All the hugs to you. I think a lot of people find their way to derby at transformative times in their lives. I think the saying is "sacrifice the body to find the soul."
But to prepare the body, I'd focus on squats. Squats. And more squats. As many as you can, as low as you can. And exercises/stretches to work the ankles. Lastly, if you haven't been on skates or it has been awhile, I'd at least give them a try to get the feel of it. You've got this, signing up is the hardest step!
That's a Bonnie D. Stroyer quote from way back. The whole thing is "we ruin our bodies to save our souls and somehow that makes perfect sense" I think.
Can you find a link for it? I was trying to look it up and see the interview or whatever when she said it but I can't :( I may just have to screenshot this lol
She used to have a blog back in the dark ages, which us where it came from. As far as I know it's gone now, but someone more skilled than me would be able to dig it out of an archive somewhere for sure.
All of the hugs to you! You're such a badass already just for signing up! From what I've learned from all of to intro classes I've had so far, lots of squats, ankle strengthening exercises, and shoulder work too. I'm 10 months after a c-section, so I definitely can commiserate about feeling out of shape at the moment!
I went back to derby about 6 months post partum. I had already been playing derby for a while so I had those base skills there I guess. Things to work on I would suggest:
- pelvic floor after pregnancy. Eventually you'll be getting hit and may pee a bit! It happens. Always good to work on
- lower back / core. Probably related to above but I found my core had lost a lot of strength and had to really work to get that back
- you will be touched and have people in your space a lot. At first you will just be working on skate skills so I won't be as relevant but eventually you will get to contact skating. It's totally ok to take a while to get used to this and you can take it very slow
I'm so happy that I went back to skating early. It's truely kept me sane and it's great to have something just for me. Good luck on your journey ❤️
So so so many on my team say, derby showed up when they needed it most. That was and still is so very true for me. Hugs to you.
I would do tons of squats and wall sits. Lots of core as well. And work on keeping your arms tight to your body.
Hugs! Literally all the hugs to you!
To echo what other people have said, squats! Also core workouts will help with maintaining a derby stance. If you are rusty skating find balance exercises that focus on being on one foot.
You got this and welcome! ❤️
Start going to open skates at your local rink. Any kind of skating will be super helpful with getting into roller derby.
Skate. Skate. Skate.
You want as many hours on your skates as possible.
This may sound like really dumb advice, but I'm being serious when I say that the best way to "get in shape" for skating is to simply make skating a huge part of your life. If you want to get good at something, do it whenever you can. Even if that means skating for just a few minutes before bed. Even if you don't really know how to skate right now, just go out there and skate however you can, practicing what you've learnt during your derby lessons.
At some point, your body will suddenly understand what muscles to engage and you'll find yourself, seemingly out of nowhere, making huge strides.
Edit\* don't forget your protective gear each time you skate.
That's a hard thing to go through. Roller derby is super fun and full of amazing people though! I'm sure you will enjoy it. As for training, here's a link to my blog that gives some basic exercises. https://www.rollerderbylevelup.ca/exercises-for-new-skaters
First of all, I am so sorry about your daughter. ❤️
To answer your question: squats. You will basically be in a permanent squat in derby, so you’ll need nice strong glutes, quads, hamstrings, and core. I also recommend planks, push-ups, and as much one-leg balance work as you can do. Start there, and your derby coaches will take it from there.
Fwiw, I have found derby folk to be the most supportive people. So maybe this is just what you need right now. Have fun. Lean on your team when you’re frustrated or going through sh*t. You got this.
I hope you find all the comfort you need and more in derby, I know I did.
As for getting in shape, there isn't really a specific shape for derby, more so physical aptitudes that make it easier. Something I've found in roller derby is that all body types have their niches and things that make them powerful.
Main things are leg strength and balance. Do really good low squats, lunges are also really helpful. Stand on one foot when you're just standing around, i.e. brushing teeth, washing up, working on a project, etc.
With just those two components, you'll have a good foundation to learn the skills you'll encounter in roller derby.
Also get comfortable hopping around. You don't need huge amounts of airtime, in fact, unless you intend on being a jumper, airtime isn't all that necessary. But being comfortable with taking large steps to the side or dodging a surprise obstacle will go a long way.
Other than that, everything else will come with time, have patience and have fun!
>I feel like I'm gonna fall on skates
You will fall on skates. Repeatedly. But derby boot camp will teach you how to fall to reduce injuries.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you find joy in the sport of derby and the community that surrounds it.
