Summer is almost here! As the weather gets warmer, people are getting outside and finding ways to get in shape for the beach. If you’re looking for a way to burn calories fast, we have the perfect solution.
The term Nordic Pole Walking might be unfamiliar to you, but it’s becoming more and more popular.
What is it? In this article, we take a look at exactly what this form of exercise is and how to do it. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Scandinavian walking so that you can get into the best shape of your life.
1. What Is It?
This is a walking technique that uses two poles that are specifically designed to work your upper body. It utilizes bodily movements that are much like the techniques used in cross country skiing.
2. The Walking Technique
Nordic walking enhances the way you use your arms while walking. The crucial technique is to remember to keep your poles behind your body and angled diagonally backward.
Your shoulders should remain relaxed, with the poles held close to your body. Keep your hands slightly open so that the poles can swing forward. It’s important that you don’t grip the poles, but rather allow them to swing from the wrist straps.
As the lead foot strikes the ground, allow the opposite arm to swing forward, and the opposite pole will touch the ground with the heel of the opposite foot. Always keep the poles pointing diagonally backward and behind the body.
Push the pole back so that your arm straightens to form a continuous line, and allow each foot to roll through the step and push off with the toe to maximize each stride.
3. The Poles
Most walking poles are made of aluminum or carbon fiber. The main difference between the two materials is weight and durability. Aluminum is fine, but carbon fiber is superior yet more expensive.
There are a variety of designs with features for different terrains, such as the ones you’ll find at York Nordic Walking Poles.
The most important features to pay attention to are the wrist strap and tips. More expensive features simply increase the comfort level of your walking experience.
4. The Upper Body Workout
Nordic walking is an effective way to exercise your deltoids, triceps, abdominals, and lats. Believe it or not, it can increase the number of calories burned by 40% without an increase in effort.
In fact, you’ll actually burn more fat and increase your heart rate with less exertion.
5. Are Poles Necessary?
The reality is that you get the same exercise without the use of poles. And yet the technique is significantly more challenging without walking poles. This is because the poles help the walker to maintain proper form.
The Benefits of Nordic Pole Walking
It’s easy to see the benefits of Nordic pole walking. This form of exercise burns more calories, burns fat, increases your heart rate, improves posture, and relieves neck and shoulder stress.
If you’re hoping to fit into that new bathing suit this summer, this might be the ideal form of exercise to get you there in a hurry! So start walking and have a great time!
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