Nordic Walking Iowa
“The Perfect Low Impact Total Body Exercise”
“The Perfect Low Impact Total Body Exercise”
Benefits of Nordic Walking
Low Impact Exercise is the Way to Go
Studies have shown that Nordic Walking with poles results in 30% less impact on hip, knee and foot structures. When you consider that an average 3 mile walk or run requires about 5700 individual steps a 30% reduction in stress to ligaments, tendons and bony articulations is huge! By contrast the shock impact of a runner’s step is 3-4 times a person’s weight, while walking is only 1 ½. Some sports like basketball and tennis can have a shock impact force of 7 times a person’s weight. With Nordic Walking you get all the same benefits and more without the wear and tear, the whole body use, without the abuse!
Great for Weight Loss
Nordic Walking with poles burns up to 40% more calories than fitness walking without poles or jogging. A brisk but comfortable Nordic Pole Walking rhythm normally will place you squarely in the optimum fat burning zone of 65-75% of your maximum heartbeat frequency and keep you there throughout your 30-60 minute workout. Coupled with a reduced calorie, high fiber diet and the elimination of sugars and fats Nordic Walking can help you lose those extra pounds and feel energized for life all at the same time.
Improved Cardio Training
Walking with poles increases your cardiovascular training by approximately 22% over fitness walking without poles and slow tempo jogging. What this means is that instead of straining to get your heart beat up into "the zone" with fitness walking you can Nordic Walk at a comfortable pace and still reap greater benefits. A real win-win!
Supports Stress Management
In study after study stress has been shown to be a direct contributor to weakened immune systems and disease of all kinds (Cohen, Tyrrell and Smith 1991,; Kiecolt-Glaser 1996). We all need a way to safely manage stress in our lives and exercise has been shown to be a key component. Nordic Walking supports stress management by raising levels of endorphins, different neurotransmitters and "positive" hormones (DHEA, HGH,
estrogen and testosterone) that support emotional and physical regeneration. In addition Nordic Walking burns off "negative" hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) and returns them to normal levels. A regular program of Nordic Walking can greatly impact the both your physical and mental health in a positive way.
The Perfect Total Body Exercise
Many sports activities workout only half your body = bicycle riding, jogging and running using only 35% to 65% of your muscles. Nordic Pole Walking is like going from 2 wheel drive into 4 wheel drive toning and getting the metabolic boost of 90% of all the muscles in your body. It's common sense; more muscles used = more calories spent and a more efficient aerobic workout.
Other Benefits of Nordic Pole Walking
Studies have shown that Nordic Walking with poles results in 30% less impact on hip, knee and foot structures. When you consider that an average 3 mile walk or run requires about 5700 individual steps a 30% reduction in stress to ligaments, tendons and bony articulations is huge! By contrast the shock impact of a runner’s step is 3-4 times a person’s weight, while walking is only 1 ½. Some sports like basketball and tennis can have a shock impact force of 7 times a person’s weight. With Nordic Walking you get all the same benefits and more without the wear and tear, the whole body use, without the abuse!
Great for Weight Loss
Nordic Walking with poles burns up to 40% more calories than fitness walking without poles or jogging. A brisk but comfortable Nordic Pole Walking rhythm normally will place you squarely in the optimum fat burning zone of 65-75% of your maximum heartbeat frequency and keep you there throughout your 30-60 minute workout. Coupled with a reduced calorie, high fiber diet and the elimination of sugars and fats Nordic Walking can help you lose those extra pounds and feel energized for life all at the same time.
Improved Cardio Training
Walking with poles increases your cardiovascular training by approximately 22% over fitness walking without poles and slow tempo jogging. What this means is that instead of straining to get your heart beat up into "the zone" with fitness walking you can Nordic Walk at a comfortable pace and still reap greater benefits. A real win-win!
Supports Stress Management
In study after study stress has been shown to be a direct contributor to weakened immune systems and disease of all kinds (Cohen, Tyrrell and Smith 1991,; Kiecolt-Glaser 1996). We all need a way to safely manage stress in our lives and exercise has been shown to be a key component. Nordic Walking supports stress management by raising levels of endorphins, different neurotransmitters and "positive" hormones (DHEA, HGH,
estrogen and testosterone) that support emotional and physical regeneration. In addition Nordic Walking burns off "negative" hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) and returns them to normal levels. A regular program of Nordic Walking can greatly impact the both your physical and mental health in a positive way.The Perfect Total Body Exercise
Many sports activities workout only half your body = bicycle riding, jogging and running using only 35% to 65% of your muscles. Nordic Pole Walking is like going from 2 wheel drive into 4 wheel drive toning and getting the metabolic boost of 90% of all the muscles in your body. It's common sense; more muscles used = more calories spent and a more efficient aerobic workout.
Other Benefits of Nordic Pole Walking
- Proper Nordic Walking body mechanics bring the shoulders and head back and straightens up the spine improving body posture significantly reducing stress on neck, shoulders and upper back. Lately I have felt sorry for the many joggers that I pass by with their scrunched up forward head posture and raised shoulders. If they only knew what a difference the addition of poles could make!
- Nordic walking helps greatly with stability and
balance issues and these are major factors for an aging population that wants to stay mobile as well as those returning from rehab of various kinds.
- Nordic Walking has been used
at the University of Wisconsin in the rehabilitation of patients
after myocardial infarction (MI). In the MI study, the
oxygen uptake increased on average 21% compared to walking without
poles
- Nordic Walking is just plain FUN! I don't want your poles to sit in your closet collecting dust. The more you enjoy something the more likely you are to do it on a regular basis. Once you start walking with poles you'll feel like something is missing walking without them. Nordic Walking out in nature is the most enjoyable part of my way.
Join one of our Nordic Walking Clinics
In our Nordic Walking Clinics you will be get an over view of the Nordic Walking system including the history, health 
benefits, equipment selection and easy to follow, step-by-step instruction in proper pole walking technique that you can use for a lifetime. We'll have you Nordic Walking and having fun before you know it!
Click on the Learn Nordic Walking Tab above for more information.
