Nordic Pole Walking is a highly recommended low-impact exercise to improve fitness and overall health for anyone of any age of any fitness level.
What is Nordic Pole Walking?
Nordic Pole Walking is a low-impact, easy to learn, and enjoyable exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. There are approximately 350+ scientific and clinical studies pointing to the health benefits of Nordic Pole Walking.
Nordic Walking Poles differ from hiking, trekking, or ski poles. They are adjustable, ultra light, and fit each individual so as to engage more than 90% of all body muscles. Millions of Europeans use Nordic Walking Poles, walking for health, fitness, and social enjoyment. Statistics show that Nordic Pole Walking is the fastest growing outdoor activity on the planet thanks to it’s impressive research and ease to learn.
A hybrid of walking and cross country-skiing, Nordic walking is a fluid movement experience that uses almost every muscle in your body. Nordic walking poles aren’t hiking or ski poles: they’re poles designed to use when walking or hiking that, when combined with the proper form, can instantly rev up the intensity of your movement and also challenge your upper body and core muscles.
Nordic walking is an ideal activity for a huge and varied demographic–not just older adults. Though thoroughly embraced by the older crowd (who appreciate the poles for their help with balance and stability), other groups adding poles to their workouts include:
- Power walkers looking for a more challenging walking workout
- Runners (or former runners) with achy knees and hips interested in an alternative
- Pre-hab and post-rehab clients referred by their therapists for full-body fitness conditioning and core and upper body strengthening
- Those who just love to walk and be outdoors. Turn an ordinary walk into a full body work-out.
DON’T USE JUST ANY POLE – My Favourite are Nordixx Poles.
Nordic walking poles and hiking poles might look similar at first glance. But each type of pole is designed to fit a specific purpose:
- Hiking poles are designed to minimize energy expenditure by creating stability and taking stress off the hips and knees while walking on rough and uneven terrain. The thin handles often have finger-grooves and a loop strap to help prevent dropping the poles. There is no specific walking technique to learn; the poles are typically held with the elbows bent at 90 degrees and in front of the body.
- Nordic walking poles are designed to maximize energy expenditure by actively engaging the upper body with a full arm swing and a “plant, push, propel” action. The poles are held at a 45 degree angle and are always angled behind the body. Nordic walkers are looking for a workout that will give them more benefits than standard walking.
History of Nordic Pole Walking
Nordic Pole Walking originated in Finland and dates back to the early part of the 20thcentury. To stay in great physical condition all year long, Cross Country Skiers used their ski poles during the warmer months as their off-season training.
In 1985, it was thought that if rubber tips were put onto the ski poles, Nordic Pole Walkers could experience the same upper body conditioning walking, that Cross Country Skiers did skiing. It is well documented that Cross Country Skiing is the most effective physical exercise for cardiovascular improvement and total body muscle strengthening, and now these same health benefits are available to Nordic Pole Walkers.
The term “Nordic Walking” came into being in 1997 when a Finnish ski equipment manufacturer, in cooperation with athletes and sports medicine experts, developed a fitness walking pole with an innovative wrist strap system. The wrist strap is the key component to the Nordic Pole Walking technique and allows the walker to access the full range of associated physical and health-related benefits.
Nordic Pole Walking has developed into a wonderful all-in-one exercise that not only develops good physical and muscular conditioning but it is also a safe and effective form of exercise for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. It is proving to be a fun, social, safe, and a very efficient way to exercise.
What are some of the benefits of Nordic Pole Walking?
- Burns up to 46% more calories than regular walking!
- Increases cardiovascular training up to 22%.
- Incorporates 90% of all body muscles.
- Helps to eliminate back, shoulder, and neck pain.
- Up to 30% less impact on hip and knee joints.
- Increases oxygen respiration by 25% or more.
- Supports stress management.
- Develops upright body posture.
- Increases energy level
- Enhances mental well being.
- Promotes relaxation and better sleep.
- Helps manage body weight, reduce body fat, and tone muscles.
- Increases bone density to help prevent osteoporosis.
- Helps increase flexibility and co-ordination.
- Reduces high cholesterol and lowers the risk of high blood pressure, cancer of the colon, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and osteoarthritis.
Who Can Nordic Pole Walk?
If you can walk, your can Nordic Pole walk! Nordic Pole walking is for everyone of any age of any fitness level!
Ordering Products
Poles, Walking Tips, Snow Baskets… can be purchased HERE.
Feel free to visit here to place your order. If you have questions, just email me at: shawnnisbet@hotmail.com.
New Button Lock System (like a cane) for ease of adjusting height of pole
* New Hand Grips has a wider diameter to make gripping easier + slight lip on bottom for assisting support of body for those who need it
* Thicker diameter pole making them sturdier and stronger for greater reliable full body weight support
Price: $100.00 including carry bag and set of tips.
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Nordic Pole Walking / Frequently Asked Questions (The Ultimate Nordic Pole Walking Book)
What equipment do I need?
You will need a pair of Nordic Poles and walking or running shoes. When walking in snow a good pair of walking boots will help keep you warm and dry. Make sure they are flexible and purchase a pair of “Stabilicers” for walking on slippery surfaces.
Where can I Nordic Pole walk? Nordic Pole walking can be performed on literally any surface, just about everywhere. On hard surfaces (pavement) you will use the rubber tips. On clay, sand, soil, grass, snow and ice you will remove the rubber tips.
Which parts of my body are being trained/exercised? Nordic Pole walking trains and exercise 90% of your body muscles (600+ muscles), the cardiovascular system and also burns calories – all in ONE exercise.
How does Nordic Pole walking affect my upper body? Nordic Pole walking involves approximately 90% of your muscles and engages your upper body and arm muscles.
Is Nordic Pole walking effective for Cardiovascular training also? Nordic Pole walking increases your heart rate by approximately 15 beats per minute compared to regular fitness walking.
How does Nordic Pole walking lead to improved posture? Nordic Pole walking leads to stabilization in the spinal musculature and upright body posture by the very nature of the exercise.
How many Calories are burned while Nordic Pole walking? Nordic Pole walking burns up to 45% more calories per minute compared to regular fitness walking.
What are some other health benefits of Nordic Pole walking? Nordic Pole walking significantly increases the lateral mobility of your neck and spine. It also reduces the impact on your knee and hip joints by 30%. Walking with poles also mitigates the pain and muscle tension in your neck, shoulder and back regions.
What is the difference between Nordic walking poles and ski/hiking or trekking poles? The hand loops on Nordic Poles are specially designed to perform the correct technique to benefit the upper body muscles including your abdominals, oblique muscles, Latissimus dorsi and tricep muscles.