Is one of the fastest growing recreational sports
in the UK - and with good reason . .
It is a way of walking which can be done by almost everyone and which
can burn a great many more calories and provide a much higher level
of fitness than many other much more expensive and demanding activities.
It is both relaxing and therapeutic while offering a good aerobic workout.
It can be an ideal return to gentle exercise or provide an extra challenge
for the veryfit.
Nordic Walking is a way of walking with specially designed poles.
More muscles are used which means on average you burn 20% more calories
than in normal walking at the same speed* but, because the effort
is spread across your whole body, it can actually feel easier and
less tiring!
It targets many of the problem areas, working the back of the arms
(the baggy bits) really well and helping to tone those much neglected
stomach muscles. Legs, arms, the rear part of the shoulders, the chest
and back muscles, all play a major part. It can be considered a “total
body workout”.
Nordic Walking in North Norfolk
PersonalTrainer Annie Briggs has been delighted with the results since
introducing Nordic Walking at her unique outdoor training centre in
Blakeney, on the North Norfolk coast.
She was one of the first International Nordic Walking trainers in
the UK and has more recently become a national coach, working with
Nordic Walking UK to promote what she believes is one of the most
effective forms of training for the widest range of participants.
She runs training courses for instructors (see Instructor Courses).
See our new instructor's story in the EDP!
'Walking is so important to everyone and, if anyone has problems with
balance or painful joints, it is a fantastic way to get back into
action and start re-training neglected muscles', she says.
The evening class is particularly popular with those working hard
at home, in the office or who have spent a lot of time sitting in
the car. It reduces stress, while at the same time easing tension
in the neck, shoulders and back.
Those who are already very fit can also benefit from using Nordic
Walking poles. There is a level known as Nordic Sport which will provide
an extra challenge, with running, bounding, 'skating', using uphill
and downhill techniques on different surfaces. It can be very demanding.
Great for the back
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . Good
Nordic Walking technique involves some rotation of the spine which
can strengthen the spinal discs and reduce the incidence of back pain.
It also strengthens the large muscles of the back that pull down the
shoulder blades, significantly reducing neck and shoulder tension.
Exel Nordic Walking poles have straps which allow you to release the
grip as you push forward. With good Nordic Walking technique squeezing
and releasing the grip through the stride strengthens the muscles
of the wrist and this can reduce symptoms of RSI (repetitive strain
injury).With Nordic Walking, the increased use of the upper body reduces
the load on your knees, allowing you to exercise with much more comfort
than normal walking or jogging. This can be particularly helpful for
arthritis sufferers and anyone else with joint pain.
Nordic Walking can be addictive
So many people start an exercise programme with good intentions but
within a few weeks the new equipment is in the cupboard or the gym
membership ignored.
Not so with Nordic Walking, it seems. The good news is that you can
exercise with others even if you are not as fit as they are (or the
other way round) because the intensity of the workout is governed
by upper body effort, not speed. It is therefore quite possible to
train with your unfit (or fitter) friend and both work at a challenging
intensity, at the same pace.
This can make it much easier to stick to your exercise schedule and
enjoy the benefits of being outside in the fresh air.
Further good news is that, thanks to the considerable efforts of Nordic
Walking UK and pole suppliers Exel, the sport is growing rapidly in
the UK and there may well be an instructor in your area.
Have a Training Break
Alternatively, you can take a holiday break in North Norfolk
where Annie has superb cottage accommodation
which you can use for a short break or a relaxing week and enjoy some
private coaching, returning home with the Nordic Walking skills you
need - and even a set of poles!
* Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. 73 (3), 296-300. September
2002
Good
Nordic Walking technique involves some rotation of the spine which
can strengthen the spinal discs and reduce the incidence of back pain.
It also strengthens the large muscles of the back that pull down the
shoulder blades, significantly reducing neck and shoulder tension.