Here comes some facts about this Fitness-sport that the Finns invented!!!
Health:
In Nordic Walking
Heart rate is 5-17 beats per minute higher (for example in normal walking heart rate is 130 beats/minute and in Nordic Walking 147 beats per minute i.e. increase is 13%)
Energy consumption increases when using poles by an average of 20% compared with ordinary walking without poles
Up to a 46% increase in energy consumption (Cooper Institute research, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sports 2002 publication)
Releases pain and muscle tension in the neck/shoulder region
The lateral mobility of the neck and spine increases significantly
The muscles most actively involved are the forearm extensor and flexor muscles, the rear part of the shoulder muscles, the large pectoral muscles and the broad back muscles
Does not aggravate joints and knees
Reduces the load on knees and other joints
Consumes approximately 400 calories per hour (compared with 280 calories per hour for normal walking)
Poles are a safety factor on slippery surfaces
Nordic Walking should be practiced for relatively long periods, i.e. between half an hour and two hours at a time. The pace should be steady and the heart rate should rise to between 120 and 150 beats per minute. (this info comes from the site that the techniques comes from below)
http://www.nordicwalking.com/portal/nor ... technique/
http://www.nordicwalking.com/portal/nor ... technique/
http://www.nordicwalking.com/portal/nor ... technique/
Here is the technique you need!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_walking
You just need to try it, it is among the best things I have ever tried. Even if most people in my country that do it are older then me I feel so happy when I do it. It is like the best kick there is when it comes to anything fitness...
Love Leelene
Blah Blah Cafe, the Jean-Michel Jarre forum
