Burn More Calories On Your Next Walk - The Benefits of Nordic Walking

RSS

Podcasts

Posted 9/21/2009

Rate this blog!

Unrated

Nordic Walking is gaining in popularity and it's easy to understand why. It decreases the impact on your joints, increases the number of calories stride for stride and gives your everyday walking routine a little pizazz! Similar to cross-country skiing, Nordic Walking involves using specially designed walking poles with angled rubber rubber tips for traction and use on a variety of terrain (roads, paths, sand and trail). By incorporating the arms and core muscles, walkers gain the many benefits of cross-country skiing without increasing the intensity of the workout, not to mention the snow and cold!

Runners use them for active rest and cross-training. Walkers use them to improve speed and spice up their routine. Cross-Country skiers even use them for off-season training! They are easily adjustable (length and hand/wrist strap) so you can share them with your family and friends and take them with you when you travel too! Nordic Walking is easy to learn, can be done anywhere on the streets, path or even on the trail! All you need is a pair of poles and you're off!

I first learned the value of Nordic Walking while training for adventure races. I started with trekking poles on the trail and soon incorporated Nordic Walking Poles into my routine because it was more convenient living in the city. I immediately noticed the difference in my strength and stamina and my legs weren't as fatigued. Last year, I used them to cross the Grand Canyon on my Rim2Rim4Roy Adventure and they saved my knees as we decended into the canyon. They helped me so much climbing out the other side, they became my best buddies (Thelma and Louise). If you're looking for an inexpensive way to spice up your walking or running regimen, give Nordic Walking a try. You'll get a few funny looks at first, but it will be off-set by the many benefits you'll receive down the road.

Less Impact on Joints. Research has shown walking with poles decreases the impact to the lower body by 20% versus walking without poles. Nordic Walking spreads the impact across four limbs versus just your legs which decreases the impact in your knees, hips and ankles which makes it a great activity for those who struggle with joint pain and injuries.

A Full Body Workout. Walking with poles creates resistance for 90% of your musculature, providing a full body workout while exercising at a level just slightly higher than your normal walk.

Burns More Calories. Nordic Walking has been shown to burn up to 46% more calories than your normal walk. By activating more muscle groups in the core and upper body, you burn a lot more calories in the same amount of time which can contribute to greater weight loss and maintenance.

Better Balance. Trekking poles expand our contact with the ground from two to four points, which improves stability. This is especially true while hiking on uneven, hilly terrain. Poles allow your upper body and core muscles to assist in propelling you up and decrease the tremendous impact on the knees coming down.

Learn Why Bee Active is an important part of the BeeWell for Life Program