Why Nordic Walking is so good for your body

When you begin to look into the health benefits of nordic walking you’d be forgiven for beginning to think it is the answer to all ills! In reality Nordic Walking is incredibly good for your body.   In many ways this is down to its natural movement patterns that replicate good walking gait and posture. Nordic Walking has been shown to be effective in weight loss, improving back health, improving RSI, relieving neck and shoulder pain, as well as being effective in many other health related areas.

What is Nordic Walking?
Nordic Walking uses specially designed poles to enhance your natural walking experience.  With a technique that is similar to the upper body action of classic cross country skiing, Nordic Walking becomes a genuinely whole body exercise that can be enjoyed at many levels, from walking for health to athletic Nordic running.  More than 10 million people globally enjoy this outdoor activity all year round.

How will it benefit my body?
Nordic Walking combines the simplicity and accessibility of walking with simultaneous core and upper body conditioning similar to Nordic skiing.  The result is a full body workout, which means that you:

• burn up to 46% more calories compared to walking without poles
• release tension in the neck and shoulders
• improve your posture and gait
• strengthen your back and abdominal muscles
• reduce the  impact on the joints

And because Nordic Walking doesn’t feel like hard work you’ll be happy to walk further and for longer.

“In 6 months I lost a stone, waved goodbye to the bingo wings, rediscovered my waistline and I definitely have less cellulite, even my husband said my bum was smaller”
Nordic Walking Mum of two

“Sitting at my computer all day kills my back. After my evening nordic walking class, I’ve really relaxed, its like a massage for my neck and shoulders and I sleep so much better”
Nordic Walking Site Manager

Many back sufferers lack rotation in the spine and therefore don’t give their inter vertebral discs the opportunity to imbibe the fluids needed for a health spine. Nordic Walking gently encourages the upper body to rotate as we walk. As people begin to improve this upper body rotation when nordic walking they also see improvements when they walk without poles.

Is it for me?
Nordic Walking is a very accessible activity and something that can be shared by people of different fitness levels.  It’s an ideal activity for people who haven’t exercised for a while or who dislike traditional sports or gym activities.  An injured person can use the poles to support and guide, working to improve fitness as part of their rehabilitation.  Athletes can use Nordic Walking for cross training and incorporate Nordic running.  Community groups find it a sociable way to keep fit.  If you’d like to shed a few pounds, then Nordic Walking is an enjoyable way to do this.  It’s great for fitness enthusiasts who like to try new things.  Whatever your age from 8 to 80+, you’ll probably enjoy discovering the benefits of Nordic Walking that improve your quality of life.

Barefoot Studio regularly runs introduction to Nordic walking workshops which are a great way to see how this activity can benefit you and your body. Check out the events page to find out more.