your answer – is roller skating harder than rollerblading?

What are the best rollerblades for beginners?

Getting the best rollerblades for beginners can be very challenging, especially if you are a beginner. I will tell you all about what are good rollerblades for beginners. Just read further to find out about the top 4 rollerblades that you can get to if you want to learn rollerblading. 

• Rollerblade Zetrablade Women’s Adult Fitness Inline Skate

The Rollerblade Zetrablade Women’s Adult Fitness Inline Skates are the best rollerblades you can get. It features wheels that are 80 millimeters thick with a hardness of 82A. It makes them an excellent choice for skating outdoors, as they allow you great speed control. Also, you can swerve and maneuver yourself in case of any hurdles. The boot has a great fit and feels super comfy.

• Bladerunner by Rollerblade Advantage Pro XT Women’s Adult Fitness Inline Skate

Suppose you want maximum stability and control over your movement. Then Bladerunner by Rollerblade Advantage Pro XT Women’s Adult Fitness Inline Skate is perfect for you. The 78A wheel hardness and 80-millimeter thickness make them an excellent choice for skating rinks. Besides, the padding inside the shoes ensures a good fit and feels super comfy.

• Rollerblade RB Cruiser Unisex Adult Fitness Inline Skate

The Rollerblade RB Cruiser Unisex Adult Fitness Inline Skate is a superb choice. Especially if you are learning to rollerblade to perform rollerblading tricks. It features a padding performance liner for maximum shock absorption. Simultaneously, it features 80 mm thick wheels along with 80A hardness for a more incredible grip and control. 

• 5th Element Panther XT Men’s Recreational Inline Skates

Suppose you are looking for rollerblades on a budget. The 5th Element Panther XT Men’s Recreational Inline Skates are the best option you need to get. It comes with 82mm thick wheels with 82A hardness. It is excellent to give you rolls with greater comfort and stability. It takes away the confusion of which rollerblades are best for beginners.

What are the best roller skates for beginners?

I have listed down the four best picks of roller skates you can get as a beginner. It is pretty helpful for those looking for roller skates either for themselves or their children. 

• Moxi Beach Bunny Roller Skates

The Moxi Beach Bunny Roller Skates have an aesthetically pleasing design with cool retro pastel colors. They feature a super comfortable shoe with a great fit. The MDI wheels make them perfect for outdoor use. Also, you can use these roller skates on smooth sidewalks and pavements.

• Riedell Skates – Dart Pixel 

The Ridell skates are the most versatile skates you can get as a beginner. This skate is perfect not only for an indoor skating rink but also for outdoor skating. The lower top featured in these skates gives you more flexibility and control over movements. Moreover, the fit of the skates feels excellent, just as though you are wearing your sneakers. In terms of stability and control over speed, the Riedell Skates are great for beginners.

• Bont Roller Skates 

The Bont Roller Skates add a fun and innovative element to your skating style. They are the perfect choice for beginners who want to learn derby skating. It features bells and whistles to boost up your skating skill. Also, they have a fiberglass base along with a rubber base with rubber toe protection. The thermoplastic heel is an innovative addition to the skates. You can toss it in the oven to shape it according to your heel for a better fit. 

• Roller Derby Roller Star Women’s Roller Skates

The Roller Derby Roller Star Women’s Roller Skates give you fantastic grip and control so that you can skate anywhere. Be it a skating rink, a sidewalk, or even on a boardwalk. The roomy toe box and inner cushions give a great fit to the roller skates. Plus, the wheels on the skates provide an excellent grip and control. An additional fantastic thing about these skates is that they fit wide feet perfectly.

Final Thoughts – Is roller skating harder than rollerblading?

I am confident that you have fully understood my article concerning the question – Is rollerblading harder than roller skating? But the choice between roller skating and rollerblading completely depends on you. You have to spend some time learning your way around skating, no matter which one you pick. 

I recommend roller skating if you are thinking of getting it for your child. It is because roller skates give you more stability and control over your movements. Rollerblades are more suitable for the developed calf and ankle muscles of adults. They allow you to move smoothly and effortlessly with speed.