Struggling to find a unique roller skating style that really speaks to you? Maybe you’ve heard whispers of “rexing skating” and wondered what it’s all about. Well, you’re in the right place! Rexing skating isn’t just another roller skating trend. it’s a piece of roller rink history, a beautiful, intricate form of backward quad roller skating that emphasizes fluid movements and rhythmic footwork, often performed in a captivating hourglass or figure-eight pattern. It’s got deep roots in Southern California, dating back to the mid-20th century, and while it might not be as widely known today as some of its descendants like jam or rhythm skating, its legacy and elegance are undeniable.
This guide is your into the world of rexing roller skating. We’re going to explore what makes it special, where it came from, how you can start learning some of its iconic moves, and why this “old school” style still captivates skaters. You’ll learn about the gear you need, fundamental techniques, and even some advanced steps to truly master this classic art form. So, lace up those quad skates, because we’re about to roll back in time and uncover the joy of rexing!
What Exactly Is Rexing Skating? The Heart of the Rollerskate Dance Floor
If you’re into roller skating, you know there are so many styles out there, from aggressive park skating to elegant artistic routines. Rexing, though, holds a special spot. At its core, rexing roller skating is a unique style of backward skating performed on quad roller skates with continuous, flowing movements. Think of it as a blend of artistic skating and dance, where the skater glides backward, often tracing an hourglass or figure-eight pattern on the rink floor.
It’s not just about going backward. it’s about how you go backward. Rexing involves intricate footwork, a sequence of precise steps, slides, and turns that can feel a lot like ballroom or line dancing, but on wheels. The goal is to move smoothly and rhythmically, interpreting the podcast with grace and control.
You’ll often hear about two main types of rexing:
- Continuous Rexing: This is the broader style where skaters navigate the entire rink, maintaining a continuous backward flow, typically in an hourglass formation. It’s about covering ground while executing those elegant backward steps.
- Spot Rexing: This is where the real intricate magic happens. Spot rexing is performed within a smaller, designated area, often a 10-foot circle in the center of the rink. Here, skaters execute highly complex, detailed steps and turns, all while staying within that tight figure-eight pattern. Some of the classic moves you’d see in spot rexing include the time step, grapevine, duck walk, A-Spin, and Flat spin. It’s truly a spectacle of control and foot precision!
What makes rexing distinct is its emphasis on continuous backward motion and these specific patterns, which can sometimes lead to friendly “collisions” on a busy public session when other skaters aren’t aware of the rexers’ path. It’s a dedicated art form that requires a lot of practice and a deep connection to the rhythm.
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Rolling Back in Time: The Rich History of Rexing
The story of rexing skating is pretty fascinating and takes us back to the sunny shores of Southern California. This distinctive style first started gaining traction in San Diego during the late 1940s and 1950s. Imagine a time when roller rinks were a major social hub, and people were constantly inventing new ways to express themselves on skates. That’s where rexing was born.
It wasn’t long before rexing evolved beyond casual skating. Pioneers like Big Monty and Ginger Lewis were instrumental in organizing it into a competitive sport. They helped establish rules, techniques, and even competitive divisions for men’s singles, women’s singles, couples, and spot rexing. This led to the formation of the Associated Rexing Clubs ARC, a network of clubs across Southern California where members paid dues, practiced their moves, and competed at various rinks. It was a tight-knit community, with clubs even having their own bowling shirts and banners!
Initially, the soundtrack to rexing was quite unique: live organ podcast. But as generations changed, so did the podcast. By the late 1970s and 1980s, younger skaters pushed for more contemporary sounds, incorporating blues, rock, and later, popular 80s podcast into their routines. This shift sometimes caused friction with the “old timers” who preferred the traditional organ tunes, but the evolution was inevitable.
Unfortunately, the 1980s also saw a decline in many roller skating rinks across the U.S., which led to rexing fading from the mainstream. The specific hourglass patterns of rexing sometimes clashed with general session skaters, creating literal and figurative collisions on the floor. While it never quite achieved its goal of becoming an Olympic event, rexing’s influence can still be seen. Many modern roller disco and jam skating moves have roots in rexing. Today, while the term itself might be regionally debated – with some on the West Coast using “rexing” for shuffle skating, for instance – the original, intricate backward style lives on as “old school skating” in dedicated communities, cherished by those who are “still getting their roll on!”
