The Health Benefits Of Nordic Walking

Regular physical exercise is one of the most important factors in determining the health and fitness level of an individual

. It can help to lower the risk of - or even avoid - many health problems and diseases. Most of us are aware of the importance of regular exercise these days - but it can still be hard to motivate ourselves to exercise regularly. Aside from the fact that many people consider exercise to be tiring, boring and costly (gym membership fees are very high), it can be difficult to find enough time for exercise in your daily schedule.

Walking is one form of exercise which the majority of us perform every day. Therefore, it is an extremely important factor in setting the overall health and fitness level of any individual. Walking, if carried out on a regular and consistent basis, has the potential to provide numerous health benefits. It can help to lower the probability of stroke and heart disease and also to bring blood pressure levels down. It can help combat anxiety and depression. You will sleep better at night - you will generally feel better and you will have more energy. It can lower the probability of certain types of cancer. Recent research suggests that it may even help to avoid Alzheimers disease. It will build muscle, burn off calories and help you to lose weight and reduce body fat.

A comfortable pair of shoes that won't give you blisters is all that you need to get started. Theres no need for any special equipment and you can fit walking into your day as and when it suits you. If you can walk for 30 minutes a day, 3 or 4 times a week, you will soon start to see - and feel - results. If you can slowly build up to around 10,000 steps daily - between 4.5 and 5 miles for most people - you will see quite a difference. You will look better and feel better.

If, having gradually increased the distance and time that you walk for each day, you would like to get more out of your walking workout, then you could try Nordic walking. Nordic walking is a relatively new innovation which was started in Finland by skiers who wanted a way to keep fit and get ready for the winter season during the summer months. Basically, it is walking with the aid of slightly modified ski sticks. It's pretty much like skiing - but without the skis and also without the snow.

There are two main advantages to Nordic walking. Firstly, it uses the upper body and encourages activity in muscles which aren't usually used much when walking normally. Secondly, it reduces the load on the lower body muscles and joints.

These two factors provide even further benefits when compared to standard walking. The expenditure of energy is raised by somewhere between 20 and 40%. Increased motion in the upper body whilst walking promotes flexibility and agility. Reduced loading in the lower body results in less stress in the lower body joints and muscles. For some walkers, the use of poles may be safer, and this may allow even those recovering from injury or illness to take part in a higher intensity workout than would otherwise be possible.

Whether you opt for conventional walking, Nordic walking - or a combination of both - there are some very considerable, and easily achievable, health benefits available for you. If you are over 40, if you have any existing medical problems, or if you just haven't exercised for some time, then you should talk to your doctor prior to commencing and new exercise regime. However, just as long as you are sensible and start off slowly - building up over time - you will see some real benefits resulting from a regular walking workout.

by: Hamish Hayward

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