Struggling to figure out what “rexing on skates” actually means and how to do it? You’re in the right place, because we’re about to break down this classic roller skating style that’s all about smooth, rhythmic backward movement. Whether you’ve seen it at the rink and wondered, or you’re just curious about a new skating challenge, rexing is a unique dance-like form that, while traditionally rooted in intricate backward footwork, has also taken on different meanings in various skating communities. It’s a fantastic way to improve your balance, coordination, and just look incredibly cool on eight wheels. This guide will cover everything from what rexing truly means, where it came from, the gear you’ll need, how to actually do it, and, of course, how to stay safe while you’re gliding backward.
What Exactly is Rexing on Skates? Unpacking the Mystery
So, you’ve heard the term “rexing” thrown around in roller skating circles, and it might sound a bit mysterious. What is rexing, really? Well, at its heart, rexing on skates is a distinct style of backward roller skating, characterized by intricate, dance-like step patterns, often performed in an hourglass or figure-8 design on the skate floor. Think of it like a choreographed dance, but all while moving backward on wheels!
This isn’t just aimless backward gliding. it involves a specific sequence of steps, much like ballroom or line dancing, but on skates. You might hear about moves like the “figure 8,” “duck walk,” or “grapevine” as part of rexing. It’s all about maintaining a continuous flow, rhythm, and control as you navigate the rink facing the direction you just came from.
The Origin of the Term “Rexing”
It’s always fascinating to dig into the history of these cool skating moves! Rexing didn’t just appear overnight. it has deep roots in the roller skating culture of Southern California. Specifically, it kicked off in San Diego in the late 1940s or early 1950s. Back then, it wasn’t just a casual pastime. it actually evolved into an organized, competitive sport, with legends like Big Monty and Ginger Lewis being instrumental in its development.
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Initially, the podcast that accompanied competitive rexing was often organ podcast, which definitely sets a particular vintage vibe! But as the years rolled on, especially by the 1980s, younger skaters started to groove to more contemporary dance podcast, adapting the style and sounds to their era.
Here’s where it gets a little interesting: while the classic definition of rexing is quite specific to these backward, structured dance patterns, the term itself has seen some regional interpretations. You might hear “rexing” used on the West Coast to describe what others call “shuffle skating” or “jam skating,” which can sometimes involve faster, forward-moving patterns with toe drags and pumps. Some even use it as a catch-all for “freestyle” skating. But for traditionalists, rexing is firmly rooted in those elegant, backward, dance-step routines on quad roller skates. Rexine: Everything You Need to Know About Finding and Using This Versatile Material
Why People Love to Rex
So, with all these variations, why do skaters still get excited about rexing? It’s simple: the feeling of flow and the challenge of mastering such intricate footwork while moving backward is incredibly rewarding. When you’re rexing, you’re not just skating. you’re performing a rolling dance that demands precision, balance, and a deep connection to the rhythm. It’s a fantastic way to express yourself on skates and a truly unique skill to develop.
For those who embrace the traditional style, it’s also a way to connect with the rich history of roller skating, keeping an old-school art form alive. And let’s be real, there’s just something incredibly cool about effortlessly gliding backward with complex steps that makes you stand out on the rink.
Getting Started: Essential Gear for Rexing Success
Before you even think about hitting those backward strides, you’ve gotta make sure you’re properly set up. Having the right gear isn’t just about comfort. it’s absolutely crucial for safety and making your rexing journey enjoyable.
Your Skates: Roller Skates vs. Inline Skates for Rexing
When we talk about traditional rexing, the go-to choice is almost always quad roller skates. Why? Because the side-by-side wheel setup of quads offers the stability and maneuverability needed for those intricate, dance-like steps, wide turns, and figure-8 patterns that are hallmarks of rexing. Many of the foundational moves feel more natural and fluid on quads. Uncovering Rexine Near You: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding and Using This Versatile Material
While some advanced skaters can certainly do some impressive backward moves on inline skates, the limitations often become apparent when trying to execute those specific “flat #8 spins” or very tight dance steps. So, if you’re serious about traditional rexing, quad skates are definitely the way to go.
For beginners, you don’t necessarily need the most expensive skates right out of the gate. Look for skates with good ankle support. Brands like Moxi Lolly, Sure-Grip Boardwalk, or Riedell Zone are often recommended for their quality and suitability for rhythm skating. Even more budget-friendly options like Ventro Pro Turbo Quad Skates are great for learning and can take a lot of wear and tear. The key is to find something comfortable that fits well and provides the necessary support for your ankles.
