Health and Fitness Benefits of Nordic Walking

Around the world, millions of Nordic Walking participants are enjoying the immense health and wellness benefits that this new form of low impact fitness walking provides. Even though Nordic Walking originated as a cross-training exercise for elite cross-county skiers, it is an activity suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

It is little wonder that Nordic Walking is becoming a rapidly growing and popular type of fitness walking in Australia. The climate, infrastructure and landscape provide an ideal environment for wonderful Nordic Walks along beaches, through nature reserves and suburban parks, and even city footpaths.

The fitness and health benefits of Nordic Walking are significantly greater than regular walking, trekking or even jogging, with scientific research from Europe and the USA proving that Nordic Walking:

Activates 90% of the body's muscles
Burns up to 46% more calories than regular walking
Increases aerobic effect by up to 25% compared to regular walking
Decreases load and strain on the lower body
Tones upper arms, shoulders and back muscles
Improves lateral mobility of the spine
Develops core stability and strength
Promotes an upright posture

These benefits are achieved through the use of specially designed poles and a properly learned and performed Nordic Walking technique, whereby the poles are used as a resistance tool to engage the upper body. The result is a low impact, high results, total body exercise.

As a low impact walking exercise, Nordic Walking is something that can be done and enjoyed individually or as a group activity, anywhere a person can normally walk. Nordic Walking is perfectly suited to Australia's climate and can be performed on any terrain -- from sandy beaches, park trails and grassy fields to urban footpaths.

It's hard to keep all the pertinent details on the numerous benefits of Nordic Walking at your fingertips at all times. Below are more benefits of Nordic Walking specific to:

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