By Juergen Reinhardt (November 2006)
“Did it snow yesterday?!”
That might have been your reaction to seeing people using some kind of cross-country poles on their walks or runs. But your eyes didn’t deceive you. You have just encountered the latest exciting outdoor fitness trend from Europe – Nordic Walking!
Nordic Walking is like cross country skiing without the skis, using poles to propel yourself forward. It all started as a summer activity for cross country skiers and became mainstream in Europe in the 1990’s. Now millions of people of all ages and fitness levels are Nordic Walking.
Here are a few benefits of Nordic Walking:
- About 90% of all muscles are activated
- Increased oxygen is supplied to the body through the activation of respiratory muscles
- Tension in the neck and shoulder is released
- Core muscles are activated and strengthened
- Stress is reduced in hip, knees and ankles
- Up to 40% more calories are burned compared to walking or running
Of course, to get all these benefits you have to use the proper technique. There are three different levels of Nordic Walking and, therefore it works for everybody. People who simply want to improve their fitness level but don’t like to run benefit as much as athletes who are looking for cross training opportunities. You can walk, run, do jump runs, go up and downhill and so on. The possibilities are endless. And the poles can be used for all kind of stretches and strengthening exercises.
For more information and upcoming courses, please check the Nordic Walking Canada website or contact us at info@nordicwalkingcanada.ca.
Yes, it may look a little silly, but just wait until you’ve tried it.
