Top 5 Sports to Support Your Roller Derby

Roller derby is by far the greatest sport in the world (in our totally objective view), but improving your game isn't all about time on skates. Great roller derby involves stamina, strength, agility and reflexes, all of which can be honed by additional sports or off-skates workouts.

If you're looking for a sport to support your roller derby, here are our top 5 picks.

1. Cycling

A favourite for world-class skater Stefanie Mainey, who says she cycles an average of 80 miles a week, cycling is a great way to improve your cardio and work out your legs and glutes. Try cycling through a city to work on those all-important jamming skills, as you dodge and weave your way through a pack of heavy traffic.*

*Please don't do this. We are definitely joking, and much prefer our readers unsquished. Safety is sexy!

2. Fencing

Want to practice a good low stance, excellent balance and quick footwork? Why not give fencing a go! This fast-paced sport is great for conditioning your lower body and core, whilst the challenging footwork helps improve your jukey jamming.

3. Dance

Another great workout for overall fitness and sharpening up your footwork, dance classes may also help you bust a move or two on team socials.

4. Yoga

A great way to practice your controlled breathing and to improve your core, yoga is calming and conditioning. If you're a little hot-headed on track, yoga may also help you unwind, allowing you to maintain a cool, collected appearance on track.

You don't have to pull this face when you run. But it helps!

5. Running

Perfect for pacing, breath control and improving your endurance, running is a versatile sport that can help improve your game. Try interval training by alternating short bursts of sprinting with longer periods of jogging to help improve short-term endurance, or go for a long run to practice your pacing and thigh-burn tolerance.