Struggling to skate backward with style? Try this: Start by getting super comfortable gliding backward in a straight line, keeping your knees bent and your core engaged. That’s the secret sauce for unlocking “rexing,” a classic roller skating style that’s all about intricate backward footwork. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about this awesome skill, from its origins and the gear you need to mastering those smooth, hypnotic moves. Roller skating, especially rexing, isn’t just a blast. it’s a fantastic full-body workout that’s easy on your joints, helps with balance, builds muscle, and is a surefire way to boost your mood and confidence. So, buckle up literally, with your protective gear!, because by the end of this, you’ll be ready to channel your inner roller legend and glide backward like a pro.
What Exactly is Rexing in Roller Skating?
So, you’ve heard the term “rexing” floating around in the roller skating world, and you’re wondering what it’s all about. Well, it’s not just a fancy word for skating backward! Rexing is a specific, classic style of roller skating that’s deeply rooted in the history of quad skating. It’s a bit like a hidden gem from the golden age of roller rinks, and it’s experiencing a bit of a revival as more people get into the rich culture of skating.
Imagine intricate footwork, smooth transitions, and a kind of hypnotic flow, all while gliding backward. That’s rexing in a nutshell. This unique style really took off in Southern California back in the late 1940s and 1950s. It wasn’t just casual backward skating. it evolved into an organized, competitive sport, complete with dedicated clubs and competitions. Big Monty and Ginger Lewis are often credited with organizing it into a competitive format. Back in the day, the podcast for these competitions was often live organ podcast, though it later adapted to blues, rock, and even 80s tunes as younger generations embraced and evolved the style.
At its core, rexing involves skating backward in a continuous, flowing “hourglass pattern” across the skate floor. This isn’t just aimless gliding. it uses a series of specific “step patterns” that draw parallels to ballroom or line dancing, but, you know, on wheels! Think moves like the figure 8, the duck walk, and the grapevine. These steps are executed with precision and rhythm, making it a truly artistic and technical form of skating.
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Now, you might also hear “rexing” used interchangeably with terms like “shuffle skating” or “jam skating” in different parts of the country, especially on the West Coast. While there’s certainly overlap in the spirit of rhythmic, fancy footwork, classic rexing, particularly “spot rexing,” has its own distinct set of rules and patterns. Spot rexing, for instance, focuses on performing these intricate figure 8 patterns within designated 10-foot circles on the rink floor, often involving a sequence of precise 36-inch steps. It’s all about control, grace, and staying perfectly in time with the podcast. And just a heads-up, this style is primarily for quad roller skates. some of those intricate steps just aren’t really possible on inline skates.
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Why You Should Try Rexing Beyond Just Looking Cool!
Beyond the sheer joy and the undeniable cool factor of gliding backward, rexing, and roller skating in general, offers a ton of fantastic benefits for your body and mind. It’s definitely more than just a fun pastime. it’s a legitimate workout that brings a lot to the table.
First off, let’s talk about the physical perks. Roller skating is a brilliant full-body aerobic exercise. It gets your heart pumping, which is amazing for strengthening your cardiovascular system, improving circulation, and even lowering your risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association actually recognizes roller skating as an effective aerobic exercise! If you’re looking for an activity that burns calories, you’re in luck: a moderate skating session can burn between 300 to 600 calories an hour, depending on how intensely you’re going at it. That’s comparable to jogging or cycling, but with a major bonus.
That bonus? It’s a low-impact exercise. Unlike running or other high-impact activities that can be tough on your joints, roller skating involves smooth, fluid motions that put significantly less strain on your knees, hips, and ankles. One study from the University of Massachusetts even found that skating causes 50% less impact shock on your joints compared to running. So, if you’ve got sensitive joints or are looking for an alternative to high-impact cardio, rexing is a fantastic choice.
But it’s not just about cardio and joint health. Rexing really helps you build balance, muscle control, and improve your posture. You’re constantly engaging your core and stabilizer muscles to stay upright, especially when you’re moving backward. It works a whole bunch of muscle groups: your legs and glutes are getting a workout with every push-off, and your core gets super strong from maintaining that steady balance.
