It's as simple as skating

This past weekend I went out to an open skate at Springfield Lake Roller Rink with a friend from a local roller derby team. I’ve really wanted to get into derby for months now, so I’ve been picking up skating tips from a few of the girls. And while I certainly learned a lot on Sunday, I also had a great time. So I figured what would be better than plugging open skate sessions on the blog? Open skates can be fun for people of any age – from the tiniest tot to the fittest 50-year-olds. You can leave all your stress on the rink, and roll away with a smile.

And, there are numerous health benefits! Roller skating provides a complete aerobic workout that involves all of the body's muscles, especially the heart. Skating is equivalent to jogging in terms of health benefits – caloric consumption, reduction of body fat and leg strength development – but it comes without the shock to your joints

So if you’re ready to have a lot of fun while building your leg muscles, you should check out the following open skates:

https://www.akronlife.com/events/christmas-ale-advent-calendar-benefit-good-samaritan-hunger-center/

Springfield Lake Roller Rink, 1220 Main St., Lakemore, 330-784-9474:

Saturday: 1-3 p.m. ($4 admission, $3 skate rental) and 7-10 p.m. ($6 admission, $3 skate rental)

Rocky’s Skating Center, 272 West Ave, Tallmadge, (330) 630-2550:

Friday: 7-10 p.m. ($7 admission for children, parents skate free)

Saturday: 1-4 p.m. ($7 admission for everyone) and 7-10 p.m. ($7 admission for children, parents skate free)

Sunday: 1-4 p.m. ($7 admission for everyone) and 5-8 p.m. ($7 admission for children, parents skate free)

*All skate rentals at Rocky’s are free

North Canton Skate Center, 5475 Whipple Ave NW, North Canton, (330) 499-7170:

Wednesday: Family Night 7-9:30 p.m. ($10 for a family of five or less, $5 for single skaters, prices includes skate rental)

Friday: 8-11 p.m. ($5.75 admission, $1.75-$3.25 skate rental)

Saturday: 1:30-4:30 p.m. ($5 admission, $1.75-$3.25 skate rental) and 8-11 p.m. ($5.75 admission, $1.75-$3.25 skate rental)

Sunday: 1:30-4:30 p.m. ($1.75-$3.25 skate rental)

Skate Station, 1261 Industrial Pkwy N # 4, Brunswick, (330) 273-5750:

Sunday: Family Night 5-7 p.m. ($12 for a family of four, $3-4 for single skaters)

Wednesday: 12:30-3 p.m. ($5 admission)

Thursday: 12:30-3 p.m. ($5 admission)

Friday: 12:30-3 p.m. ($5 admission)

Saturday: 2-4:30 p.m. ($5 admission)

*Skate rentals: $1.50 for quads, $3 for inline