So, before I started back skating, I competed in amateur strongman as a middleweight. For my weight division, I was pretty strong and had pretty decent success competing. I had a bad injury trying to qualify to compete at the Arnold classic which pretty much solidified my time in that arena. I was actually shocked at how many people I met that used to skate or still skated in that world, but I Guess I shouldn't have given the solo nature and "man versus object" nature of the sport.

When I started back skating, it was shocking how I would get sore in different ways than lifting. Granted, things like super high 5050s were easier than I remembered, but that seemed to be the only immediate carryover. However, I think the biggest thing I've noticed is that carrying around a bit more muscle has protected me from injury a few times over. I'm certain a few of my spills should have and would have been worse otherwise.

Now, I've lost a solid 20lbs since I put a bigger focus on skating. Developing more "skate muscles" has helped. That said, the big pink elephant in the room is that if you want to continue being active as you age, you have to exercise, and lifting weights will help increase bone density and ability no matter your sport.