Taking one step after another using two poles: Contrary to what it seems, “Nordic walking” is not just an Anglicism to define “walking with the support of two poles”; is much more: It is a fairly technical sport with many health benefits. It consists of walking, where the stride is guided with the help of two poles, which in turn help propel and accelerate the rhythm.
Daniel Camiroaga
To do it correctly, you have to Extend the arms as far as possible when stretching and contract them as they swing to walk. Other technical details that this sport requires are that of wide movements with the arms and that the point where the club rests coincides with the center of gravity of the body. It’s also a cheap sport – you just need poles – and it can be done by people of all ages and can be adapted to suit all levels of demand.
These are just some of the benefits of Nordic walking for the human body:
- An integral sport. It is a very complete aerobic exercise that works on resistance, strength, flexibility, coordination and balance. With all these exercises you prevent vascular risks.
- It helps you lose weight. Nordic walking uses more than 20% of the energy than walking and when done properly, 90% of the musculature gets into motion. In conjunction with a healthy and adequate diet, this muscle training helps increase the calories burned.
- Relieves built-up tension and stress. It worships not only the body, but also the mind. This discipline should be practiced outdoors, either on the field or on the beach, but not on tarmac. Getting in touch with nature, fresh air and sunlight helps anxiety in this complicated current situation.
- Recommended for controlling lymphedema, a consequence of breast cancer. In recent years, Nordic walking has come highly recommended for breast cancer survivors and its aftermath. By practicing this sport at the desired pace, you improve shoulder mobility, reduce joint pain and prevent lymphedema, a swelling caused by the removal of lymph nodes.
- Low risk of injury. Unlike other sports, such as uneven walking or climbing, Nordic walking significantly minimizes the risk of injury. Since it requires the help of stakes, it is practiced on flat paths or with few irregularities to properly support the pole. This greatly facilitates the tread and good balance, so there is almost no chance of falling.
- Fight posture problems. The movement with the sticks ‘forces’ to place the body, especially the shoulders and back, at the correct angle. The person who practices Nordic walking properly cannot step down with the shoulder pad, a fact that helps the whole skeleton posture to be correct.
- Strengthens the bones without damaging the joints. Contrary to what appears to be the case, the vibration of the stick strengthens the bone after each impulse without damaging the joints, damage that the constant repetition of exercises in other disciplines can cause.
- It helps to improve the practice of other sports. Because it is an integrated sport that strengthens other parts of the body, it also provides improvements that are needed in other disciplines: more balance, resistance, strength or coordination.