Nordic walking
From Free net encyclopedia
Nordic Walking or Ski Walking is a form of walking using modified ski poles. It evolved from an off season ski-training activity known as ski-striding to become a way of exercising year round. Nordic walking was first promoted as a year round exercise form in the US, but it was first widely popularized in Finland (where it is known as sauvakävely, "pole walking") by cross country skiers, who are considered the most fit athletes in the world, as part of their summer training. Nordic walking combines the positive training effects of running or walking combined with the total body exercise advantages of cross-country skiing. The result is a total body workout that burns up to fifty percent more calories without walking faster or longer. It creates less pressure on the back and lower joints thus benefitting those who may suffer from a damaged knee, hip or back.
Compared to regular walking, Nordic walking (Ski Walking) involves applying force to the poles with each stride. Nordic walkers thus use their entire body and get an excellent core, back, chest, arm, shoulder and abdominal workout. This extra muscle involvement leads to significant enhancements over ordinary walking or jogging such as:
- greater cardiovascular benefit
- increased overall strength and endurance
- climbing hills more easily
- a simultaneous upper body workout
- burning more calories than in plain walking or running
- improved balance and stability
- less stress on the shins, knees, hips and back
An individual's Nordic walking poles should be approximately 70% of their overall height. (Note that walking poles should be shorter than one's cross country ski poles and longer than downhill ski poles.)
Nordic Walking (Ski Walking) poles are available in both solid one-piece designs and adjustable/telescoping designs. One-piece poles are more durable and ideal for every day use. Nordic Walking poles are distinguished from hiking poles by straps that enclose the palm of the hand (like fingerless gloves)instead of simple nylon loops. Nordic walking poles have both durable metal tips (for snow, ice, trail & beach) and removable rubber tips (for pavement and other hard surfaces). They are available in models made from lightweight aluminum, carbon fiber, and composites.
External links
es:Caminata nórdica it:Camminata nordica nl:Nordic walking fi:Sauvakävely sv:Stavgång