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Gearing Up for Rexing: Your Essential Equipment
Before you even think about hitting the floor backward, you need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. Rexing, in its traditional form, is almost exclusively done on quad roller skates. Inline skates rollerblades can be used for some backward maneuvers, but the specific intricate footwork and stability required for true rexing patterns are best achieved with quad skates.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Your Rexing Skates Quad Skates
- Boots: Look for comfortable, supportive boots. Many rexers prefer a boot with good ankle support, similar to what you’d find in artistic skates, to help with stability during complex backward movements. Leather or synthetic leather boots are common.
- Plates: The plate connects your boot to your wheels and trucks. For rexing, you’ll want a sturdy, responsive plate that allows for precise movements. Aluminum plates are generally preferred for their durability and responsiveness.
- Trucks: These are part of the plate and allow your wheels to turn. Adjustable trucks are great for fine-tuning your maneuverability.
- Wheels: This is crucial! For indoor rink rexing, you’ll want wheels that offer a good balance of grip and slide. Softer wheels lower Durometer rating, e.g., 78A-88A provide more grip, which is good for beginners. Harder wheels higher Durometer, e.g., 90A-101A offer more slide, which advanced rexers use for specific moves. A common choice might be a medium-hard indoor wheel around 92A-97A to allow for both controlled movements and smooth slides.
- Bearings: Good quality bearings like ABEC-5 or higher ensure your wheels spin smoothly, allowing for effortless glides.
- Toe Stops/Plugs: Rexing involves a lot of agile footwork, so many rexers prefer small toe stops or even toe plugs that don’t get in the way of their movements, while still offering a quick stop if needed. Some artistic skaters remove them entirely.
Safety First: Protective Gear
While rexing looks graceful, falls can happen, especially when you’re learning backward. Don’t skip on safety!
- Helmet: Always wear a helmet, especially when practicing new moves or if there’s a risk of hitting your head.
- Knee Pads: Your knees are often the first point of contact in a fall. Good knee pads with hard caps are essential.
- Elbow Pads: Protect those elbows!
- Wrist Guards: These are incredibly important for protecting your wrists from sprains or fractures, as many falls instinctively lead to putting your hands out.
Comfortable Apparel
Choose clothing that allows for a full range of motion. Baggy pants might catch on your skates, so opt for something comfortable but not overly loose. Breathable fabrics are a good idea because you’ll definitely be working up a sweat!
Having the right gear will not only make your rexing journey safer but also more enjoyable and effective. Cracking the Code: How to Make Restaurant-Quality Eggs at Home
Learning the Ropes: Beginner Rexing Techniques
Alright, you’ve got your gear, you’re excited, and you’re ready to start rexing. Awesome! Just remember, rexing is a sophisticated style, so it builds on some fundamental roller skating skills, especially backward skating. If you’re not comfortable skating backward yet, that’s your first step.
Prerequisite: Backward Skating Basics
Before into rexing-specific patterns, make sure you’re comfortable with:
- Basic Backward Glide: Can you push off and glide backward smoothly for a few feet?
- Backward Scooting/Marches: Can you move backward by pushing your feet out in a “V” shape and bringing them back together, much like a backward penguin waddle?
- Controlled Stops: Knowing how to stop safely when going backward like a T-stop is crucial.
Step 1: Finding Your Balance and Stance
This might sound simple, but a good stance is the foundation of all skating, especially for intricate moves.
- Bend Your Knees: This is the golden rule of roller skating! Keep your knees soft and deeply bent. This lowers your center of gravity, making you more stable and ready to absorb any wobbles.
- Slight Forward Lean: A slight lean forward from your ankles, not your waist, helps maintain balance, especially when moving backward.
- Core Engagement: Keep your core muscles gently engaged. This helps with overall stability and control.
- Arm Position: Your arms can help with balance. Hold them out slightly to the sides, at about waist height, or in front of you.
Step 2: Mastering the Basic Backward Push
For continuous backward motion, you’ll need a steady push. Rexing Q28 Intercom: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Connected and Capturing Every Ride
- “V” Shape Push: Start with your feet in a slight “V” shape, toes pointing inward or just slightly apart. Push one foot out to the side and slightly back, transferring your weight to the other foot. Then bring the pushing foot back in and repeat with the other side. Think of it like a continuous, subtle backward scissor motion. The key is to keep your pushes smooth and consistent.
Step 3: Introducing the Hourglass/Figure-8 Pattern
This is where the “rexing” truly begins. The hourglass or figure-eight is the signature pattern.
- Start with Wide Circles Backward: Begin by skating backward in large, comfortable circles, focusing on smooth transitions.
- Gradually Tighten: As you get more confident, gradually make your circles tighter.
- Connect the Circles Hourglass: The hourglass pattern is essentially two connected circles. You’ll skate backward in one half-circle, then transition across the center to the other half-circle, forming a continuous “8.” The central point is where your paths cross.