And let’s not forget the mental game! Learning a new skill like rexing, which requires precision and coordination, is incredibly rewarding. It boosts your self-confidence, encourages perseverance, and can even help combat stress. There’s something truly liberating about mastering a new movement, especially when it feels a bit challenging at first. Plus, the social aspect of skating, whether you’re at a rink or an outdoor meet-up, can be a huge mood booster. Roller skating has a metabolic cost of about 6.0–7.0 calories per minute, showing its effectiveness as a workout. Rexing Rear Camera Upside Down: Easy Fixes & Troubleshooting Tips
Gearing Up for Rexing: Safety First, Always!
Alright, before you even think about hitting the rink or pavement to try out those slick rexing moves, we need to have a serious chat about safety. I know, I know, protective gear might not always look the “coolest,” but trust me, it’s absolutely essential. Think of it as your personal force field, letting you skate with more confidence and less worry about bumps and bruises.
Falling is just part of the learning process when you’re roller skating, especially when you’re trying new things like rexing. Even seasoned skaters take spills! The key is to minimize the potential for serious injury. The most common roller skating injuries are wrist fractures and sprains, ankle sprains and fractures, and sometimes even head injuries.
Here’s the rundown on what you absolutely need:
- A Helmet: This is non-negotiable, folks. Your head is the most vulnerable part of your body. While head injuries might be less frequent than limb injuries, they can be devastating. Studies show that wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of injury by about 29%, and even better, reduce the risk of injuries requiring an ambulance by a whopping 56%. Always pick a helmet that fits snugly, covers the back of your head, and meets safety standards like ASTM or CPSC.
- Wrist Guards: Our natural instinct when we fall is to put our hands out to break the impact. This makes wrist injuries super common. Good wrist guards are designed with splints hard plastic pieces on both sides of your hand to disperse impact and prevent hyperextension. Not wearing wrist guards increases your risk of wrist injury by over 10 times! Seriously, get them.
- Knee Pads and Elbow Pads: These are your joint savers. Knees are a very common point of impact when falling, especially if you’re going forward. Elbows also take a beating, particularly if you fall backward or sideways. These pads cushion the impact, preventing scrapes, bruises, and more serious joint injuries. Elbow pads alone can reduce the risk of injury by almost 80%.
- Gloves: While wrist guards protect your bones, gloves can save your skin from nasty scrapes and road rash if your hands hit the ground. They’re especially helpful when you’re just starting out and falls happen more often.
Beyond the gear, make sure your skates are well-fitted and properly maintained. Loose bolts or the wrong wheels for your skating surface can increase your risk of an accident. Speaking of wheels, did you know that softer wheels lower durometer, like 78A give you better grip and shock absorption on rough outdoor surfaces, while harder wheels higher durometer, like 99A are better for smooth indoor rinks? Choosing the right wheels can make a huge difference in your safety and enjoyment. Rexing rear camera mount
And one final, crucial safety tip: learn how to fall properly. It might sound counterintuitive, but knowing how to fall can prevent major injuries. The advice is often to “collapse down and surrender to the fall” rather than trying to fight it. If you feel yourself losing balance, squat down low to minimize the height of your fall, tuck in your elbows, cover your head, and try to roll onto the softer parts of your body.
Your First Steps into Rexing: Basic Techniques to Master
Alright, you’re geared up, you understand what rexing is all about, and you’re probably itching to start gliding backward. Let’s break down those initial steps so you can get comfortable and confident. Remember, patience is your best friend here!
Getting Comfortable with Backward Motion
Before you even think about fancy footwork, you need to feel solid moving backward.
- Find Your Stance: Start by standing with your skates in a slight “V” shape, or with your heels a bit closer than your toes. This gives you a stable base for backward movement.
- Bend Your Knees & Engage Your Core: This is probably the most repeated advice in skating, and for good reason! Keeping your knees bent and your core tight lowers your center of gravity, which gives you much better balance and control. Think of it like you’re about to sit down in an invisible chair. Make sure your back stays relatively straight, too.
- Small Steps First: Forget big, sweeping movements initially. To start moving backward, take very small steps, almost like shuffling, lifting your legs slightly as you go. This helps you get a feel for the backward glide without losing control.
