Youth and Vitality – Two Ends of a Nordic Walking Pole

Nordic Walking is simply walking with poles – a trendy physical activity with unparalleled health benefits. It’s similar to an energetic walk but engages significantly more muscle groups. During Nordic Walking, the body uses almost 90% of all its muscles. This not only improves physical fitness but also positively impacts the functioning of our body in everyday life. It offers similar benefits to running, but without placing strain on the joints and with a lower risk of injury.

How to Train Nordic Walking?

Nordic Walking primarily requires correct posture and walking technique. However, these are not complicated, so the sport can be mastered relatively quickly. Online, you will find many visual tutorials that teach how to maintain proper rhythm and arm swing, position your feet and hips, and skillfully push off the ground with the poles. This knowledge and initial practice are essential as they help relieve joint strain, protect the hips and spine, and prepare for effective Nordic Walking training.

Nordic Walking – Who Is It For?

If you don’t have a sprained ankle or a torn tendon, and if you can move your limbs freely, there’s nothing stopping you from starting daily Nordic Walking training as early as tomorrow. This sport is so non-invasive and undemanding that anyone, regardless of age, can practice it. It is also recommended by physical therapists as a complementary activity for certain therapies. Among Nordic Walking enthusiasts, you’ll find many former runners or cyclists who, due to injuries, can no longer engage in competitive sports. Nordic Walking allows them to satisfy their need for physical activity and even a bit of competition.

Nordic Walking Equipment

The primary piece of equipment for Nordic Walkers is poles. When purchasing them, pay attention to their construction to avoid accidentally buying trekking poles. Nordic Walking poles feature narrow, straight handles with attached gloves (for comparison: trekking poles have shaped grips and straps instead of gloves). Nordic Walking poles should be selected based on height. When you hold a pole, the handle should be at the level of an elbow bent at a 90-degree angle.

What Shoes for Nordic Walking?

Another essential piece of equipment is shoes. It’s best to choose those with thin and flexible soles that wick moisture and allow the feet to breathe. Minimalist shoes are an excellent choice. They are extremely light and comfortable. Even when worn without socks, they don’t cause blisters or chafing. Minimalist shoes allow you to feel the movements of your feet and the ground beneath you, making them ideal for starting your Nordic Walking journey. If you’re unsure which shoes to choose, try practicing with the Explorer model.

Nordic Walking Benefits

The beneficial effects of Nordic Walking on the body are undeniable. While it’s hard to list all the advantages, here are a few of the most important ones:

Relaxes the neck and shoulders.
Helps relieve tension and chronic pain.
Supports the cardiovascular system (great for people with heart problems).
Improves mood and overall well-being.
Burns 40% more calories than regular walking, aiding in weight loss.
Strengthens back, neck, and spine muscles (ideal for people working at a computer).
Strengthens the abdominal and chest muscles (helpful for those with sedentary jobs).
Improves motor coordination.
Reduces orthopedic issues.
Helps maintain balance.
Delays the effects of aging.
Boosts the body’s natural immunity.

The most beautiful gift Nordic Walking offers is the ability to move in fresh air and be surrounded by nature. As we know, simply spending time among trees or on a beach soothes the nerves and helps us forget our problems. Nordic Walking is pure pleasure and relaxation. It can be practiced year-round and almost anywhere.

This activity is accessible to nearly everyone who wants to try it. It doesn’t require months of preparation or specialized equipment. Nordic Walking is truly the sport of the future—it helps maintain vitality, youthfulness, and joy in life. Need we say more to convince you?