FITness COLUMN: Skating Rink/Eatery Poised To Roll Into East Village

JULY 23, 2009 -- Calling all retro-roller-skating stars. It’s nearly time to start burnin’ down the house with your slick set of quads and white lace-up boots with sparkly pink wheels.

East Village is soon to be the new home of Homies Cinnamon Roller Restaurant. It’s at 10th and J Street, and owned by Harold Rose, (“Butch” as he’s known to his homies). Patrons can smack down one of his delicious cinnamon rolls, pop on their skates and immediately burn off those tasty calories—while jammin’ out to tunes played by a live DJ.

Homies plans to open its doors on August 29^th, in conjunction with Street Scene.

For exercise, roller skating rocks. It’s a complete and fun aerobic workout. You can burn about 350 calories if you skate moderately (6 mph) or if you really get your game on and pump it up to 10 mph, you can boost the burn to up to 600 calories an hour.

You can also experience outstanding aerobic benefits without pounding your joints. It’s less stressful on your knees. Roller skating really hones in on your legs by using natural and smooth side-to-side movements that exercise your adductor (inner thigh) and abductor (outer thigh) muscles.  It also requires a strong core, and back muscles, so you can get down into a lower, more aerodynamic posture to increase your speed.

If you’re just lacing up for the nostalgia of it all and want to have a little fun, join Homies Hip Hop Roller Class and learn some cool dance moves to incorporate into your laps. Why just cruise around the rink in circles when you can roll in style to the rhythm of the music? Besides, you’ll need some fresh moves when it’s time for the “couple skate.” (Ahhh, the adolescent make-out memories.)

Homies will also have an outdoor pet café, so your best little furry friend can tag along as you quietly hum “Xanadu,” and realize your roller skating dreams have come true in downtown San Diego.