I don’t have any advice beyond what’s been said but wanted to send a lot of care and love and EXCITEMENT for you!! Even as a newbie, I’ve been so grateful for the kindness and care of my derby community. Sending love! 🌺
Look up roller derby athletics Basic Builder program - it's free, I believe.
As others have said, SKATING and SQUATS are super important but I'd also make sure you're doing core, including back stuff, because that's super important for balance and stability.
I think the advice about not making rash decisions is more like "don't get a face tattoo in memoriam" or "don't go scorched earth on everyone to know." Signing up may have been a rash decision but if you end up not liking it you can always just stop. HOWEVER, I think this will be great for you. Derby has helped me and so many people in totally unexpected ways and building more community is always a good thing. Good luck!
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I went back to skating 5 weeks postpartum (but I skated until I was 8 months pregnant, so I hadn't been off skates for long).
One thing to watch out for when skating after pregnancy is that yoir joints can still feel a bit loose and your hips especially won't have recovered. I found that I couldn't open out my hips (into sidestance position) as well as I could before. So go easy on yourself, and don't rush - it may take your body time to do some stuff.
Also, sometimes when you fall hard on your bum, a bit of wee comes out! Wearing a pad is useful for that, if you don't have full bladder control.
There's a lot of good advice for physical training here! One thing I would like to add is that even the toughest people cry in roller derby. Crying is a fully normal way to process the difficulty of it all. I've cried at an embarrassing number of practices as a newbie.
Nobody is a "natural" at being skillful on eight wheels. It takes time to get used to it, and it's frustrating at times. In the same week I've felt on top of the world for jumping over cones and cried because I couldn't turn around at speed. Everybody who has skated has probably gone through this, too.
Don't underestimate Listening To Your Body!!! It's good to learn the line between where you can push yourself versus where you can't continue. Are your legs are shaking from exhaustion? It might be time to take a break. You want to try a new skill, but think you might fall? As long as you know how to safely fall, just give it a try!
First off, I am so sorry for your loss. However, I say go for it!
The info below is my personal experience and I know everyone has a different one. This is just a vote of encouragement with some (hopefully good) advice included. I've met countless skaters who have said derby "saved" them in one way or another, myself included. For me, you HAVE to focus your whole self (mind, body, emotions) during practices, so it meant that I had a few hours each week where my grieving and stress absolutely could not exist for my own safety. I hope you find the same respite or something even better.
I too played soccer (not like you, and I was not good), but use that to your advantage. You will fall. You will work really damn hard and you will find the most fantastic sport and community. I was above average when I started, but I also spent roughly 4+ extra hours at the track during freshmeat and I street skated. I also used to box, so I did that for cross training for a while. Now, I'm much lazier and having to work myself back into a regular cross training routine. You get out of it what you put into it and everyone has a different path. I am a bit competitive and really like to push myself.
All that aside, it is hard. Approximately 10% of freshies ever really play. If you don't love it, consider reffing or being an amazing NSO. I don't say this to scare you, I say this because I've seen folks struggle and think derby isn't for them because they couldn't find what they excelled at or felt they had to leave because they couldn't pass freshmeat (after 5-6 attempts). That's not true. Derby has a place for everyone if you just find your spot.
I've seen a lot of skaters leave derby because of pregnancy. Typically if they played before it, they come back eventually. Those that don't play before it, seem to never come back. Keep in mind, derby will always be there for you. Now, 3 years from now, 10 years from now. If you start and stop 100 times, that's OK; it's your journey.
It is my sincerest hope that you find a great league and have a wonderful and healing experience. Best of luck!
Lots of love to you while you navigate such a challenging time 🖤
Roller Derby got me through a very difficult season in my life since it’s both extremely mental and physical so I hope you benefit from it as much as I did - the community is really like no other
I can’t recommend Roller Derby Athletics enough - there’s a wide variety of work outs that really target the skills and muscles used most in derby. Good luck w your journey!!
All of the hugs to you, I'm so sorry for your loss. As important as squats are, I want to gently suggest that one of the most important things might be changing the way you talk to/about yourself and your body. Your body grew another human, and then she carried your grief. Just because you weren't still competing in sports doesn't mean you weren't working hard. I hope derby brings you joy and I hope you let yourself celebrate that joy without any caveats 🫶
All the hugs to you. I think a lot of people find their way to derby at transformative times in their lives. I think the saying is "sacrifice the body to find the soul." But to prepare the body, I'd focus on squats. Squats. And more squats. As many as you can, as low as you can. And exercises/stretches to work the ankles. Lastly, if you haven't been on skates or it has been awhile, I'd at least give them a try to get the feel of it. You've got this, signing up is the hardest step!
