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Nordic Walking for Fitness and Health
On Countryfile today there was a report of a new “craze” that is taking off. It is called Nordic walking, which is simply walking with the aid of two walking sticks / walking poles. Researchers have shown that walking with two sticks actually allows you to utilise 90% of your muscles while walking, allows you to walk faster and further than normal walking, and therefore uses more energy, making you fitter.
As you are also using your upper body to propel yourself along the ground, your legs do not tire so quickly, allowing you to walk further. Using your upper body also exercises the arms, shoulders and even the abdominals, providing a good body workout. It is probably similar to using the “cross training” machines in gyms, except you can be out in the fresh air, exploring the countryside. Hill walkers have been using the walking poles for some time now, as it greatly reduces the pressure on knees, especially when walking downhill.
If you want to find a class / club near you, or even just purchase some poles, then there is a website dedicated to Nordic walking in the UK, called Nordic Walking UK.
So buy some poles for your and your family, encourage friends, and get out and do some serious walking exercise.
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