Nordic walking is an outdoor practice that combines normal walking with the use of poles specially designed for this activity. It is often overlooked, but offers many benefits for the physical and mental health of its practitioners. In this article, we’ll explore three of the major health benefits of Nordic walking in detail.
Muscle building
One of the main benefits of Nordic walking is the muscle building it provides. Through the use of the poles, Nordic walking activates the upper body muscles, such as the arms, shoulders, abdominals and back muscles. This improves posture and balance, reduces muscle soreness and improves joint mobility. Nordic walking is also an activity accessible to all fitness levels, as it can be adapted according to individual strength and endurance. It is also inexpensive, as it requires only minimal equipment.
Improved cardiovascular health
It is an aerobic activity that increases heart rate and blood circulation. This regular practice can improve cardiovascular health, reduce blood pressure and decrease the risk of developing heart disease. Additionally, Nordic walking is a low impact activity on the joints, making it safer for people with joint pain or mobility issues. The cardiovascular benefits of Nordic walking have been demonstrated in several studies, which have shown significant improvement in aerobic capacity and heart function in regular exercisers.
Stress management and mental health
It is also beneficial for stress management and mental health. Outdoor physical activity is known to have a positive impact on mood and mental health, due to its combination of physical exercise and time spent in nature. Practitioners can enjoy the calming effect of nature while improving their physical condition. In addition, it is often practiced in groups, which can help strengthen social bonds and reduce isolation. Regular Nordic walking can also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep quality and boost self-confidence.
Other Benefits
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, it offers many other physical and mental health benefits. It can improve flexibility, endurance and coordination. It can also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis. It’s also a great way to maintain a healthy weight because it burns calories and promotes weight loss.
Nordic walking is a complete and accessible physical activity that offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. It is inexpensive, can be done at any age and fitness level, and can be adapted to suit individual needs. If you are looking for a pleasant physical activity that benefits your health, do not hesitate to try Nordic walking. It’s a great way to improve your health and enjoy nature at the same time.