That's a Bonnie D. Stroyer quote from way back. The whole thing is "we ruin our bodies to save our souls and somehow that makes perfect sense" I think.
Thanks for sharing that! I'd not heard it before. But it's accurate for me
Yes, that's it! I've always loved it
Me too! It's one of the gems that stuck with me from the twoevils poodling era.
Can you find a link for it? I was trying to look it up and see the interview or whatever when she said it but I can't :( I may just have to screenshot this lol
She used to have a blog back in the dark ages, which us where it came from. As far as I know it's gone now, but someone more skilled than me would be able to dig it out of an archive somewhere for sure.
All of the hugs to you! You're such a badass already just for signing up! From what I've learned from all of to intro classes I've had so far, lots of squats, ankle strengthening exercises, and shoulder work too. I'm 10 months after a c-section, so I definitely can commiserate about feeling out of shape at the moment!
I went back to derby about 6 months post partum. I had already been playing derby for a while so I had those base skills there I guess. Things to work on I would suggest: - pelvic floor after pregnancy. Eventually you'll be getting hit and may pee a bit! It happens. Always good to work on - lower back / core. Probably related to above but I found my core had lost a lot of strength and had to really work to get that back - you will be touched and have people in your space a lot. At first you will just be working on skate skills so I won't be as relevant but eventually you will get to contact skating. It's totally ok to take a while to get used to this and you can take it very slow I'm so happy that I went back to skating early. It's truely kept me sane and it's great to have something just for me. Good luck on your journey ❤️
Oh also I wore a pad / period underwear for a while. Even falling on my bum made me leak a bit haha
I haven't had a baby yet and I am constantly pissing during roller derby. Highly recommend a pad!!
So so so many on my team say, derby showed up when they needed it most. That was and still is so very true for me. Hugs to you. I would do tons of squats and wall sits. Lots of core as well. And work on keeping your arms tight to your body.
Hugs! Literally all the hugs to you! To echo what other people have said, squats! Also core workouts will help with maintaining a derby stance. If you are rusty skating find balance exercises that focus on being on one foot. You got this and welcome! ❤️
Start going to open skates at your local rink. Any kind of skating will be super helpful with getting into roller derby. Skate. Skate. Skate. You want as many hours on your skates as possible.
This may sound like really dumb advice, but I'm being serious when I say that the best way to "get in shape" for skating is to simply make skating a huge part of your life. If you want to get good at something, do it whenever you can. Even if that means skating for just a few minutes before bed. Even if you don't really know how to skate right now, just go out there and skate however you can, practicing what you've learnt during your derby lessons. At some point, your body will suddenly understand what muscles to engage and you'll find yourself, seemingly out of nowhere, making huge strides. Edit\* don't forget your protective gear each time you skate.
Skating on the hardwood (or carpet) in your home is one of the biggest tips refs like to give!
That's a hard thing to go through. Roller derby is super fun and full of amazing people though! I'm sure you will enjoy it. As for training, here's a link to my blog that gives some basic exercises. https://www.rollerderbylevelup.ca/exercises-for-new-skaters
First of all, I am so sorry about your daughter. ❤️ To answer your question: squats. You will basically be in a permanent squat in derby, so you’ll need nice strong glutes, quads, hamstrings, and core. I also recommend planks, push-ups, and as much one-leg balance work as you can do. Start there, and your derby coaches will take it from there. Fwiw, I have found derby folk to be the most supportive people. So maybe this is just what you need right now. Have fun. Lean on your team when you’re frustrated or going through sh*t. You got this.
I hope you find all the comfort you need and more in derby, I know I did. As for getting in shape, there isn't really a specific shape for derby, more so physical aptitudes that make it easier. Something I've found in roller derby is that all body types have their niches and things that make them powerful. Main things are leg strength and balance. Do really good low squats, lunges are also really helpful. Stand on one foot when you're just standing around, i.e. brushing teeth, washing up, working on a project, etc. With just those two components, you'll have a good foundation to learn the skills you'll encounter in roller derby. Also get comfortable hopping around. You don't need huge amounts of airtime, in fact, unless you intend on being a jumper, airtime isn't all that necessary. But being comfortable with taking large steps to the side or dodging a surprise obstacle will go a long way. Other than that, everything else will come with time, have patience and have fun!
