Background and Basic Information
Nordic Walking, as its name suggests, comes from Scandinavia and more
precisely, from Finland. Already over 1 million Finnish have tried
Nordik walking at least once. Some 500 000 have adopted it as their
new, regular " jogging " activity. Nordik walking (Sauvakävely
in finnish) began with the desire of the Finnish Federation of Leisure
Skiing and Hiking to offer the public a training alternative for the
summer, which was already used by competitors in cross country skiing
to maintain their level. French cross country skiers are also familiar
with this technique.
To put into practicen
The principle of nordik walking is simple : the natural movement of
the arms should be accentuated while walking and the body should be
pushed forward with the help of two sticks (nordik sticks). The entire
upper portion of the body is in action during the effort, not only
lower limbs. As a result the effort is complete and the use of cardiovascular
and muscular exercise in incomparable.
Because of its facility and positive effects for the heart , Nordik
walking is applicable for both the young and older populations, beginners,
as well as athletes.
The benefits for the body are felt right from the first outing : with
Nordik walking, the use of energy is increased and the body furnishes
an extra effort, compared to traditional walking, since there is an
acceleration in rhythm. As the technique itself is relatively simple,
it is possible to enjoy the activity without a tedious apprenticeship.
Nordik walking sessions always include warm-up exercises for the general
shape: the session begins with a muscular warm-up as well as a warm
up for articulations and with a progressive increase in blood circulation,
which sometimes turns into a real gym class and concludes with stretching
exercises for recuperation.
Le Nordic Walking and your health
Nordic Walking offers a leisure activity which takes you
off the beaten path with a positive effect on your physical conditione.
-
It reinforces the general tenacity of your muscular form :
walking (or running) and cross country skiing are well known for their
ability to reinforce muscular structure : walking (or running) and
cross country skiing have proven, as well, to be beneficial for your
health. True, these activities reinforce your physical condition in
a comprehensive way.
Nordic Walking makes use of the entire muscular chain in one dynamic
movement. This is the contrary of traditional walking (which makes
use of only lower lmbs), the use of sticks favors the muscular development
of the upper body portion (abdominal muscles, arms, pectoral muscles,
shoulders).
- Improves the cardio cascular and oxygenation process : a
dynamic nordik walk with two sticks is the equivalent, as far as the
intensity is concerned, to that of the cardio vascular level of a
slow jogging.
This activity insures a resistence training which is both efficient
and pleasant. The consumption of oxygen show an increase of up to
60%!
-Speeds
up calorie burn - helps in slimming : Nordik walking helps the
slimming process. It is particularly aimed at those who wish to increase
daily calorie burn. Because of its use of the entire muscular chain
of the body, Nordik walking increases noticeably calorie burn, up
to 40% as compared to traditional walking, and as a result leads to
an improved glycaemia control.
.-Fortifies bones, contributes to the prevention of osteoporosis
: bones need to feel vibrations to be fortified. Positioning sticks
in the ground insures a maximum level of vibrations without aggressing
articulations, especially if the sticks are made of fiber composites
(carbon/fiberglass). Strong bones are built throughout life.
http://www.nordicwalking.us
