Since it’s still near the beginning of the year, let’s go back to basics for some Skating 101! At Wheels Skate Center we see a lot of awesome styles, but we want to talk about how to dress for the skating rink.

Lesson One: Socks!

Always wear socks when you roller skate. For one thing, it will save a lot of wear and tear on your feet, prevent blisters, and help your skates fit better, which in turn will help prevent you from slipping. That’s not all, though. The inside of your skates is already host to a lot of moisture and odor. Skipping socks intensifies that and can cause some pretty gross funk. Plus, are you renting your skates? We clean each pair, but do you really want to share skates with someone who doesn’t wear socks?

Lesson Two: Dress the Part

You want to make sure that your pants or skirt aren’t so long that they’re going to drag the ground–this is a safety hazard, as it could cause you to trip and fall and really hurt yourself. Fitted clothes will probably serve you best, and with all that exercise you’re sure to work up a sweat, so skip the sweater or wear layers!

Lesson Three: Pick Your Skates

Do you want quads (i.e. the traditional skates with two wheels in the front and two in the back) or inline skates? That depends on you! Quads are easier for balance but inlines give you better maneuverability.

Now that you’ve got the basics, come join us for some open skating at Wheels Skate Center!

Everybody says they want to have more fun, but how many of us actually follow through? At Wheels Skate Center we think the new year is the perfect time to stop making excuses and prioritize having a good time. If you’re having trouble convincing your shoulder angel to let down their hair a bit, check out some of our favorite excuses to have fun!

• It’s Good For You. You’ve heard the expression that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. It probably won’t drive you crazy like it did in The Shining, but it is worth taking the chance? Blowing off steam will reduce stress and put you in a better mood.

• Life Is Short. People’s top regrets often include things like “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.” Getting together with friends, family, and loved ones is one of the most important things you’ll do in life.

• Celebrate! The major holidays are over, so what could we celebrate? How about lacing up your skates for an obscure holiday, like National Measure Your Feet Day on January 23rd? Honestly, though, you don’t need a reason to party. Just being with friends is reason enough.

Between our special events and regular hours, Wheels Skate Center is a great place to have a good time. Not only that, but if you really need to feel like you’re improving yourself, know that roller skating is good exercise! Gather your friends and family, put on some comfy socks, and come visit us as the skating rink.

Was “get in shape” or “exercise more” one of your New Year’s resolutions? Well, roller skating is one of the best ways to accomplish this resolution (and, you get to have fun)! Skating helps you improve balance, increase endurance, boost your mood, and much more.

Did you know that Wheels Skate Center offers skating classes? Check out the details.

Discover why roller skating is great for your health:

Improves Balance

When you roller skate for the first time, your balance may be a little off. It’s tough to balance on wheels! However, with time and practice, you’ll be skating like a professional! Roller skating strengthens your lower back muscles and abdominal muscles – which in turn improves your balance while you walk, run, skate, and do other activities.

Increases Endurance

Do you ever walk up the stairs or go for a brisk jog and feel out of breath? Roller skating can help! When you roller skate, you are increasing your endurance. (Endurance is how long you can withstand physical or mental efforts.) So strap on skates and improve your endurance! You will see the difference on and off the rink.

Boosts Your Mood

When you roller skate, your body releases endorphins – the “feel good hormones.” These hormones interact with your brain, and your brain produces positive feelings throughout your body. Other activities that enable the release of endorphins are laughing, eating chocolate, listening to music, and working out.

So come to Wheels Skate Center for a great workout and fun time! Check out our hours, then visit us today.

With all the activities (and sometimes chaos) of the holiday season, it’s easy to overlook the other important celebrations: winter birthdays! Don’t let your child feel left out or overshadowed because their birthday falls during this busy time. Here are some tips to plan a winter birthday party from Wheels Skate Center.

• Outsource. You’re tired, you’re stressed, your house is in chaos. Don’t add to the insanity! Host a party at Wheels Skate Center and we do the work for you. Not only do we provide food, drinks, tableware, and activities, but your party package comes with a Party Host or Hostess to keep things running on schedule and handle the setup and cleanup. You’ll be free to worry about the rest of the party etiquette or–call us crazy–to relax and enjoy the party!
• Be Flexible. Remember that you may need to pick a day for a party that isn’t your child’s actual birthday. Consider a small family celebration the day of and then have a party for friends later, when it’s more convenient.

• Start Early. Give yourself and your guests plenty of time to plan for this extra event and everyone will have more fun.

• Don’t Combine Presents! Remember: you should never combine Christmas and birthday presents for children born around the holidays. This is an expensive time of year, it’s true, but each celebration should have a specific gift, or your child may feel like their birthday was just tacked onto the holiday season. Make sure that grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc. know this family policy as well.

With a little extra effort, a winter birthday party can be just as special as a summer party. Contact Wheels Skate Center today and let’s start planning!

Are you struggling to think of gifts now that it’s December and time is running out? Check out our Skating Gift Guide from Wheels Skate Center in Odenton, MD!

Skates make a great gift! The Wheels pro shop is open whenever our skate center is; come on down to browse our stock, with or without your skater. The investment will make everyone happy. Parents will save money every time they go to the skate center, and kids will get a chance to practice at home. Even if your skater already owns their own pair, they may have been dying for a new set. Plus, it’s always handy to have extras in case of loss or damage.

If you don’t need to get anyone new skates, don’t forget about all the necessary skating accessories. Consider getting something boring but important like a helmet or knee pads, but look for favorite colors and include some stickers to make it a little more special. If you’re looking for something more fun, check out some special skate socks or new laces. There are also plenty of fun treats for the roller skater in your life. Totes and bags are a fun way to show off their hobby, and also useful for carrying their skating gear. T-shirts or jewelry, like charm bracelets, earrings, and keyrings, will also be welcome.

Don’t forget that the most important gift is the gift of time. Bring your skater to Wheels Skate Center for a few hours of togetherness any time we’re open!

Halloween is one of our favorite holidays, and with candy, costumes, and fun decorations, why wouldn’t it be? It’s a great holiday for kids, but it makes many parents feel nervous. Want to have a fun and safe holiday with the kids? Check out these Halloween safety tips from Wheels Skate Center. 

• Costume Safety. Costumes are a great place to start! Make sure they fit properly, with no tripping hazards. Light-colored costumes are safest, as they make it easy for drivers to see kids on the side of the road. Reflective tape and glow bracelets will help with this as well. Masks should have eye holes large enough to see well. If you use paint on faces, make sure it’s makeup or face paint quality.
• Candy Safety. An adult should check over all candy before kids eat it. Look for damaged wrappers, unusual appearance, or anything that just seems weird to you. Kids shouldn’t eat anything homemade or not commercially wrapped unless you know the person who made it. Make sure kids eat a good dinner with plenty of veggies and drink plenty of water before going out for candy.
• Trick-or-Treat Safety. If kids are going trick-or-treating alone, make sure you know their route and when they will be home. Tell them to stay on sidewalks and never enter anyone’s house.

And don’t forget about Wheels Skate Center’s Halloween Costume Skate on October 27! Our Halloween skate is a fun, safe activity to celebrate this great holiday. Just make sure costumes are safe for skating. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information. We can’t wait to see you and your family!