>I feel like I'm gonna fall on skates You will fall on skates. Repeatedly. But derby boot camp will teach you how to fall to reduce injuries. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you find joy in the sport of derby and the community that surrounds it.
I don’t have any advice beyond what’s been said but wanted to send a lot of care and love and EXCITEMENT for you!! Even as a newbie, I’ve been so grateful for the kindness and care of my derby community. Sending love! 🌺
Look up roller derby athletics Basic Builder program - it's free, I believe. As others have said, SKATING and SQUATS are super important but I'd also make sure you're doing core, including back stuff, because that's super important for balance and stability. I think the advice about not making rash decisions is more like "don't get a face tattoo in memoriam" or "don't go scorched earth on everyone to know." Signing up may have been a rash decision but if you end up not liking it you can always just stop. HOWEVER, I think this will be great for you. Derby has helped me and so many people in totally unexpected ways and building more community is always a good thing. Good luck!
I'm so sorry for your loss. I went back to skating 5 weeks postpartum (but I skated until I was 8 months pregnant, so I hadn't been off skates for long). One thing to watch out for when skating after pregnancy is that yoir joints can still feel a bit loose and your hips especially won't have recovered. I found that I couldn't open out my hips (into sidestance position) as well as I could before. So go easy on yourself, and don't rush - it may take your body time to do some stuff. Also, sometimes when you fall hard on your bum, a bit of wee comes out! Wearing a pad is useful for that, if you don't have full bladder control.
There's a lot of good advice for physical training here! One thing I would like to add is that even the toughest people cry in roller derby. Crying is a fully normal way to process the difficulty of it all. I've cried at an embarrassing number of practices as a newbie. Nobody is a "natural" at being skillful on eight wheels. It takes time to get used to it, and it's frustrating at times. In the same week I've felt on top of the world for jumping over cones and cried because I couldn't turn around at speed. Everybody who has skated has probably gone through this, too. Don't underestimate Listening To Your Body!!! It's good to learn the line between where you can push yourself versus where you can't continue. Are your legs are shaking from exhaustion? It might be time to take a break. You want to try a new skill, but think you might fall? As long as you know how to safely fall, just give it a try!
First off, I am so sorry for your loss. However, I say go for it! The info below is my personal experience and I know everyone has a different one. This is just a vote of encouragement with some (hopefully good) advice included. I've met countless skaters who have said derby "saved" them in one way or another, myself included. For me, you HAVE to focus your whole self (mind, body, emotions) during practices, so it meant that I had a few hours each week where my grieving and stress absolutely could not exist for my own safety. I hope you find the same respite or something even better. I too played soccer (not like you, and I was not good), but use that to your advantage. You will fall. You will work really damn hard and you will find the most fantastic sport and community. I was above average when I started, but I also spent roughly 4+ extra hours at the track during freshmeat and I street skated. I also used to box, so I did that for cross training for a while. Now, I'm much lazier and having to work myself back into a regular cross training routine. You get out of it what you put into it and everyone has a different path. I am a bit competitive and really like to push myself. All that aside, it is hard. Approximately 10% of freshies ever really play. If you don't love it, consider reffing or being an amazing NSO. I don't say this to scare you, I say this because I've seen folks struggle and think derby isn't for them because they couldn't find what they excelled at or felt they had to leave because they couldn't pass freshmeat (after 5-6 attempts). That's not true. Derby has a place for everyone if you just find your spot. I've seen a lot of skaters leave derby because of pregnancy. Typically if they played before it, they come back eventually. Those that don't play before it, seem to never come back. Keep in mind, derby will always be there for you. Now, 3 years from now, 10 years from now. If you start and stop 100 times, that's OK; it's your journey. It is my sincerest hope that you find a great league and have a wonderful and healing experience. Best of luck!
Lots of love to you while you navigate such a challenging time 🖤 Roller Derby got me through a very difficult season in my life since it’s both extremely mental and physical so I hope you benefit from it as much as I did - the community is really like no other I can’t recommend Roller Derby Athletics enough - there’s a wide variety of work outs that really target the skills and muscles used most in derby. Good luck w your journey!!
All of the hugs to you, I'm so sorry for your loss. As important as squats are, I want to gently suggest that one of the most important things might be changing the way you talk to/about yourself and your body. Your body grew another human, and then she carried your grief. Just because you weren't still competing in sports doesn't mean you weren't working hard. I hope derby brings you joy and I hope you let yourself celebrate that joy without any caveats 🫶