Health aspects and benefits of Nordic Walking

Nordic walking is a very simple form of physical activity done outdoors and offering many benefits of combining an easy form of exercise with contact with nature. Here are the benefits Nordic Walking can bring:

RELIEVING JOINTS

Nordic Walking helps relieve joint stress as it allows you to move with less load than running or walking without poles bring. When doing Nordic Walking, poles help with balance and provide additional support, which can reduce stress on joints. It has been proved that Nordic Walking can be an effective form of physical activity for people with joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, as it relieves joint stress. Nordic Walking

can also be a good alternative for people who want to start practicing sports, but are afraid of the stress it may put on their joints which is associated with running or many other forms of activity. In addition, Nordic Walking can help reduce joint pain in osteoporosis.

ENGAGEMENT OF ABOUT 92% OF THE MUSCULAR SYSTEM

Nordic walking performed with the correct walking technique engages almost the entire body. It can thus help improve the condition of legs and arms’ muscles, as well as strengthen the abdominal and back muscles. Studies indicate that Nordic Walking can be an effective form of physical activity for overweight and obese people, as it helps strengthen the muscles of legs and arms, and improves general fitness condition. People with osteoporosis may benefit from Nordic Walking because it helps strengthen the abovementioned muscles and improves overall balance and coordination. It must be understood, however, that not all the muscles are involved equally and not all of them function at the full range of motion.

POSTURE RE-EDUCATION

With proper Nordic Walking technique it is possible to improve our posture, and – consequently – reduce presumable back or neck pain. The swinging arms’ motion relaxes tight neck muscles; they stop hurting or hurt less. In addition, with the correct movement of the poles, we open up the chest and stretch the usually tense pectoral muscles while strengthening the muscles of the back within the thoracic section – when strengthened, these muscles keep the spine in the correct position.

STRESS REDUCTION AND RELAXATION

Practicing Nordic Walking outdoors can improve your mood and help you relax after a stressful day. It can also help fight depression and other emotional problems, all thanks to endorphin (hormone of happiness) released while walking.

PHYSICAL CONDITION AND EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT

Nordic walking requires the whole body to be active which results in improving physical condition and endurance. It can also be a milder form of activity for those who want to start doing sports but are not used to intense physical effort

BALANCE AND COORDINATION IMPROVEMENT

Proper Nordic Walking technique helps improve coordination and balance, especially for those who encounter such difficulties. Nordic walking requires appropriate synchronization of arms and legs’ movements, which can help improve coordination even more. This is done by shifting your body weight from one leg to the other and using the poles to propel the movement, which additionally helps improve body awareness.

RESILIENCE BUILDING

Healthy outdoor training in various weather conditions toughens the body expand and improves resilience.

SLIMMING DOWN AND MODERN-AGE DISEASES PREVENTION The involvement of over 90% of the muscles and fairly low intensity of the activity (even a Nordic walking beginner is able to walk for a much longer time span than if they choose running, for example) makes Nordic walking a perfect activity resulting in accelerated metabolism and the consequent weight loss –obtained safely, thanks to the relief of stress on one’s joints. Nordic walking may also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol level as well as reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It may also help prevent musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoporosis.

BENEFITS OF NORDIC WALKING:

• it promotes the natural way of body movement;
• the basics of the correct technique are easy and quick to learn;
• Nordic Walking equipment is cheap and easily available;
• it is an excellent activity recommended for any age group for children, people suffering from different diseases (with no contraindications to walking), pregnant women, as well as athletes in the detraining period;
• does not strain the joints, which is why it is recommended in many disease entities;
• it can be practiced anywhere and at any time of year;
• correct walking technique is safe for our body;
• it is a very pro-social activity;
• gives you the opportunity to burn a lot more calories, while feeling less tired
• relaxes, improves mood and is a positive addiction (due to endorphins);

Indications:

• overweight people;
• people with joint problems (including degenerative processes);
• people with cardiovascular problems, cardiorespiratory failure;
• people with balance, coordination, stabilization disorders;
• people who feel tense and stressed;
• people of all ages who like outdoor activities;
• people who care about their body build;
• pregnant women;
• athletes of other disciplines during the detraining period;
• fully healthy people who want to lead an active life;
• people of all ages who like competition;
• it is also an excellent element for team building events, promotional events, active trips/retreats, etc.