This is part of WTOP’s continuing coverage of people making a difference from our community authored by Stephanie Gaines-Bryant. Read more of that coverage.
From Roller Boogie in the 1970’s to Xanadu in the 1980’s and, let’s not forget, Little Bow Wow in “Roll Bounce” in the early 2000’s, roller skating remains popular on and off screen.
Trulestine Jefferson has been skating for over 40 years: “From a teenager. I just never stopped. I just enjoy it so.”
Jefferson, who skates twice a week at a number of rinks throughout the state, said, “I love the exercise, I love the sense of freedom and I love the comradery of the people.”
Senior skating groups are popping up everywhere. David Adamy, head instructor at Lanham Skate Center, said the adult classes have exploded since the pandemic with people wanting to get out again, and the health benefits of roller skating are fantastic.
“You use every muscle group in your body,” which is especially good for increasing core strength, Adamy said.
He said senior citizens who skate regularly are “finding that their balance is better.”
“Their endurance when they go walking to the store is better,” Adamy said.
But, one of the main fears of people in their 50’s and 60’s who skate is the fear of falling. He tells all beginner skaters, “‘Falling happens,’ but it’s about how you fall.”
He said most people panic when they feel that they’ve lost their balance and are about to fall so people stiffen their muscles, which can cause injuries.
Instead, if you feel yourself falling Adamy recommends you put both feet on the ground, bend your knees and lower your body. That gives you a chance to catch your balance, so instead of falling from 5 or 6 feet, you’re falling from 2 to 3 feet.
He said land where you sit and “don’t focus on what you’re having trouble with. Look at what you did better today.”
Beginner classes are available at the Lanham Skate Center, located at 9901 Lanham Severn Road. Questions can be directed to lanhamskatecenter@comcast.net or by calling 301-577-1733.
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