Wheels and Bearings: The Right Setup Makes a Difference
Your wheels and bearings play a huge role in how your skates feel and perform.
- Wheels: For rexing, which often involves indoor rink skating or smooth outdoor surfaces, you’ll generally want softer wheels. Softer wheels lower durometer, usually 78A-85A offer better grip and absorb shocks better, which is great for dancing, turns, and dealing with slight imperfections on the floor. If you’re planning on mostly outdoor rexing, definitely stick with softer, “gummy” wheels. If you’re mainly at a rink, slightly harder wheels might give you a bit more slide for some moves, but always prioritize grip and control.
- Bearings: These are what make your wheels spin! Good quality bearings will give you a smoother, longer roll, which is fantastic for maintaining momentum during backward glides. You don’t need top-of-the-line ceramics when starting out, but decent ABEC-rated bearings ABEC 5, 7, or 9 will make a noticeable difference.
Safety Gear: Don’t Skip This!
I can’t stress this enough: safety gear is your best friend when roller skating, especially when you’re learning new moves like rexing! Roller skating, while incredibly fun, does carry a risk of injury. In fact, roller skating accounts for a significant portion of skating-related injuries. between 2002 and 2021, there were an estimated 852,783 roller skating injuries nationally in the US. Common injury sites include the wrists, shoulders, elbows, and ankles.
Wearing protective gear can drastically reduce your risk of serious injury. Here’s what you should always have: Rexing M2-4 Review: Your Ultimate 360-Degree Guardian on the Road
- Helmet: This is non-negotiable, especially if you’re a beginner or practicing complex moves. A fall backward can happen quickly, and protecting your head is paramount. Look for helmets designed for skating or multi-sport use that fit snugly and cover your forehead and the back of your head.
- Knee Pads: Your knees are very vulnerable when falling, particularly when learning backward movements. Good knee pads will cushion the impact.
- Elbow Pads: Similar to knee pads, these protect your elbow joints in case of a tumble.
- Wrist Guards: These are crucial for preventing wrist fractures, which are very common in skating falls as people instinctively put their hands out to break their fall.
- Mouthguard: While often overlooked, a mouthguard can protect your teeth and mouth from impact.
Remember, it’s not about looking “cool” without gear. it’s about being smart and enjoying your skating for years to come. Many injuries can be prevented, with some sources suggesting up to 90% of inline skating injuries could be avoided with proper precautions.
Mastering the Art of Rexing: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Alright, you’ve got your gear, you’re hyped, now let’s talk about how to actually do this rexing thing! This isn’t a trick you’ll pick up in five minutes, but with patience and practice, you’ll be flowing backward like a pro.
The Basic Rex: Your First Steps
Rexing is fundamentally about continuous backward motion combined with specific footwork. If you’re new to backward skating, that’s your absolute first step. You need to be comfortable and confident moving backward before you add the fancy steps.
1. Get Comfortable Skating Backward: Unlocking Your Rexing V2 Pro: The Ultimate User Manual & Setup Guide
- The “V” Stance Backward: To skate backward, instead of pointing your toes out like a forward “V,” you’ll want your toes slightly together and heels apart in an inverted “V” shape.
- Bend Your Knees: This is key for balance in any skating, but especially backward. Keep your knees bent and your body in a slight squat, leaning slightly forward.
- Swizzles: Practice backward swizzles. Push your heels out, bringing your toes together, then pull your heels back in, pushing your toes apart. This helps you get the feel of backward propulsion and edge control.
- Look Over Your Shoulder: Since you can’t see behind you, you’ll need to periodically turn your head and look over one shoulder to check your path. This will become second nature.
2. Introducing the Basic Rexing Pattern Figure-8:
Once you’re steady going backward, you can start incorporating the core rexing movement:
- The Hourglass/Figure-8: This is the classic pattern. Imagine drawing an hourglass shape on the floor with your skates. You’ll be crossing over your feet as you curve through the “waist” of the hourglass and then pushing out as you widen the curve.
- Alternating Foot Pushes: The essence of rexing is a rhythmic, alternating push from your feet. As you complete one curve of the figure-8, one foot will push out to propel you, while the other foot takes the weight or crosses over. It’s often described as a “double push” per side to the beat of the podcast.
