Did you ever hear about Nordic walking? If you did, it’s time for a reminder. And if you didn’t, you’ve got to learn about it. Nordic walking is a marvelous and an effortless way to keep fit.

Did I just mention fit and effortless in the same sentence? That’s exactly why you need to check out this post. Let me show you what Nordic walking is all about.

A Workout In A Walk:

We walk all time, big deal! Yet, the same walk can work wonders on your physique and health when done the right way. Nordic walking helps you find that technique.

• Also called Nordic pole walking, the method first originated in Finland.
• Cross-country skiers began using it during early 1990s to train during summers.
• It involves walking using two customized poles, much like the skiers.
• The walking poles are typically aluminium based with removable rubber tips.
• For easy grip and leverage, the poles have hand straps.

With these poles in hand, grab a pair of comfortable shoes and step outdoors for a long refreshing walk in the laps of nature.

• Nordic walking is a full body workout.
• But, it does not stress the joints and knees as much as traditional exercises.
• When you walk, the poles are placed before you.
• As your leg is placed down, the poles are pushed back, as if to propel you forward.
• This diverts pressure away from the lower body (1).
• Instead, your upper body, including the neck, shoulders and arms are engaged.
• Hence, Nordic walking gives you a lighter feeling than regular walking.
• It is so easy you can plunge right into it without any preparation.

By harnessing the hidden power in your upper body, you get to leverage your lower body as well. All this time, all you did was walk.

Why It’s Better Than Walking:

When you choose to go for Nordic walking over everyday walking, you’d want to know what makes it extra special. Here’s the answer.

1. I Burnt More Calories Than You:

You thought you burnt calories walking? Well, guess what! I can burn more than that any day with Nordic walking.

Regular walking can burn nearly 250 calories an hour, but pole walking raises the heart rate by at least 10% over the former. That means 500 calories just got busted.

2. Without Working Hard:

Low impact workout! Doesn’t that sound great? Nordic walking is a low impact workout that helps people from all walks of life. It provides multiple health benefits for those unable to participate in rigorous body toning exercises.

Those with weight issues, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other health conditions can easily take up this fitness method. Research confirms that Nordic walking improves wellness and quality of life in these people.

3. My Heart Loves Nordic Walking:

Nordic walking is good for the heart and cardiovascular health. It has both short term and long term beneficial effects on your heart rate as well as oxygen consumption (2). In fact, this method is certified to be better than jogging, running and cycling.

In time, Nordic walking will decrease your risk of contracting coronary artery diseases. You would also increase your exercise capacity and handle asthma.

4. How Many Muscles Did You Move Today?

Shakira can pretty much move every muscle in her body. What if I said you could too? Unbelievably, Nordic walking can make you use nearly 90% of your body’s muscles. Regular walking engages only 40%.

This is why there is an increased expenditure of 46% more calories with pole walking.

5. Wow! I Managed To Lose Weight:

Workout, calorie burning, oxygen consumption, muscles, etc. – do these words ring a bell? Yes, a walk was all you did. But Nordic walking helped you lose weight in the process (3).

Ensure you place the poles at the least angle with respect to the ground. This powers your walk. Engage in the workout 30-60 minutes, 3-4 times a week.

It has burned your fat, toned your muscles and made you look slimmer. Diabetes can say goodbye too. That’s smashing, isn’t it?

6. Want To Look Taller? Posture Up:

Nordic walking will help you do just that. When you walk with the poles, you have to walk with your back straight. Strictly no slumping. Practice walking with the correct technique and voila, your posture will make you look like royalty.

It’s A Party:

And the best part about Nordic walking is that it is a social thing. Anyone from all age groups can take part in it to enjoy its benefits. Consequently, there is a distinct picnic atmosphere around you. Healthy life, here I come!

Did I get you hooked on to this effortless workout? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you.

The post The 6 Surprising Benefits Of Nordic Walking Can Work Wonders On Your Physique And Health appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

by Sruthi Chowdhry via STYLECRAZE