Nordic walking uses specifically designed poles to engage the upper body during fitness walking. Nordic walking was first used as a summer training method for cross-country skiers. The chief attraction of Nordic walking is that it exercises the whole body. As walkers use their arms to push off from flexible poles, the whole range of upper body muscles is used, helping to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles. Nordic walking is especially good for those who have progressed from inactivity to moderate activity and are now looking for a more vigorous workout and for those suffering from joint problems. The Nordic walking poles act as two extra legs which take their share of the weight distribution resulting in less stress on the joints.
Nordic walking affords additional health benefits in that it exercises the whole body, allows a more physically intense walk and improves posture and stability.
Benefits:
• Increases caloric expenditure- by up to 40%
• Increases upper body strength
• Less stress on joints
• Relieves neck and shoulder pain
• Improves neck and chest mobility
• Increases safety of walking- stability afforded by poles reduces risk of falling
• Allows same intensity of running without high impact
• Lower perceived rate of exertion
• Enhances mood
• Fun and social
• Poles are a very useful aid for warm-up and stretching exercises
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