Go Nordic

In our continual quest for fitness, we are always looking for something just a little different to spice up the exercise routine. Walking is generally regarded to be the best and easiest form of exercise to take up, but what about walking with a twist, or should that be, a pole?

Taking inspiration from our Nordic cousins, Nordic walking is one of the latest keep fit crazes coming to our shores. As the name suggests, it is simply walking, but doing it the Nordic way which is to use poles to propel you along.

If you have seen any hill walkers using sticks to aid their climb, it is a similar idea. Originating from summer training for cross-country skiers, Nordic Walking works your upper and lower body at the same time, strengthening your back, legs and arms, and reducing neck and shoulder tension - all this while improving the health of your heart and lungs too. And you can gain all these health benefits and more while Nordic Walking with your friends which makes it a sociable sport too.

Exercise intensity is determined by upper body effort so people of differing fitness levels can walk and talk together, while working to their own level with Nordic Walking.

With good Nordic Walking technique you are aiming to increase the work of the upper body, slightly exaggerating normal walking movement without changing the natural rhythm of normal walking. You are simply enhancing your normal walking.

To get the most out of the exercise, remember to:

• Warm up first.
  
• Keep your shoulders relaxed.
  
• Lean slightly forwards.
  
• Hands and poles should remain close to your body.
  
• As your right foot moves forward, so does your left hand and vice versa.
  
• Allow the sole of your foot to roll from your heel to the ball of your foot.
  
• Try to maintain the pole thrust behind the line of your pelvis.
  
• At the end of the pole thrust open your palms slightly and push into the strap. This creates a greater stretch of your arm and greater spinal rotation. With correct Nordic Walking technique there is a clear swing of your shoulders and hips.
  
• Bring the pole forward with the grip first, not the tip end first. The pole tip remains behind the line of your body (don’t plant the poles in front of you).
  
• Stretch your body gently at the end of your walk.
  

Visit www.nordicwalking.co.uk to find out more

The benefits of Nordic Walking versus regular walking

1. Increases caloric expenditure up to 40%
2. Increases upper body strength
3. Less stress on the joints
4. Relieves neck and shoulder pain
5. Improves neck and chest mobility
6. Increase safety of walking reduces risk of falling
7. Allows the same intensity of running without the high impact
8. Enhances mood
9. More fun!

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