- Practice Pushing: Once you’re comfortable with tiny steps, try to gently push off with one foot, letting the other glide backward. Then switch. It’s like doing tiny, controlled backward sculls. Focus on keeping your pushes smooth and even.
Introducing the Figure 8 Pattern
The figure 8 is a foundational shape in rexing, and getting comfortable with it backward is a huge milestone. Rexing R4 Plus Installation: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Started
- Visualise It: Imagine two large circles connected in the middle, forming an hourglass shape. This is your path.
- Start Wide: Begin by practicing large, sweeping backward figure 8s. Don’t worry about being precise at first. The goal is to understand the feeling of turning while moving backward.
- Use Your Edges: As you move into a turn, subtly lean into the inside edge of your skate on the foot that’s on the outside of the curve, and the outside edge of your skate on the foot that’s on the inside of the curve. Your body will naturally want to counter-balance, so let it.
- Look Over Your Shoulder: When you’re skating backward, you can’t see what’s behind you unless you actively look! Practice turning your head and looking over one shoulder, then the other, to check your path. This also helps with your body’s rotation for turns.
Learning to Fall The Safe Way
I know we talked about this in the safety gear section, but it’s so important it deserves a quick revisit here as part of your fundamental practice. When you’re learning backward moves, falls might happen. Knowing how to react can prevent injuries.
- Squat and Tuck: If you feel yourself going down, immediately squat down low. The shorter the distance to the ground, the less impact. Try to tuck your chin to your chest to protect your head, and bring your arms in.
- Roll, Don’t Brace: Instead of bracing with your hands which often leads to wrist injuries, try to roll onto the fleshier parts of your body – your bottom, or the sides of your thighs – where your pads can absorb the shock. This takes practice, but it’s a must for injury prevention.
Taking Your Rexing to the Next Level: Drills and Advanced Moves
Once you’re solid with the basics of backward gliding and those big, flowing backward figure 8s, you’re ready to start weaving in some of the more intricate footwork that really defines rexing. This is where the dance-like quality truly comes alive!
Mastering Key Rexing Steps
Remember those classic steps we talked about? Here’s how you can start incorporating them:
-
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- Think about a duck waddling – that’s the foot motion, but in reverse.
- Start gliding backward.
- Then, point your toes outward while keeping your heels relatively close, creating a “V” shape with your feet.
- Shift your weight from one foot to the other, pushing out with the ball of your foot and then bringing it back in, creating that distinctive waddle. It’s a rhythmic, pushing-and-gliding motion that really gets you moving backward with flair.
-
The Grapevine Backward:
- This is a series of cross-over steps that create a flowing, weaving pattern.
- Start by gliding backward.
- Cross one foot behind the other, then step out to the side with the leading foot.
- Repeat, alternating which foot crosses behind. It takes practice to make it smooth and continuous, but once you get it, it looks amazing!
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Spot Rexing Drills:
- If you’re keen on the historical aspect, practice your figure 8s within a much smaller, defined area – imagine that 10-foot circle on the rink.
- The goal here is precision and compactness. Focus on keeping your movements tight and controlled, really utilizing those edges for sharp, clean turns within a confined space. This is where that 36-inch step concept comes into play, emphasizing small, deliberate movements.
Integrating Rhythm and Podcast
Rexing is deeply connected to podcast and rhythm. Historically, it evolved with organ podcast, then blues and rock, and later 80s tunes. To truly rex, you need to feel the beat.
- Find Your Groove: Start by listening to podcast with a clear, steady beat. The old-school rexing tunes were often around 98 or 108 beats per minute.
- Synchronize Your Steps: Try to match your footwork – those duck walks, grapevines, and figure 8 pushes – to the rhythm. The podcast should guide your speed and the timing of your steps. This is where you really start dancing on your skates!
Drills for Balance and Precision
To truly excel at rexing, you need exceptional balance and precise control.
- One-Foot Glides Backward: Once you’re comfortable moving backward with both feet, try lifting one foot slightly off the ground for a few seconds. Alternate feet. This builds core strength and improves your balance immensely.
- Cone Drills: Set up a series of cones in a figure 8 pattern or even a tighter hourglass. Practice navigating through them backward, focusing on smooth turns and avoiding knocking them over. This enhances your control and spatial awareness.