- Use Your Edges: To make these turns smooth, you’ll need to learn to use the inside and outside edges of your wheels. As you turn backward, lean slightly into the turn and let your skates carve the curve.
- Focus on Flow: The goal is to make the transition between the two halves of the hourglass feel seamless and fluid.
Step 4: Simple Rexing Steps for Beginners
Once you’re comfortable with the basic backward flow and the hourglass pattern, you can start weaving in some foundational rexing steps.
- Figure 8: This is the most basic rexing pattern, essentially what we described above. Practicing it continuously, backward, is crucial.
- Duck Walk Backward: This involves alternating lifting your heels and toes while moving backward, creating a “waddling” motion that helps maintain backward momentum and adds style.
- Grapevine Backward: A backward grapevine on skates is similar to its dance counterpart. It involves crossing one foot behind the other while moving sideways and backward, creating a weaving pattern. This is a bit more advanced than the duck walk but a core rexing move.
Practice Makes Perfect!
- Consistency is Key: Rexing is about muscle memory and rhythm. Regular practice sessions will help you build confidence and fluidity.
- Watch and Learn: Look for old rexing roller skating videos online though they might be lower quality!. Seeing the masters can give you a better idea of the flow and timing.
- Find Your Rhythm: Rexing is deeply connected to podcast. Practice to a steady beat, even if it’s just a metronome, to help develop your internal timing.
- Patience: Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t click immediately. Every skater learns at their own pace. Embrace the falls as part of the learning process!
Taking it Further: Advanced Rexing Moves
Once you’ve got a handle on the fundamentals and you’re feeling pretty smooth with your backward hourglass, it’s time to explore the more intricate side of rexing. This is where the true artistry and technical skill really shine!
Diving into Spot Rexing
Spot rexing is a whole different beast, or should I say, a different dance. It’s about performing highly detailed, complex footwork within a very confined space, typically a 10-foot circle. The challenge is to maintain continuous backward motion and intricate patterns without leaving that small area. Think of it as a miniature dance routine on wheels. Getting Help with Your Rexing Dash Cam: Contact Numbers, Support, and More
Here are some advanced moves you’ll encounter in spot rexing:
- A-Spin: This is a classic spot rexing move where you execute a backward spin on one foot, bringing the other foot close to form an “A” shape with your legs, then reversing the spin. It demands excellent balance and edge control.
- Flat Spin: Unlike an A-spin that uses one foot, a flat spin often involves rotating on two feet with very tight control, keeping the skates relatively flat on the floor. It’s all about precise foot placement and core stability.
- More Complex Grapevine Variations: As you advance, the backward grapevine can become incredibly intricate, with more crosses, turns, and rhythm changes, often done in rapid succession.
- Time Step Variations: The time step involves rhythmic tapping and gliding, a staple in many dance forms. In rexing, it’s adapted to skates, requiring precise timing and foot articulation while moving backward.
- Cross-overs Backward: While you might learn forward crossovers early on, backward crossovers, especially when linking the halves of the hourglass or in tight spot rexing, require significant skill and confidence. They allow for powerful, fluid turns and maintain speed.
The Art of Couples Rexing
Rexing isn’t just a solo endeavor. it can also be a beautiful partner activity. Couples rexing involves two skaters performing synchronized backward routines, often in holds similar to ballroom dancing. The male partner is traditionally the “driver,” guiding the female partner, who focuses on coordinating her foot movements, incorporating cross-overs, rockers, and various steps. This style demands incredible communication, trust, and shared rhythm between partners.
The Power of Podcastality and Rhythm
At advanced levels, rexing is less about just “doing the steps” and more about interpreting the podcast. The podcast choices for rexing have evolved from organ podcast to blues, rock, and 80s boogie. To truly rex, you need to feel the beat, anticipate the changes, and let the podcast dictate the nuances of your movements. Speed, pauses, and the power of your pushes should all reflect the rhythm and mood of the song.
Continuous Learning
The beauty of rexing is that there’s always something new to learn or refine. Watch videos of old-school rexers like George Osario demonstrating “spot rexing numbers” to get inspiration for new steps. Seek out other experienced rexers if you can. many “old school skaters” are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Remember, the journey of mastery is continuous, and every practice session helps you become a more refined and expressive rexer.
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The Benefits of Lacing Up Your Rex Skates
Beyond the sheer fun and satisfaction of mastering a cool skill, getting into rexing skating brings a whole host of fantastic benefits for both your body and your mind. It’s truly a holistic workout disguised as a joyful activity!
