Nordic Walking is quickly spreading all over the world as one of the best fitness activities for people who are looking for a fun physical activity that can be shared with family and friends combined with maximum health benefits.  This activity began as a summer training routine for competitive cross-country skiers.  Nordic Walking uses two specially designed walking poles to work the upper body while walking, much like you use poles while cross-country skiing.

Nordic Walking is truly a fitness activity that can be enjoyed by almost everyone

Do you have difficulty reaching your training heart rate with walking?

Are you an older adult who still wants to be active and healthy?

Do you have orthopedic, balance or stability problems?

Do you need to lose weight for health reasons, or are limited in the fitness activities that you can do?

Do you need an exercise that does not put stress on your joints, especially your hips and knees?

Do you want to achieve the same intensity of running without the high impact?

Are you a heart patient and you are looking for a safe fitness activity?

Are you looking for a fun activity that you can do in a group and will give you a full body workout?

You've found it, its Nordic Walking!

Nordic Walking is a low-stress, total body workout that's fantastic for weight-loss, and great for your body and mind.  It will keep you fit, toned and healthy, and most anyone can do it regardless of age, weight or gender.

With workouts as short as thirty minutes a day, three times a week, a Nordic Walking program using walking poles has many health benefits.  

-    Burns up to 40% more calories than normal walking.  Burns 400 calories per hours as compared to 280 per hour for normal walking.  Using poles increases your energy consumption by about 20%, and up to 46% when using the proper technique.

-    The technique is easy to master.

-    Helps you to reaches the same intensity of running without the high impact and without perceived exertion.  You can walk for longer periods of time without becoming exhausted because you are using more of your muscles to move you.

-    Strengthens your upper body: stomach, chest, back, neck and arms.

-    About 90 percent of all muscles are used.

-    Increased oxygen supply to the whole body.

-    Reduce the stress on the joints.

-    Relieves neck and shoulder pain and muscle tension.

-    Improves neck and chest mobility.

-    Poles provide balance and stability and improve coordination.

-    Increases the safety of walking, preventing falling.

-    Enhances mood.

-    Energetic, Relaxing and Fun!

Many doctors agree that Nordic walking is one of the most effective cardiovascular workouts because it works all muscle groups in the body.  It has also been proven to be an excellent addition to any rehabilitation program.  As long as you can walk, the Nordic Walking technique using walking poles can be adjusted to your particular needs.

Nordic Walking is one of the easiest, most convenient ways to get a full body workout and increase your level of fitness while spending time with family and friends and have fun while you are getting fit.  Get yourself some walking poles, grab some friends and get out there and start getting fit together!