- Slow It Down: Sometimes, practicing slowly can reveal where your balance or technique is weakest. Go through your steps very deliberately, focusing on each movement and the subtle weight shifts.
Remember, every great rexer started exactly where you are. It’s about consistent practice, having fun, and enjoying the journey of learning these beautiful, flowing backward moves. Mastering Your Rexing R316 Dash Cam: The Ultimate User Guide (And Why It’s Your Best Road Buddy!)
Common Challenges & How to Glide Past Them
Hey, no one said learning to rex was going to be a cakewalk – even the most seasoned skaters have faced these hurdles. But trust me, every challenge is just an opportunity to level up your skills. Let’s tackle some common sticking points and get you gliding smoothly.
Dealing with the Fear of Falling
This is probably the biggest mental block for most beginners, especially when trying backward moves. That little voice in your head whispering about crashing? Totally normal.
- Wear Your Gear, Seriously: We’ve talked about it, but it bears repeating. When you know you’re protected, that fear starts to shrink. Helmets, wrist guards, knee, and elbow pads are your best friends. Knowing that a fall won’t result in a trip to the emergency room builds immense confidence.
- Practice Falling: Yes, I said it again! Dedicate a few minutes of each session to intentionally practicing safe falls in a controlled environment. The more you practice falling safely, the less scary it becomes.
- Start Small: Don’t aim for complex moves right away. Master a tiny backward glide, then a slightly longer one. Build up gradually. Your brain needs time to adjust to moving backward.
Overcoming Coordination Difficulties
Rexing involves a lot of footwork and body control that might feel unnatural at first.
- Break It Down: Don’t try to learn a whole sequence at once. Focus on one small part of a move – like just the weight shift for a duck walk, or the cross-over for a grapevine. Once you’ve got that micro-movement, string it together with the next.
- Mirror, Mirror: If you’re practicing at home, try watching videos of rexing and mimicking the movements in front of a mirror without skates, at first!. This helps your brain and body connect.
- Slow Motion is Your Friend: Practice the movements incredibly slowly. This allows your muscles to learn the pattern and helps you refine your balance at each point of the movement.
Skate Maintenance Woes
Sometimes, it’s not you, it’s your skates! Poorly maintained skates can make everything feel harder and even be unsafe. Powering Up Your Rexing Dash Cam: The Ultimate Charger Guide
- Check Those Bolts: Regularly check all the bolts on your skates – especially the trucks and toe stops. Loose bolts can make your skates feel wobbly and unresponsive, increasing your risk of a fall.
- Clean Your Bearings: Gritty, dirty bearings will slow you down and make your wheels drag. Learning how to clean and lubricate them it’s easier than you think! will give you a smoother, faster, and more enjoyable ride.
- Right Wheels for the Ride: Are you skating indoors or outdoors? Different surfaces need different wheel hardness durometer. Softer wheels for rough outdoor surfaces, harder wheels for smooth indoor rinks. Using the wrong wheels can make gripping or gliding difficult and frustrating.
Choosing Safe Skating Environments
Where you skate makes a huge difference, especially when you’re learning something new.
- Smooth and Flat is Key: For beginners, opt for smooth, flat surfaces like roller rinks, empty tennis or basketball courts, or designated skate parks.
- Avoid Hazards: Stay away from areas with uneven surfaces, cracks, heavy pedestrian or vehicle traffic, or lots of obstacles. These are accidents waiting to happen and will only frustrate your learning process.
Remember, every skater has been a beginner. With persistence, the right approach, and a focus on safety, you’ll be gliding past these challenges and nailing those rexing moves in no time!
Building Your Rexing Community or Finding One!
Roller skating, at its heart, is a social activity. While practicing solo is important, being part of a skating community can totally transform your experience, especially when you’re into a niche style like rexing. It’s a fantastic way to find motivation, learn new tricks, and just have a blast with like-minded people.
