A Brief Guide on Nordic Walking

At first glance, it looks like ordinary walking with poles. But anyone who has ever tried Nordic Walking to the fullest knows that this is a completely different story. Nordic Walking is a movement that engages up to 90% of the muscles of the whole body, brings relief from back pain, strengthens the heart and lungs - and is gentle on the joints. The ideal low-impact activity for anyone who wants to stay active without unnecessary strain. 

Nordic Walking is a regular walk with special poles that look similar to ski poles, or rather cross-country poles. Nordic Walking looks very simple, but it is a very effective way to stay fit, burn extra pounds and at the same time spend pleasant moments outdoors alone, with friends, colleagues or families. 

Nordic Walking is a young sport that originated in the 1980s in Finland. Originally created as an off-season/summer training method for cross-country skiers, it first spreads throughout Scandinavia (which is why it is also called Nordic), and then, due to its simplicity, effectiveness and fun, it soon spread throughout Europe. 

It was later formalised into a fitness activity for the general public. Finland’s strong tradition in cross-country skiing and its long winters made it a natural birthplace for Nordic Walking. Athletes needed a way to maintain fitness during snow-free months, and Nordic Walking offered a practical solution.

Muscles at work - When it comes to regular walking, it should come as no surprise that the muscles in your lower limbs are the most active. However, those of you who decide to try Nordic Walking will activate a wider range of muscles. When Nordic Walking, you will feel the muscles in your upper limbs, lower limbs and even your abdominal muscles will be active at different stages of your walking cycle.
Weight loss - Nordic Walking uses more energy than normal walking. Your heart rate will be higher compared to regular walking. In addition, your stride length will be longer and with the help of Nordic Walking techniques you will be able to take fewer steps and increase your walking speed. Because Nordic Walking uses more of your energy and raises your heart rate with less effort, it is a more effective activity, meaning it can help you lose weight faster. 

Due to its simplicity, low cost and, most importantly, effectiveness, Nordic Walking is one of the few sports that is suitable for practically everyone - for people of all ages, fitness levels and health backgrounds as it is a low-impact full-body workout.  Nordic Walking can be practiced by everyone from children to seniors, from the obese to those who should strengthen their bodies, from beginners to top athletes and to those who just sit in the office/for long hours. It is also recommended for people recovering from injuries. 

There is substantial research supporting the benefits of Nordic walking. Walking with Nordic poles burns more calories and works more muscles than conventional walking. In terms of cardiovascular health, Nordic walking has been found to significantly improve cardiovascular health, outperforming regular walking. Furthermore, research highlights its mental health benefits due to its rhythmic, meditative qualities and connection to nature.

You can do Nordic Walking all year round, in any weather seasons and practically anywhere too - from roads to coasts, or from plains to mountains.  Nordic walking is a perfect way to strike a balance with your hectic everyday life.