Nordic walking requires little equipment (two trekking poles work perfectly), it can be done anywhere, solo or with friends, adapts in duration and intensity to each person’s profile, in short, it’s the perfect example of a sport that blends health benefits with pleasure.
Is Nordic Walking Different from Regular Walking?
Nordic walking, or “Nordic Walking,” traces its origins to Finland in the 1930s. Originally, it was a summer training method for cross-country skiers who wanted to maintain their conditioning out of season. The idea was to use poles similar to those used for skiing to mimic the movements of cross-country skiing on dry land. This form of walking gradually gained popularity over the decades, especially in Europe and North America. By the 1990s, Finnish coaches had structured this practice, adding specific techniques to optimize it. Today, Nordic walking is recognized as a complete sport, blending cardiovascular work with muscle strengthening, while remaining accessible to a broad audience.
Is Nordic Walking Different from Regular Walking?
First, by its intensity: we pick up the pace! The real payoff lies in the regularity of the exercise, and the breathing that accompanies it. In this, the poles are an effective aid, as they help coordinate the movements. Once the right pace is found, you can cover several miles without noticing the effort.
Nordic Walking Engages the Whole Body
That’s its distinctive hallmark. Thanks to the steady swing of the arms – the arm moves forward with the opposite leg – Nordic walking is a full-body workout. The poles should be raised so that the elbows swing forward widely (don’t hesitate to exaggerate their movement for maximum toning).
The abs are also engaged naturally, since the fairly brisk rhythm of the steps that follow one another provokes a toning effect that settles in unconsciously (try walking with a relaxed belly, it’s practically impossible!). This activity is also excellent for the respiratory and cardiovascular systems: the regularity of the movements and their amplitude promote deeper inspirations and oxygenation of the tissues, and the heart rate harmonizes quickly with the pace.
Nordic Walking: A Brief History
Nordic Walking, or Nordic Walking, was developed in Finland in the 1960s as summer training for cross-country skiers. Popularized in the 1990s, it uses special poles to involve the upper body, offering a complete workout. It is now practiced worldwide for its health benefits.
A Complete Outdoor Sport
Nordic walking combines all the virtues of an outdoor activity that favors duration over difficulty. Its particular features make it a complete and gentle sport, suitable for everyone, easy to practice and without health risks, since it protects the joints. Opt, for example, for running shoes—lightweight and well-cushioned to absorb impact with each heel strike; choose a soft surface, such as a forest floor. So, ready for a little stroll?
See also
- Tips for properly gearing up for a hiking trip
- The Afghan walking technique, to regain fitness mindfully
