The benefits of Nordic walking

Accessible to all audiences regardless of age and physical condition, Nordic walking is a "health sport", good for fitness, figure and health. To be practiced without moderation!

Here are the main benefits that this sporting activity provides:

• Get away from it all, get some fresh air: practiced outdoors and most often in the heart of nature (forest, countryside, etc.), Nordic walking is an opportunity to get some fresh air and breathe deeply.
  A Nordic walking session will soothe you, a bit like a moment of meditation, and will allow you to clear your head.

• Better breathing and real cardiovascular work:
  Nordic walking allows the practitioner to breathe better, by having, thanks to its position and lateral supports, a greater lung amplitude and greater oxygenation of up to 60% more compared to traditional normal walking.
  Side cardio, to put it simply, Nordic walking at a moderate pace is roughly equivalent to a jogging session.

• Strengthens the skeleton and joints:
  The skeleton needs to be challenged, particularly in terms of vibrations, to maintain its strength and avoid so-called inactivity osteoporosis. Planting poles on the ground plays this role perfectly without being traumatic for the joints.

• Burn fat and lose weight:
  This activity boosts energy expenditure, up to 40% higher than traditional walking. As it is a non-traumatic discipline, it is particularly recommended for overweight people. Extended over a period of at least one hour, this practice is ideal for lasting weight loss: you lose between 300 and 500 calories per hour.

• A discipline that works the whole body: with its amplified arm and leg movements and the use of poles, Nordic walking works the upper and lower body, or 80% of the muscle chain mobilized.

• A social and friendly activity: practiced most of the time in a group with a coach, Nordic walking allows you to meet people, develop social relationships and have a good time with others.

Contraindications:
Nordic walking is suitable for practically everyone. However, avoid practicing this activity if you suffer from arthritis, especially during an inflammatory flare-up. Do not use poles if you have tendonitis in your upper limbs, or significant rheumatic conditions in the upper body or feet.
If you have osteoarthritis, make sure you practice Nordic walking in moderation.

If you are looking for advice on how to equip yourself for Nordic walking, do not hesitate to consult our article "Choosing the right Nordic walking poles" and our range of poles dedicated to this practice.