I wasn't sporty as a kid, but one sport I did love was roller skating. The local roller rink had flashy lights, bumpin' tunes and plenty of cute boys to satisfy my tastes. Plus skating was genuinely fun, unlike the prospect of being ridiculed at school for missing the pass on the soccer field.

It's been years since my days on the roller rink, and the strobe lights, 80s dance music and floppy-haired skater punks that originally drew me there have lost their appeal. But the act of actually skating hasn't. It's still fun, and it's still fitness. And while I may take longer to recover from a fall than I would've in my youth, I haven't lost my skills or my ability to have fun in a pair of skates.I'm not the only one who realized that roller skating and blading is a fun way to work out. It's re-gaining popularity these past few years -- largely due to the popularity of Roller Derby, but also because people are always looking for fun, fresh ways to be fit. And if a workout is what you're looking for, look no further ... you can skate off 20 lbs if you're really into it.

Here are some interesting facts I learned about skating from USA Roller Sports:

• Roller Skating/Blading has the same health benefits as jogging, meaning it helps you build cardiovascular endurance and strength.
• And yet, skating is a much lower impact activity than running. So you can skate without worrying about ruining your knees.
• It also burns a lot of calories. In an average-sized person, one hour of moderate skating can burn 330 calories. That's not all--one hour of vigorous skating can burn 590!

So there you have it--Proof that roller skating is a great workout for both your heart and your muscles, not to mention your sense of youthfulness. It's fun for those who prefer to workout at their own pace, those who need a workout they can enjoy and those competitive types (try Roller Derby. Go on. It looks like a riot.) And, if you prefer exercising outdoors, buy a pair of Rollerblades, some protective gear and head to a local park. If you can't always get outside, find a rink in your area. Either way, why not give it a try?

Oh, and want to know more about Roller Derby? Check out this excellent post from our friends at FitSugar.