What is Nordic Walking?
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History: Nordic Walking is one of the fastest growing recreational fitness sports in the world and has its roots already in the early 1930 in Finland as an off season training method for competitive crosscountry skiers. Development of Nordic Walking to its present form as a recreational physical activity for all started in early 1980 in Finland and in 1997 the first official Nordic Walker poles were introduced to the public. The estimated population of Nordic Walkers is now over 7 million.
What is Nordic Walking? Nordic Walking is the revolutionary full body workout that you can do anywhere. You can work the upper body whilst you're walking by using specially designed Nordic Walking poles. It's an enjoyable way of getting fit and gives walking a new sense of purpose.
Benefits of Nordic Walking
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One of the most effective activities for burning calories and building cardio-vascular fitness is cross-country skiing because both large upper and lower body muscles are fully engaged. Imagine learning a technique, for all fitness levels, where you can achieve similar benefits year round, without snow, and without increased perceived exertion! Nordic Walking is regular walking made up to 40% more effective by the use of specifically designed Nordic Walker® poles.
Benefits of Nordic Walking compared to regular walking:
- Burns up to 46% more calories
- Can reach the same intensity as running without the high impact
- Strengthens your upper body: stomach, chest, back and arms
- Reduces the stress on the lower limb joints
- Relieves tension in the neck and shoulder areas
- Poles provide stability
- Gives a walk a sense of purpose
- Enhances mood
- More Fun!
Who is Nordic Walking suitable for?
Nordic Walking is great for individuals who:
- Are ex-runners wanting to achieve the same intensity as running, but without the high impact on the joints
- Need to increase caloric expenditure but have walking speed limitations
- Need to lose weight for health benefits
- Need to put less stress on their joints
- Need motivation to increase their physical activity
- Need stability when walking
- Have orthopedic problems
- Are athletes recovering from injury
- Are athletes seeking cross training activities
- Nearly everyone! If you're unsure whether you're able to Nordic Walk, contact Catherine for advice
So, what does Nordic Walking look like?
Click on the image to view an animation
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© Midlands Nordic Walking |