- Duck Walk & Grapevine: These are common stepping patterns used within the overall rexing flow. The “duck walk” involves small, alternating steps with your toes pointed out, while the “grapevine” done backward involves stepping one foot behind the other in a continuous, flowing motion. These are often integrated into the curves and transitions of the figure-8.
Advanced Rexing Techniques: Taking It Up a Notch
Once you’ve got the basic backward flow and can comfortably execute a simple figure-8, you can start exploring more advanced rexing techniques. This is where the dance aspect really shines!
- Spot Rexing: This is about performing intricate backward steps and turns within a very small area, often a standard figure circle. It requires incredible control and precision.
- Intricate Footwork: Rexing involves a wide vocabulary of steps beyond the basics. Think about incorporating quick shifts of weight, small hops, pivots, and spins, all while maintaining that backward momentum. Many of these steps are similar to what you’d see in artistic skating or even line dancing.
- Couples Rexing: Traditionally, rexing was often performed with a partner, mirroring each other’s movements in sync. This adds a layer of coordination and communication that’s truly beautiful to watch.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Learning to rex isn’t without its hurdles, but don’t get discouraged!
- Balance: Backward skating naturally feels less stable because you can’t see where you’re going. Solution: Practice, practice, practice! Start by holding onto a wall or barrier, doing your backward swizzles and V-stance drills. The more muscle memory you build, the better your balance will become.
- Coordination: Combining backward motion with specific foot patterns takes a lot of mental and physical coordination. Solution: Break it down. Master one small step or a single push-and-glide sequence before trying to link them together. Slow it way down, then gradually increase your speed.
- Getting in the Way of Others: Traditional rexing patterns can take up space on a busy rink. Solution: Look for “backwards specials” or dedicated dance skate sessions at your local rink where rexing is expected and encouraged. If you’re on a general session, be extra mindful of other skaters and practice in less crowded areas. Communication is key!
- Fear of Falling: It’s natural to be apprehensive, especially when going backward. Solution: Wear all your safety gear! Knowing you’re protected will boost your confidence. Also, actively practice falling. Learning how to fall e.g., trying to land on your knee pads or side, tucking and rolling, rather than falling stiffly backward or onto outstretched arms can prevent injuries.
Where Can You Rex? Finding Your Perfect Spot
Now that you’re getting a feel for rexing, you might be wondering where the best places are to practice and show off your moves. Rexing M3: Your Guide to Total Road Protection
Indoor vs. Outdoor Rexing
- Indoor Roller Rinks: This is the historical and often ideal environment for rexing. Rinks usually have smooth, well-maintained surfaces that are perfect for the intricate footwork and consistent glide that rexing requires. Many rinks even have “backwards specials” or “jam skate” sessions where this type of skating is encouraged, creating a fantastic atmosphere to practice without worrying about getting in the way of casual forward skaters. Plus, the podcast is usually pumping, which is great for finding your rhythm!
- Outdoor Spaces: You can absolutely rex outdoors, but you need to be pickier about your location. Look for smooth, flat, paved areas like empty tennis courts, unused basketball courts, or freshly paved parking lots.
- Avoid: Uneven surfaces, gravel, cracks, wet spots, or areas with heavy pedestrian or vehicle traffic. These can be dangerous for backward skating.
- Always check the surface for debris like small rocks or twigs before you start, as these can easily trip you up, especially when you’re not looking forward.
Public Spaces: What You Need to Know
If you’re heading out to a public space, whether it’s an indoor rink or an outdoor paved area, a few common-sense rules apply:
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: This is even more crucial when skating backward! Constantly scan your environment for other skaters, pedestrians, obstacles, or changing surface conditions. Don’t wear headphones or anything that might distract you from what’s happening around you.
- Mind Your Speed: Adjust your speed to the environment. In a crowded rink, slow down and be prepared to stop or change direction suddenly. When you’re rexing, your focus is often on your feet and rhythm, so you need to be extra vigilant about what’s around you.
- Skate with Respect: Roller skating culture is generally friendly, so extend courtesy to everyone. If you’re practicing complex moves, try to find a less crowded corner or a designated area to avoid collisions.
Is Rexing Safe? Understanding the Risks and Rewards
Like any physical activity, rexing on skates comes with its own set of risks, but with the right precautions, it’s an incredibly rewarding and generally safe pursuit. The key is to be prepared and mindful.
