What is Nordic Walking?

Nordic walking uses two specially designed poles to work the upper body while walking.Like cross country skiing, the poles are used by the arms to match each step the person takes.

How is it Better Than Just Walking?

Better but Easier Cardio Workout:Nordic walking increases your heart rate without increasing your perceived rate of exertion.You get a better workout without feeling like you are working any harder.While you can get a similar heart rate effect by walking faster, there are many people who do not want to walk faster or cannot walk fast.

Upper Body Workout:Nordic walking works the arms, shoulders and upper chest and back muscles through a full range of motion, stretching and lengthening those muscles which are often tight.The motion works to overcome the hunching forward that many people adopt while working at desks, computers, reading or watching TV. Many people exhibit stress by tightening their neck and shoulder muscles.Nordic walking loosens up those knots.

Nordic Walking is one of the fastest growing fitness trends in the world today.This is due in large part to the health benefits of walking with poles.

The most natural form of exercise for humans, and the one most people prefer, is walking.It's easy, it's inexpensive, and it's convenient. Many people prefer normal walking because they cannot take the steady pounding of jogging or running.The difficulty is to achieve a high enough heart rate from normal walking to make a significant health difference in a short period of time.

As a result, some people try jogging, which elevates the heart rate a bit more.Others go running, which burns a lot more calories but is even more stress on the joints.And some people like to ride bikes, another great way to elevate your heart rate, but it doesn't do much for your upper body.

These three exercises are mostly a lower body and cardiovascular workout.Nordic Walking, however, is a total body workout.It's a cross between cross country skiing and fitness walking.

Nordic walking helps you work the top half of your body in addition to your legs.By using the poles with every step, you're releasing tension and stress in the shoulders and neck, while building the muscles in the upper and lower body.Nordic Walking can also tone your muscles, including your abs, to help you look good and feel your best.