Nordic walking

[G1llHa1n]

Any views on this - It's supposed to achieve more physical out put for the amount of time spent and per amount of exercise done?

[SofiaDeo]

Sure it will help, because you are consciously moving fast/using more muscle movement, making it more of a cardiac workout. It's like walking using hiking poles, except you are purposely walking very fast. You dig the pole in a little bit, and use your arms to help push forward. This is easier on a track or grass, since the poles won't dig very well into concrete or asphalt; they won't help "propel" as much on a hard surface.

It's similar to the "power walking" popular a few decades ago, where one walked rapidly while consciously pumping your arms to increase heart rate. I do this power walking sometimes around the neighborhood, so I don't have to deal with poles. But poles are helpful if one has balance or ankle problems. We used to occasionally carry 1-2 pound hand weights, or wear light ankle weights.

[mrsjsmith]

Yes as Sofia mentioned and I forget where I recently read it, but the swinging arm action also helps. Just reminded me of an old physiotherapist who always recommended walking swinging arms from the shoulders.

Colette

[G1llHa1n in reply to mrsjsmith]

Yes. According to some stuff I've read the involvement of the upper body in Nordic walking is why there's an overall advantage in output for the time and effort put in.

[SofiaDeo]

Ooo thanks for the river reminder, my regular hiking poles are kind of useless in the city, but lightweight rubber tipped ones sound great! I skip walking some winter days because of unseen ice on sidewalks, I bet these would be helpful.

[Oleboyredw-uk in reply to SofiaDeo]

I'd check before buying new poles. I bought poles to walk somewhere and it was expected to use rubber tips as the metal spikes damaged the surface. On investigation at my local outdoor shop I found you could buy rubber tips that just push on. I left them on and have walked 100s of miles in all terrains with the same rubber tips over the last five years. Saved buying new poles. Before anyone asks make of poles is L*ki, but others makes also had that option when I looked.Best to all, Robin

[SofiaDeo in reply to Oleboyredw-uk]

Hmmm maybe I can just get some tips for my Leki's, thanks for the idea! Not really doing any serious hiking/climbing anymore so they've been collecting dust.

[Oleboyredw-uk in reply to SofiaDeo]

Actually, the truth of the matter is the tips are readily available and once I put mine on I couldn't get them off (not that I tried that hard).

[LeoPa]

It sure can't hurt. Most effective uphill on a trail 🙂

[G1llHa1n in reply to LeoPa]

Thanks - but I'll need to start gently on the flat to begin with 🤥.

[scarletnoir]

Any form of exercise is good. I think the choice is down to what each individual finds comfortable and interesting. Many go jogging, but running has never been my thing (I tend to carry too much weight for that) so cycling (at reasonable intensity, for my age and fitness level) is what suits me. I also walk the dog every day - not 'nordic walking', but fairly fast at times.

So - if it's something that suits your circumstances in terms of locality age and level of fitness - go for it. Other forms of exercise are available to others whose personal circumstances differ. If an exercise is felt to be boring, there is less chance that the person will persist, so I'd say - definitely choose one which is not only practical, but interesting. For those of us who like to be outdoors, any form of walking or cycling allows a change of scenery as we progress, which I value.

[rvles in reply to scarletnoir]

The best and most effective exercise is the one you actually do.

[scarletnoir in reply to rvles]

Absolutely!

[BluMts]

Nordic walking with the poles is fantastic exercise. When you really get into the correct rhythm your whole body can get as close to flying as I've experienced. It made ordinary walking so booooring in comparison. It develops shoulder and neck muscles. I've had whip lash on left and right neck and walking with Nordic poles strengthend muscles in shoulder, neck, and all over back. It also develops good co-ordination and balance. Just be careful how you hold the poles and sort of gloves you use, if you need gloves. I do and actually used thick padded battery heated leather mittens as I have Renaulds disease. Stupid me! I developed for first time bad arthritis in both hands and seemed to be mixture of pole holding and Ibrutinib. But as I'm still managing the arthritis through Acalabrutinib and now Zanabruitib, I can't use the poles at this time. I really miss it and will try again this summer.

[bennevisplace]

Try it and see if you like it. BluMts is about right, it is fantastic exercise if done in earnest, You could borrow some poles? The lighter the better the more expensive. Leki. Rubber tips yes. Walk on an even surface at least to begin with, wear trainers. Dress for the weather but mind you will generate heat. Go with a partner.

[SofiaDeo in reply to bennevisplace]

I have Leki standard hiking poles & love them! They are adjustable & collape down quite a bit, so easy to pack. This brand does sell Nordic ones.

[neurodervish]

If weather and access are issues, does NordicTrack still make a simulator? I tried one a few years back and was quickly exhausted by how much more of a workout it was. I hear you can't hang as much laundry on it compared to a regular treadmill, but it's still something to think about.

[bennevisplace]

A good practice with Nordic walking is coordinated deep breathing. In this case make sure your cycle of 1 inhalation plus 1 exhalation corresponds to an odd number of strides, e.g. 4 in and 5 out. This may sound trivial but it protects you from injury.