First off, let’s revisit those statistics: roller skating can lead to injuries, with common issues being sprains and fractures to wrists, ankles, elbows, and shoulders. Loss of control and collisions are major factors in these injuries. This isn’t to scare you, but to emphasize why safety is so important.
The Importance of Practice and Patience
Rexing isn’t something you’ll master overnight, and that’s okay! Patience and consistent practice are your best allies. Mastering Your Rexing V1-4K: The Ultimate User Manual Guide
- Start Slow: Seriously, resist the urge to go fast before you have the basics down. Focus on smooth, controlled movements at a slow pace.
- Build Gradually: Don’t jump into advanced steps until you’re completely comfortable with the foundational backward glides and basic patterns. Trying to do too much too soon is a recipe for falls.
- Repetition is Key: The more you repeat the movements, the more your body will internalize them, improving your balance and coordination.
Listening to Your Body
Your body will tell you a lot during your skating journey.
- Take Breaks: Don’t push yourself to exhaustion. Skating, especially when learning new things, can be tiring. Take regular breaks to rest and rehydrate.
- Address Pain: If something hurts beyond normal muscle soreness, stop and figure out why. Skating with pain can lead to more serious injuries.
- Stay Hydrated: This goes for any physical activity. Keep water handy.
By combining proper safety gear, smart practice habits, and listening to your body, you can significantly mitigate the risks and fully enjoy the unique art of rexing on skates. Roller skating can be a fantastic way to stay active. around 40% of roller skate purchases are for fitness, as it offers an excellent cardiovascular workout that’s easier on the joints than high-impact activities. So, gear up, be smart, and embrace the rhythm of rexing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between rexing and just cruising on skates?
The main difference is intention and complexity. Cruising on skates is typically forward motion, often without specific steps, focusing on getting from one point to another or enjoying a casual glide. Rexing, on the other hand, is a specific style of backward skating that involves intricate, dance-like step patterns, often performed in a repetitive, rhythmic loop like a figure-8 or hourglass shape. It demands more control, balance, and coordination than basic cruising.
Can I rex on any type of roller skates?
While you technically can attempt backward moves on most roller skates, traditional rexing, with its intricate dance steps and patterns, is primarily performed on quad roller skates. The wider base of quad skates offers the stability and maneuverability ideal for the footwork and turns involved. While some backward movements are possible on inline skates, certain traditional rexing steps are much more difficult or impossible to execute on them. For the best rexing experience, quad skates are highly recommended. Decoding the Rexing R4 Dash Cam: Your Ultimate Road Trip Companion
Is rexing suitable for beginners?
Rexing involves backward skating and complex footwork, so it’s generally not the first skill a brand-new beginner should tackle. Before into rexing, it’s a good idea to be comfortable with basic forward skating, stopping, and especially basic backward gliding and maintaining balance while moving backward. Once you have those fundamentals down, you can gradually introduce the specific steps and patterns of rexing. Starting with all your safety gear is essential, regardless of your skill level.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when rexing?
One common mistake is not bending your knees enough, which can throw off your balance and make it harder to control your movements. Another is not looking over your shoulder frequently enough when going backward, leading to collisions. Trying to go too fast too soon before mastering the steps is also a common pitfall. Additionally, ignoring proper safety gear can turn a minor fall into a serious injury. Finally, getting frustrated and giving up too quickly is something to avoid – patience and consistent practice are key!
How long does it take to learn how to rex on skates?
The time it takes to learn rexing varies greatly from person to person, depending on your prior skating experience, natural coordination, and how consistently you practice. For someone who is already comfortable with backward skating, picking up basic rexing patterns might take several dedicated practice sessions over a few weeks or months. If you’re starting from scratch with all skating, it will naturally take longer, as you’ll first need to master foundational skills. The key is consistent, patient practice, breaking down the movements, and celebrating small victories along the way.
Are there any specific muscles that rexing helps to build?
Yes! Rexing is a fantastic full-body workout, but it particularly strengthens certain muscle groups. You’ll definitely be working your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes for propulsion and maintaining that low, bent-knee skating stance. Your core muscles are crucial for stability and balance, especially when moving backward and executing intricate turns. Additionally, the constant adjustments and balancing act engage your ankle stabilizers and muscles in your feet. It’s a great way to improve leg strength, core stability, and overall body control.
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