Physical Perks:
- Cardiovascular Health: Just like jogging or cycling, rexing gets your heart pumping. Continuous backward skating, especially in those hourglass patterns, elevates your heart rate, strengthening your heart muscles and improving blood circulation. Regular sessions can boost your endurance and lung capacity.
- Muscle Strengthening and Endurance: You’ll definitely feel this one! Rexing is a full-body workout, with a strong emphasis on your lower body and core.
- Leg Muscles: Every push and glide works your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles.
- Glutes: The initial push-off and continuous engagement activate your glutes, helping with power and stability.
- Core Muscles: Maintaining balance and posture while skating backward constantly engages your core muscles abdominals, obliques, erector spinae, leading to improved stability and a stronger midsection.
- Upper Body: Even your arms get a workout as you use them for momentum and balance. Consistent skating builds muscle endurance, allowing you to skate longer without tiring.
- Enhanced Balance and Coordination: Skating backward, especially with intricate footwork and pattern changes, is a masterclass in balance and coordination. You’ll develop better stability, quicker reflexes, agility, and overall motor skills. This improved balance can even reduce the likelihood of everyday falls and injuries.
- Low-Impact Exercise: Unlike high-impact activities like running, rexing and roller skating in general is surprisingly gentle on your joints. The smooth, gliding motion minimizes stress on your knees and ankles, making it a great option for people of all ages or those with joint sensitivities.
- Calorie Burn and Weight Management: Want to burn some calories while having a blast? Rexing is an excellent way to do it. You can burn a significant number of calories per hour, making it an effective tool for weight management when combined with a balanced diet.
Mental & Emotional Benefits:
- Stress Reduction and Mood Boost: The rhythmic motion, the podcast, and the physical activity itself trigger the release of endorphins – those wonderful “feel-good” hormones. Rexing is a fantastic way to reduce stress, clear your head, and uplift your mood, contributing to overall happiness and mental well-being.
- Improved Focus and Cognitive Function: Concentrating on intricate footwork, maintaining balance, and navigating patterns all require significant mental focus. This can improve your concentration skills, reaction times, and even cognitive function.
- Boosted Confidence: Learning new skills, overcoming challenges, and mastering complex moves like a smooth spot rexing routine can be incredibly empowering. Each small victory on skates builds self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment that carries over into other areas of your life.
- Social Interaction: While you can practice rexing solo, roller rinks are often vibrant social spaces. You might find a community of like-minded skaters, especially those interested in old-school styles, leading to new friendships and shared experiences.
Rexing skating isn’t just an activity. it’s an investment in your physical and mental health, offering a unique and rewarding way to stay active and happy.
Staying Safe on the Rink and Beyond!
Safety should always be your number one priority, especially when you’re mastering a style as intricate as rexing, which involves a lot of backward motion. Here’s how you can keep yourself and those around you safe.
1. Always Wear Your Protective Gear
I know, I know, it might not look “cool,” but trust me, a helmet is a lot cooler than a concussion, and pads are way better than scrapes and fractures. Rexing p1 bodycam
- Helmet: Crucial for protecting your head.
- Knee Pads: Your knees are very vulnerable.
- Elbow Pads: Essential for protecting your elbows.
- Wrist Guards: These are often overlooked but critical, as it’s natural to put your hands out to break a fall.
Make sure your gear fits snugly but comfortably, allowing for full movement without being too loose or too tight.
2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Rexing involves specific patterns, often backward, which can make you less aware of what’s happening behind you.
- Scan Regularly: Even when focusing on your footwork, try to periodically check your periphery and glance over your shoulder, especially in a busy rink.
- Know the Flow: Understand the general direction of traffic in a rink. If you’re doing spot rexing in a designated center area, be mindful of others entering or exiting that space.
- Communicate: If you’re skating with a partner or in a group, use verbal cues or hand signals to alert each other to potential hazards.
3. Understand Rink Etiquette
Every rink has its unspoken rules, and sometimes formal ones.
- Designated Areas: If a rink has a specific area for dance, jam skating, or competitive practice, utilize it. Respect others’ space and their chosen style. Rexers historically had issues with other skaters getting in their way due to their unique patterns, so be extra considerate.
- Right of Way: Generally, faster skaters should yield to slower skaters, and those performing tricks might need more space.
- No Running/Sprinting: Avoid running or sprinting in areas not designated for speed skating.
4. Warm-Up and Cool-Down
Just like any physical activity, preparing your body is important to prevent injuries.
- Warm-Up: Spend 5-10 minutes with light cardio like brisk walking and dynamic stretches to get your muscles ready.
- Cool-Down: After your session, gentle static stretches can help improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness.
