Rollerblading VS Walking: Which Is a Better Workout?

To decide between rollerblading vs. walking, you would have to consider your age, fitness level, and personal preferences. There are several factors to consider while comparing the two, including calories burned, muscles used, time allotted, practicality, etc. If you have never tried rollerblading, hopefully, this article will persuade you to at least give it a try. However, if you prefer to keep your feet solidly on the ground, you can stick to walking.

Table of Contents

A Definition of Rollerblading and Walking

Rollerblades date back to the 1960s. They are also called in-line skates because of the alignment of the wheels, as opposed to roller skates, whose four wheels are in the front and back. The term rollerblades is an eponym because of the first official and most popular brand of in-line skates, Rollerblade.

In-line skating or rollerblading has developed dramatically as a multi-disciplinary sport and is still a popular leisure activity. It can also be seen as a type of transportation since it has wheels and is definitely much faster than walking. However, unlike walking, rollerblading requires a lot of balance.

Walking is the first exercise we learn to do. Its “workout” application depends on the speed and distance walked. Walking between 7,500 and 10,000 steps a day is considered one of the fundamental parts of a healthy lifestyle. It is a great beginner exercise, and it can pave the way to other activities, like hiking or running.

Rollerblading Pros and Cons

Pros of Rollerblading

Rollerblading is a quick and fun way to burn a lot of calories.
Since you are on wheels, it is much faster for you to get from point A to point B than walking.
To maintain balance, you need to use almost your whole body, so many muscles are used while rollerblading, and not only the lower body muscles.
Rollerblading is not dangerous for your joints, as it requires a flowing movement, unlike walking and running, where there is a bouncy motion.

Cons of Rollerblading

It is not easy to learn how to balance on rollerblades, and poor balance is the main reason for falling.
Since the risk of injury increases for beginners, they need to wear proper protective gear, like knee pads and a helmet.
You cannot always go rollerblading since the ground needs to be dry.
You can fall unexpectedly due to the tiny bumps and rocks on the road, which can disrupt your balance.

Pros of Walking

You can do it anytime and anywhere. No special equipment or weather conditions are required.
It is the easiest, low-impact way to get in shape. Walking burns between 90-200 calories every 30 minutes.
It is very safe, and the risk of injuries is minimum.
It reduces the risk of heart diseases and manages your cholesterol levels.
Walking is excellent for your mental health since it gives you time to think and calm down. It can also improve your mood and reduce stress.

Cons of Walking

The progress is plodding, and it might take you a while to notice any changes in your fitness.
It can be pretty boring and unchallenging, especially if you do it by yourself.
Walking focuses only on the lower body muscles, completely neglecting the upper body.

To Sum Up the Pros and Cons

While both are great cardio activities, they have advantages and disadvantages. We have summed them up in the infographics below for a better overview.

what burns more calories walking or rollerblading | is it better to rollerblade or walk | is rollerblading good exercise for weight loss

How to Decide Between Rollerblading and Walking

By now, you should at least know what your fitness goals are. For example, you might want to lose weight, improve your health, build muscles, and have a fun time. If you know what you want to achieve with your workout, the choice should be easy to make.

While walking is very safe, it does not bring us excitement when we fear we will fall or crash into something. However, as we grow older, we tend to stay inside our comfort zone and opt for safety and stability. We do not embrace new experiences as we did when we were kids, and this is the main reason most adults will not want to try rollerblading for the first time. Of course, it is much easier if they have some previous experience since it is not a skill which is easy to forget.

Even though walking can be done by people of all ages and fitness levels, it is still not as popular as it should be. People still cannot find the time for a walking exercise and choose vehicles instead. Nevertheless, walking could be the first step toward your improved health and body shape, and it might even inspire you to try different types of exercises, like hiking, running, or even going to the gym.

So, consider the time you want to exercise, the effort you want to put in, and how prone you are to injuries.

Choose rollerblading if:

You want to exercise in a fun way.
You like the excitement of achieving speed and balancing at the same time.
You want to exercise your whole body while keeping the joints safe

Choose walking if:

You prefer a slow and steady exercise.
You want to work on your mental well-being along with your physical health.
You want to focus on building your lower body muscles.

Final Thoughts on Rollerblading vs. Walking

So, which is the winner of the rollerblading vs. walking debate? Of course, being active is a must, so walking is the least you can do for yourself. But if you are ready for a more significant challenge, put on your knee pads and give rollerblades a chance.

Rollerblading is a better workout in terms of calories burnt and muscles used. On the other hand, walking is the winner in terms of safety and accessibility. If you have decided to start walking, make sure to check out the 17 steps to make your first step.