What Is Nordic Walking?

Taking physical exercise, on a regular and consistent basis, is one of the most important factors in lowering the probability of - or avoiding completely - numerous diseases and health problems. Thanks to health education, we're all aware of this - but even so, it can be hard to summon up the motivation to exercise on a regular basis. For a lot of people, exercise will be perceived as boring, physically exhausting and costly (high monthly gym fees). It is also, considering most people's busy daily routine, hard for them to fit exercise into their day.

Walking is one form of exercise which the majority of us perform every day. It is, therefore, a very important factor in determining the overall health and fitness level of an individual. Walking, if carried out on a regular and consistent basis, has the potential to provide numerous health benefits. It can help to lower the probability of stroke and heart disease and also to bring blood pressure levels down. It can help combat anxiety and depression. You will sleep better at night - you will generally feel better and you will have more energy. It can lower the probability of certain types of cancer. Recent research suggests that it may even help to avoid Alzheimer's disease. It will build muscle, burn off calories and help you to lose weight and reduce body fat.

A comfortable pair of shoes that won't give you blisters is all that you need to get started. There's no need for any special equipment and you can fit walking into your day as and when it suits you. If you can walk for 30 minutes a day, 3 or 4 times a week, you will soon start to see - and feel - results. If you can slowly build up to around 10,000 steps daily - between 4.5 and 5 miles for most people - you will see quite a difference. You will feel better and look better.

If, having gradually increased the distance and time that you walk for each day, you would like to get more out of your walking workout, then you could try Nordic walking. Nordic walking is a fairly recent development which originated in Finland when skiers wanted a method of keeping fit in the summertime and a means to prepare for the winter skiing season. Basically, it is walking with the aid of slightly modified ski sticks. It's a bit like skiing without the skis ' or the snow.

There are two main advantages to Nordic walking. Firstly, it uses the upper body and encourages activity in muscles which aren't usually used much when walking normally. Secondly, it reduces the load on the lower body muscles and joints.

These two factors provide even further benefits when compared to 'standard' walking. The expenditure of energy is raised by somewhere between 20 and 40%. Increased motion in the upper body whilst walking promotes flexibility and agility. Reduced loading in the lower body results in less stress in the lower body joints and muscles. For some walkers, the use of poles may be safer, and this may allow even those recovering from injury or illness to take part in a higher intensity workout than would otherwise be possible.

Whether you opt for conventional walking, Nordic walking - or a combination of both - there are some very considerable, and easily achievable, health benefits available for you. If you haven't exercised for some time, or if you have any medical conditions, do seek your doctor's advice before you start any new exercise program. However, just as long as you are sensible and start off slowly - building up over time - you will see some real benefits resulting from a regular walking workout.


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