5. Start Slow and Progress Gradually
Don’t try to master the most complex rexing moves on your first day.
- Build Fundamentals: Solidify your basic backward skating and simple patterns before attempting advanced steps.
- Practice in Less Crowded Times: If possible, practice during quieter rink sessions when there’s more space to experiment and fall without impacting others.
By keeping these safety tips in mind, you can enjoy your rexing journey with confidence and peace of mind, making the rink a fun and safe space for everyone. What is a Dash Cam Parking Monitor?
Rexing Today and Its Enduring Legacy
While rexing skating might not be the household name that “roller disco” once was, its spirit and influence continue to roll on. In many ways, rexing represents a vital thread in the rich tapestry of roller skating history. It’s a reminder of a time when roller rinks were burgeoning cultural centers, especially in places like Southern California, where this elegant backward style truly took root.
Today, you might not hear “rexing” called out during every public skate session, but its essence often lives on under different names or as a foundational element in other styles. For many veteran skaters, it’s proudly referred to as “Old School Skating.” In some regions, particularly the Pacific Northwest, the term “rexing” has even evolved to describe broader categories of rhythmic or shuffle skating. This shows how skating styles, much like language, adapt and change over time and across different communities.
The intricate footwork, the emphasis on continuous backward motion, and the deep connection to podcast that defined rexing undeniably laid groundwork for later styles like rhythm skating and jam skating. When you see a jam skater gracefully weaving backward with complex steps, you’re witnessing the echoes of rexing’s past. The dedication to rhythm and smooth flow is a direct lineage.
The community of dedicated rexers, though smaller than in its heyday, remains passionate. There are still reunion events, particularly in Southern California, where older skaters gather to “get their roll on” and keep the traditions alive. These gatherings are a testament to the enduring joy and community that rexing fostered. Rexing V3 vs V5: Which Dash Cam Should YOU Buy in 2025?
So, while the competitive circuits of the Associated Rexing Clubs might be largely a thing of the past, the art of rexing continues to inspire. It teaches us about the evolution of dance on wheels, the importance of podcastality, and the sheer elegance of backward motion. For anyone looking to truly understand the history of roller skating or seeking a uniquely challenging and beautiful style to master, rexing offers a rich and rewarding path. It’s not just a skating technique. it’s a piece of living history, waiting for new generations to discover and carry forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of skates do you use for rexing?
Rexing is traditionally and almost exclusively performed on quad roller skates. While some backward maneuvers can be done on inline skates, the intricate footwork, stability, and specific edge control required for rexing’s signature hourglass and figure-eight patterns are best suited for quad skates.
Is rexing skating difficult to learn?
Rexing skating can be challenging, especially for beginners, because it requires strong foundational backward skating skills, balance, and coordination. The intricate footwork and continuous backward patterns demand patience and consistent practice. However, by breaking it down into basic steps and focusing on fundamentals, it becomes much more accessible and rewarding to learn.
Where did rexing roller skating originate?
Rexing roller skating originated in Southern California, specifically in San Diego, in the late 1940s to 1950s. It developed into an organized, competitive sport with clubs and dedicated skaters perfecting its unique backward dance style. What Exactly Is a Rexing Dash Cam?
What’s the difference between continuous rexing and spot rexing?
Continuous rexing involves skating backward in large, flowing hourglass patterns across the entire rink floor. Spot rexing, on the other hand, is a more intricate style performed within a small, designated area often a 10-foot circle, focusing on complex figure-eight patterns and detailed footwork like time steps, duck walks, and spins within that confined space.
What are some of the benefits of practicing rexing?
Rexing offers numerous physical and mental benefits. Physically, it’s a great cardiovascular workout, strengthens your legs, glutes, and core muscles, significantly improves balance and coordination, and is a low-impact exercise, making it gentle on joints. Mentally, it helps reduce stress, boosts mood and confidence, and enhances focus and concentration.
Is rexing still popular today?
Rexing is not as mainstream popular as it once was in the mid-20th century. However, it still exists within dedicated “old school skating” communities, particularly in Southern California. While the term might be used regionally to describe different styles of rhythmic skating, the traditional form of intricate backward artistic skating continues to be cherished by those who appreciate its history and unique challenge. Its influence can also be seen in modern jam and rhythm skating styles.
What kind of podcast is typically used for rexing?
The podcast for rexing has evolved over time. Historically, it began with live organ podcast. As the style developed and younger generations embraced it, the podcast shifted to include blues, rock, and eventually popular 80s boogie and dance tracks. Today, rexers might choose podcast with a strong, consistent beat that allows for rhythmic and expressive footwork.
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