Here’s how you can find or foster your own rexing crew: Rexing M3 3 Channel: Your Ultimate Guide to a Safer Drive
- Hit Up Local Roller Rinks: This is often the best starting point. Local rinks are bustling hubs of skating activity, with open sessions and themed nights. Many rinks, especially those with a long history, might even have regulars who are familiar with rexing or similar backward dance styles. Go frequently, and you’ll start recognizing faces and they’ll start recognizing you. Don’t be shy to say hello!
- Seek Out Skate Shops: Your local skate shop isn’t just a place to buy gear. it’s a treasure trove of local skate knowledge. The staff and owners often know about local skate groups, meetups, or events. They might even have community boards or social media pages dedicated to connecting skaters.
- Scan Social Media and Online Forums: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook groups, and Reddit like r/Rollerskating are goldmines for finding local communities. Search for “roller skating ,” “rexing ,” or “jam skating .” Many groups organize meetups through these channels. You might even find dedicated rexing groups that are trying to keep the style alive!
- Attend Skate Events and Meetups: Keep an eye out for any organized skate events in your area. These could be anything from casual park meetups to themed rink nights or even small competitions. Showing up to these events is a direct way to meet people who share your passion. Many communities welcome skaters of all levels and styles, emphasizing inclusivity.
- Start Your Own Group If You Can’t Find One!: If rexing isn’t a big thing in your area yet, why not be the one to kickstart it?
- Pick a Consistent Time and Place: Find a safe, smooth spot – maybe an empty court at a local park or a specific session at a rink – and commit to being there regularly. Consistency is key for attracting others.
- Bring Podcast: A good portable Bluetooth speaker with some classic rexing tracks or anything with a good, steady beat! can make all the difference.
- Spread the Word: Use social media to announce your meetups. A simple post saying “Practicing rexing moves at every at ! All skill levels welcome!” can do wonders.
- Be Welcoming: When new people show up, make them feel included. Offer tips, share your enthusiasm, and create a positive, supportive vibe.
The beauty of roller skating communities, especially for styles like rexing, is their inclusivity. People of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels come together, united by their love for skating. It’s not just about the moves. it’s about the shared experiences, the encouragement, and the friendships that form on and off the rink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “rexing” mean in roller skating?
“Rexing” refers to a specific, classic style of backward roller skating, typically done on quad skates. It originated in Southern California in the mid-20th century and involves intricate footwork, dance-like step patterns such as figure 8s, duck walks, and grapevines, performed backward in an hourglass pattern on the skate floor, often to rhythmic podcast.
Is rexing the same as jam skating or shuffle skating?
While rexing, jam skating, and shuffle skating all involve rhythmic footwork and often backward motion, classic rexing is a distinct style with specific step patterns and an hourglass floor formation. However, the term “rexing” is sometimes used interchangeably with jam or shuffle skating in different regions, particularly on the West Coast, which can cause some confusion.
What kind of skates do you need for rexing?
Rexing is primarily performed on quad roller skates. The design of quad skates, with their two-by-two wheel configuration, allows for the precise edge work and intricate foot movements required for rexing patterns like the figure 8 and spot rexing. While some backward movements are possible on inline skates, many traditional rexing steps are difficult or impossible on them. Your Ultimate Guide to the Rexing V3 Plus Dash Cam: Front and Cabin Coverage for Peace of Mind
What are the main risks of roller skating, especially when trying rexing?
The main risks of roller skating include wrist fractures and sprains, ankle sprains and fractures, and head injuries or concussions. Minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises are also common. These risks are heightened when trying new, complex moves like rexing, especially if proper protective gear is not worn or safe skating environments are not chosen.
What protective gear is essential for rexing roller skating?
Essential protective gear for rexing roller skating includes a properly fitting helmet to protect against head injuries, wrist guards to prevent wrist fractures and sprains, and knee pads and elbow pads to cushion impacts during falls. Additionally, gloves can protect your hands from scrapes. Wearing protective gear significantly reduces the risk and severity of injuries.
How can I get better at rexing?
To get better at rexing, focus on mastering basic backward gliding and balance first, always with bent knees and an engaged core. Practice the foundational figure 8 pattern and then slowly integrate specific rexing steps like the backward duck walk and grapevine. Practice falling safely, listen to rhythmic podcast to help with timing, and consider joining a local skate community or finding experienced skaters who can offer tips. Consistent practice and patience are key!
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