Nordic walking

Encyclopedia : N : NO : NOR : Nordic walking

Nordic Walking is a rebranded and lighter form of Ski Walking using modified ski poles. It evolved from an off season ski-training activities known as ski walking, hill bounding and ski-striding to become a way of exercising year round. Nordic walking has been practiced for over a hundred years as dryland training for serious nordic skiers. Only recently has it been 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 forty 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 (basic 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

Correct height Nordic walking poles should put the individual's elbow at 90 degrees when strapped in and standing tall. Poles that are short will put added stress on one's back and wreck all the positive benefits of walking with the perfect length poles. Typically the 70% of your height rule will put you in poles that may be to short. (Note that walking poles should be shorter than one's cross country ski poles and longer than downhill ski poles.) There is a lot of false and misleading information out there about Nordic Walking (Ski Walking) - be sure that you use the correct length poles. Perfect length poles will automatically provide a super straight back and improve walking posture (biomechanically a good thing). Poles that are short will lean you forward and apply unwanted stress to your lower back.

Real Nordic Walking (Ski Walking) poles are solid one-piece design and not adjustable/telescoping. One-piece poles are more durable, lighter, safer and ideal for every day use. Real Nordic Walking poles are distinguished from hiking poles by straps that enclose the palm of the hand (like fingerless gloves) - instead of simple nylon or leather loops, or no straps at all. Real 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. Most sport shops in the USA have been selling snowshoe poles and other adjustable poles by mistake to consumers looking for real Nordic Walking Poles. Remember to look for poles that are solid one-piece design and include comfortable fingerless glove type straps, durable carbide tips and removable rubber tips. Avoid poles with shocks, twist locks, belts, pulleys and other unnecessary and distracting gadgets.

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