Archives for September 2015

Improperly fitting roller skates can be extremely frustrating, and if you are a beginner, it can bend that learning curve even more than it already was. But a skate that doesn’t fit quite right, doesn’t always mean that you selected the wrong size for your foot. While this is a very definite possibility, you may also just need to simply adjust the laces.  Like skates, feet come in all different shapes and sizes, and sometimes minor tweaks need to be made. Roller Kingdom located in Tyngsboro and Hudson, MA wants to see everyone in our rink having nothing less than a great time! So, follow these lacing tips if you are someone who is struggling with this.

• High Arches? If you have really high arches that cause the tops of your feet to be raised a little higher than most, relieve that pressure. Roller skates are supposed to be a little snug, but not uncomfortable.
• Is your heel slipping? If this is you, and you have been fitted for skates by someone who is knowledgable, try this lacing technique that will help alleviate this issue.
• Toe problems? Let’s raise them up a bit! This particular lacing method will help to alleviate hammer toes, toe corn, nail problems and any other painful toes issues you might experience with your toes.

Join us at our rink! Check out our schedules in Tyngsboro and Hudson, and plan your next visit!

Photo Credit: Flickr Photo via Blue Mountains Local Studies

A world without roller skating… It’s difficult to think of now, but at one point in time, the terms “roller rink” and “roller skates” had no meaning. So where did it get its start? Roller skating has a long and rich history with many innovations and occurrences along the way that brought us to what we know and love today. Dating back to the 1700’s it can be difficult for the curious to search through and find all of the high points. So, Roller Kingdom, located in Hudson and Tyngsboro, MA, has compiled an easy-to-follow timeline of roller skating highlights from the beginning to today!

Roller Skating Timeline

• 1743: This is the first ever recorded account of anyone using anything like roller skates. These first skates were used in a London stage performance, and the inventor is unknown.
• 1760: The first roller skates are invented! Though the first account was in the stage performance, this is the first ever actual invention of what we know today. These skates were actually inline, believe it or not, and had small metal wheels. The inventor was John Joseph Merlin.
• 1819: First patented roller skate design, in France by M. Petitbled. These skates are more similar to what we know today. It was very difficult to maneuver in this early design, and was difficult to do much else but move in a straight line.
• 1857: Roller skating has finally gained enough popularity by this point and has warranted the opening of the first public rinks! They were held at The Strand in London and Floral Hall.
• 1863: The quad roller skate makes its first appearance. Designed by James Leonard Plimpton in New York City, this model of roller skate made it easier for the skater to turn.
• 1880: Roller skates are beginning to be mass produced in America, and is experiencing a boom in popularity.
• 1902: The Chicago Coliseum opens a public skating rink, and more than 7,000 people attend the grand opening.
• 1916: The first appearance of roller skates on the big screen is in the Charlie Chaplain film, “The Rink.”
• 1979: Scott Olson and Brennan Olson set out to redesign the skate by using a 1960’s inline skate design and using modern materials and an ice hockey boot. Scott Olson begins promoting the skate, and creates Rollerblade, Inc.
• Adjustments to the skates are made over the course of the next decades, and with a bit of tweaking and honing, we have arrived at what we have today!

School is out for the day, and your kid has nothing to do. This is usually about the time those video game consoles begin calling your child’s name. Next thing you know, hours have passed and it’s time for bed. Finding a fun after school activity that competes with the video games can be difficult. We have a solution for you though. Take them roller skating! Grabbing some rink time is a perfect alternative to video games and binge watching television. Here’s is why you should make Roller Kingdom your next after school destination!

Reasons Roller Skating is a Great After School Activity

1. Great Exercise – Instead of being sedentary on the couch, let’s get up and get active! Roller skating is recommended by the American Heart Association as a great aerobic activity.
2. It’s Fun – Though most don’t think of exercise as being fun, roller skating is the perfect mix of both!
3. Affordable – You might be thinking “This all sounds great so far, but isn’t it expensive?” No! Going to the rink is a very affordable and fun outing. This enjoyable evening out won’t break the bank!
4. Social – Roller skating is a great way for your child to see current friends and make new ones! If you have made a recent move, hitting the rink might be a great way for your child to meet new friends!
5. Better Brain for School – Studies have shown that regular exercise is a great way to boost the brain’s cognitive function. Regular roller skating could lead to better school performance!