Sit on the edge of a chair or bench, with your legs bent and hanging down freely. Place a pillow or towel under your right knee to raise it slightly and absorb pressure. Slowly lift your right leg, straightening it as you lift, but not quite as far as a fully locked knee position. Do 8 to 15 reps, then switch legs. But whether you were renting them for an afternoon or shelling out over 200 bucks for your very own pair, you may not have taken the time to get proper instruction.
Most guys just go out there and roll around, trying to teach themselves.
If you're strapping on blades for the first time, the smart thing to do is to get a lesson. Your local skate shop should have a listing of upcoming lessons and workshops. Pick ones led by instructors who are accredited by the International In-Line Skating Association, he says. Meanwhile, here are a few basic tips to keep you looking dignified from the first time you strap on the skates. Take a fall.