You got to love it. The get their exercise in the most fun-filled way. They get to dress up in outrageous clothes, paint their faces and get any frustrations out - all in the same workout.
Recently I attended the Bout against Breast Cancer. Our girls were skating against the Savannah Derby Devils. Not only did they provide entertainment to us, their featured charity was the Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia. During halftime, plaster breast casts from 13 skaters and community members were auctioned off. Each was a work of art that had been customized by local artists.
Roller Girls work hard! They practice a total of seven hours a week as a group. Once a month they add in another two-hour group session working on power and speed. All skaters are encouraged to work out on their own for a few additional hours per week. The range of cross-training is wide - yoga, basic stretching, jujitsu, HIIT (high intensity interval training) and outdoor skating. They are reminded to choose what best fits their bodies’ needs.
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During off-season the Roller Girls work on core and leg strength. Prior to bout season, the girls participate in skill-based drills and plyometrics, an exercise that is designed to produce fast, powerful movements. When bout season begins, the practices include scrimmaging, conditioning and strategy.
Because this is a contact sport, it’s important for the girls to have adequate rest to recuperate from “derby dings." Bumps and bruises are common so a good massage is definitely high on the priority list.
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If you are interested in getting your weekly workouts in an indoor flat track ,read on. The Roller Girls will help natural athletes develop the skills necessary to participate. They hold two workshops and a three-day boot camp each year to teach basic derby skating skills. You’ll learn how to stop, start, fall, skate on one foot and crossover. After boot camp you must pass a series of assessments, lasting anywhere from a few months up to a year to be eligible for roster placement. Find out more about the boot camp at the Roller Girl's website.
With pseudo names like PeeWee Slayhouse, Chokecherry, Psycho Deluxe, and Kell’s Inferno, what more fun can you have exercising? You’re sure to get a few derby dings but, hey, what a great excuse for a massage.
