Facts about Nordic walking

What is Nordic Walking Nordic Walking is fitness walking with specially designed Nordic Walker poles and it offers a very different, aerobic and easy way to improve one's physical condition irrespective of age, sex or physical condition.

History of Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking started in Finland in the early 1930`s, as an off season training method used by competitive cross-country skiers.

The development of Nordic Walking into its current form
of recreational physical activity for all started in Finland
in the early 1980`s.

Developments of Nordic Walking
The international Nordic Walking Association was established in 2002 and the activity was introduced globally.

By the end of 2004 the estimated population of Nordic Walkers reached 3.5 million. Nordic Walking is one of the fastest growing recreational fitness sports in the world

Trainers involved with rehabilitation were invited to think about possibilities to implement Nordic Walking into rehabilitation programs.


Three levels of Nordic Walking: Health, Fitness and Sport.

Irrespective of age or physical condition Nordic walking can be done by everyone who wants to work on his/her condition and wellbeing in the fresh air.

Walking with poles gives extra safety for elderly people with disequilibrium and in circumstances such as snow and ice. Further more, loss of weight can also be achieved by Nordic Walking regularly.

For people in good physical condition and athletes, Nordic Walking provides an extra element of challenge, effectiveness and variety to the training.


Health
The Health level is applicable for everyone with bodily restrictions it enables them to work on their health and condition at a low level of intensity in an enjoyable way.

When walking with the specially designed poles the joints are unburdened, leading to release of tension in the neck and shoulders, the spine is supported. For anyone with restrictions or complaints of the spine, hip joints, knees or ankles, Nordic Walking provides relief.

Because of the extra stability of the poles, complaints caused by excessive strain can be avoided or delayed. In the treatment of instability of the pelvis, whiplash, Repetitive Strain Injury and chronic back problems, experience has shown that Nordic Walking is a beneficial practice.

Similarly, cardiac patients, people with over weight, diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder and rheumatism have a perfect opportunity to improve their condition in Nordic Walking.

When Nordic walking you use your legs, your arms, the rear part of your shoulders, and your chest and back muscles. Using more muscles in Nordic Walking means on average you burn 20% more calories than in normal walking at the same walking speed

Current participants of local Health walk groups have expressed interest in Nordic Walking, and take up would encourage a more "brisk" element and more consideration to posture on the existing health walks.

Have you tried Nordic walking? Let us know your experiences in the comment box below