Nordic Walking

Nordic walking is a high-endurance activity that involves modified ski poles. The sport is extremely popular in Finland, especially among cross-country skiers looking for a way to train during the summer months. Nordic walkers are considered by many to be some of the fittest athletes in the world.If you're looking for a way to get more out of your workout, Nordic walking burns up to fifty percent more calories than regular walking. It's more efficient, too. You don't have to walk longer or faster to achieve double the results of regular walking. If you're suffering from joint stiffness or injuries to the knees or hips, you'll be glad to learn that Nordic walking applies less pressure to the joints (as well as the back). One of the most important things to consider when beginning a Nordic walking routine is the pole. Every time you take a step, you apply the force of your weight to the poles. Experts recommend you use a pole that is roughly 70 percent of your overall height. As a rule of thumb, you want to invest in poles that are longer than traditional ski poles, but shorter than traditional cross-country ski poles.If you're looking for tips on Nordic walking, experts recommend you try to keep the shoulders down and hold the poles closely to the body. Keep the hands open slightly to allow for a swing motion from the wrists. For best results, you may want to focus on keeping the poles behind the body through your stride.