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The Complete Guide To Nordic Walking: Benefits, Techniques, Equipment, and More

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What is Nordic Walking?

Nordic walking is a low-impact, full-body workout that uses specially designed poles to propel you forward. It is similar to cross-country skiing, but it can be done on any surface, including pavement, dirt, and grass. Nordic walking is a great way to get exercise, improve your balance, and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions.

The Complete Guide to Nordic Walking

by Gill Stewart

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	393 pages

Benefits of Nordic Walking

Nordic walking has many benefits, including:

Low-impact: Nordic walking is a low-impact activity, which means it is easy on your joints. This makes it a great exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels, including those with arthritis or other joint problems.
Full-body workout: Nordic walking uses all of the major muscle groups in your body, including your arms, legs, core, and back. This makes it a great way to get a full-body workout in a short amount of time.
Improves balance: Nordic walking can help to improve your balance by strengthening the muscles in your legs and core. This can be especially beneficial for older adults or people who have difficulty with balance.
Reduces risk of chronic diseases: Nordic walking can help to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions. This is because it is a great way to get exercise, which is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health.

How to Nordic Walk

To Nordic walk, you will need a pair of Nordic walking poles. Nordic walking poles are designed to be shorter than ski poles and have a wider tip to help you propel yourself forward. You can find Nordic walking poles at most sporting goods stores.

Once you have your Nordic walking poles, you can follow these steps to get started:

Start with a warm-up. Begin by walking slowly for 5-10 minutes to warm up your muscles.
Find a comfortable stride. Your stride should be slightly shorter than your normal walking stride.
Plant the poles behind you. As you walk, plant the poles behind you at a 45-degree angle.
Push off with your arms. As you plant the poles, push off with your arms to propel yourself forward.
Swing your arms naturally. Your arms should swing naturally as you walk. Do not try to force them.
Cool down. End your walk with a cool-down by walking slowly for 5-10 minutes.

Nordic Walking Equipment

In addition to Nordic walking poles, you will need a few other pieces of equipment to get started with Nordic walking. These include:

Comfortable shoes: You should wear comfortable shoes that provide good support for your feet and ankles.
Moisture-wicking clothing: You should wear moisture-wicking clothing to help you stay cool and dry while you walk.
Hat and sunscreen: If you are walking outdoors, you should wear a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Tips for Nordic Walking

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Nordic walking workouts:

Find a partner. Nordic walking is more fun with a partner. You can motivate each other and keep each other company.
Join a group. There are many Nordic walking groups available. Joining a group is a great way to meet new people and learn more about Nordic walking.
Set realistic goals. Don't try to do too much too soon. Start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts.
Listen to your body. If you feel pain, stop walking and consult with a doctor.

Nordic Walking is a great way to improve your health and fitness

Nordic walking is a low-impact, full-body workout that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. It is a great way to get exercise, improve your balance, and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions. With a little preparation, you can easily get started with Nordic walking and enjoy all of its benefits.

The Complete Guide to Nordic Walking

by Gill Stewart

4.5 out of 5