Walking is a popular form of low-impact exercise that has been enjoyed by fitness enthusiasts and those looking to improve their well-being for a long time. This uncomplicated cardiovascular activity provides numerous health advantages without causing unnecessary strain on your joints. Additionally, it is a budget-friendly exercise as it only requires a quality pair of walking shoes and a suitable path. However, in recent times, many individuals have started replacing their regular walks with “Nordic walking,” which is a stimulating total-body workout originating from the Scandinavian regions.
You may wonder why people are swapping out their daily strolls for this intriguing variation. We did the digging on social media and chatted with an expert who explains everything you need to know about Nordic walking.
What Is Nordic Walking?
Grab your walking poles and get ready to hit the trails for a dynamic total-body workout.
“Nordic walking is a full-body exercise that involves walking with specially designed poles (they look like ski poles),” explains April Gatlin, senior master trainer for STRIDE Fitness. “This is a great way to walk and involve the upper body more in the exercise.”
So the secret’s out—by engaging in Nordic walking, you’ll incorporate poles to fire up your legs and upper body while boosting your endurance, strength, and overall fitness. Nordic walking is a stellar way to maximize the benefits of a good old-fashioned walk. And the best part? The sport may not feel much more challenging.
Sounds like a win-win to us!
The Benefits of Nordic Walking
Whether you enjoy hiking or simply want to jazz up your cardio routine, Nordic walking sounds incredibly enticing. Let’s explore its incredible benefits.
1. It speeds up calorie burn.
Those who want to shed excess pounds may want to consider Nordic walking. “By involving more muscle groups, Nordic walking can help burn more calories [than] standard walking,” Gatlin tells us. “It can be especially effective for weight management or weight loss.”
2. It enhances your cardiovascular fitness.
By using walking poles, you work both your lower and upper body, which can increase your heart rate. “Due to more muscle recruitment, Nordic walking elevates the heart rate, which can improve cardiovascular endurance and overall heart health,” Gatlin confirms.
3. It boosts muscle tone and strength.
In addition to giving your cardiovascular fitness a nice little boost, using walking poles also enhances muscle tone and strength. “The poles help build and tone muscles in both the upper and lower body, contributing to overall strength and muscle balance,” Gatlin says.
4. It’s low-impact.
Walking is a low-impact form of physical activity, but incorporating walking poles offers additional support and further decreases the impact on your knees, lower back, and hips. “[Nordic walking is] a gentler option for those with joint issues or arthritis,” Gatlin points out.
5. It improves your mental wellness.
TikTok user Mindful Growth encourages you to try Nordic walking to improve your mental and physical wellness.
She explains in a video, “If you are worried about cognitive decline or just generally want to keep your brain healthy, every single day, you should be engaging your walking muscles, your brain power muscles, and your grip strength … there have been so many studies on Nordic walking and its effect on overall physical health; it’s also a predictor of cognitive decline.”
In fact, one study published in Heliyon showed that Nordic walking could improve cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer’s.
How Is Nordic Walking More Beneficial Than Going on a Classic Walk?
Nordic walking calls for more “intention” than if you were to take a classic walk. “A person has to intentionally place the pole [and] drive with the arms while walking all at the same time,” Gatlin explains. “Coordination is being used, which has anti-aging benefits.”
In addition, Nordic walking is an excellent option for the older demographic. By incorporating walking poles, it helps them feel more comfortable and stable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Nordic Walking?
Nordic Walking is a full-body exercise that involves walking with the help of specially designed poles. It originated in Finland in the early 20th century as a summer training method for cross-country skiers.
What are the benefits of Nordic Walking?
- Engages 90% of the body’s muscles
- Increases calorie burn compared to regular walking
- Improves cardiovascular fitness and strength
- Reduces stress on joints and back
- Enhances posture and balance
Can anyone do Nordic Walking?
Yes, Nordic Walking is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. The intensity of the workout can be adjusted based on individual fitness goals and capabilities.
Do I need special equipment for Nordic Walking?
Yes, Nordic Walking requires specially designed poles that are different from trekking or hiking poles. These poles have ergonomic grips and come in various lengths to suit different heights.
How is Nordic Walking different from regular walking?
Nordic Walking involves the use of poles which engage the upper body muscles, offering a full-body workout compared to regular walking. It also increases the intensity of the exercise and adds stability and balance benefits.
