Last month I took up Nordic Ski Walking, also called Nordic Walking, and Ski Walking, which is basically walking with poles. It has been great for me, because I was looking for something doable for me at an introductory fitness level, something I could do at varying fitness levels, and something aerobic and anaerobic (so that I wouldn't need to lift weights).
Here are some facts about Nordic Ski Walking (NSW):
1. It burns up to 40% more calories than just plain walking.
2. It is easy and doesn't require skis or snow.
3. It is the fastest growing fitness activity in Europe.
4. It is inexpensive. It costs just the money for your poles, and you're on your way. Mine were $69.95 and involved no gym membership.
I really love NSW, as it involves no gym membership, and allows me to be outdoors. Also, if I feel like an intense workout, I can adjust for it. If I'm exhausted, I can still do it, just slower, and less intensely.
Here is a video of me doing NSW:
7 comments:
You forgot the most important benefit...you have a weapon to defend yourself against unfriendly dogs. *lol*
I admire your stamina. I wish I had some. They say exercise makes you feel more energetic, but what makes you energetic enough to start?
Just stopping by on the blog chain. Enjoyed your site.
Ginger
http://mizging.blogspot.com
Well, Ginger, I'd have to say...my health grounding program for starters, which includes stopping sugar, stopping refined carbos and alcohol, and getting 8 hours of sleep each night.
I had a slip today and ate some carbos and wow, did I feel it! I didn't have the energy to exercise. I'd had over a month of clean living to compare it to, and in a way, I'm glad for the slip, because I saw how tired it made me. Plus no enthusiasm for exercise.
It's baby steps, and one step leads to another and another.
Thank you for visiting, Ginger.
Blessings and good energy and love, Olivia
You really do appear to have more ease in the second view of yourself NSW. It's great that you have found an exercise that you are comfortable with and that you can do inside and out. That long driveway of yours is a blessing.
Yes, it is indeed! Thank you, Patti. NSW and yoga are the perfect combo, for me. If we each find "our" exercise, we'll find more pleasure in life! Love, O
hey...how did you walk past the camera AND talk into it?? haha! it reminds me of that old show (what's the name of it? ahhh!)...the one with the twins but it was filmed with only one actress. :)-
well, i must say, you've picked up some SPEED, grrl!! you look so ENERGETIC! :) will nordic walking give me energy? oh, i need energy.
Keep up the good work!
Walking with poles is the best. I hosted clinics this week at a Diabetes Expo and the poles were a huge hit - folks with new knees, new hips, back issues and Neuropathy ALL found the poles made walking so much better. The poles really do add balance and stability, plus make walking more effective by working the arms and burning more calories.
Please note that one-piece poles custom fit to your height are safer, lighter and more durable than cheap twist-locking adjustable/telescoping/collapsible poles.
Perfect length poles help us to automatically walk with a super straight back - better walking posture is biomechanically a good thing. This improved walking posture when combined with the unique 4-Wheel-Drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the shins, knees, hips and back. Nordic Walking is low impact and yet provides a highly effective workout - burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking.
For more info contact the American Nordic Walking System and WWW.SKIWALKING.COM
Have FUN Nordic Ski Walking,
Pete
Hey, Pete, thanks for your comment. I am indeed keeping up with NSW, mainly because I just love it so much.
I originally got my poles from you (SWIX poles) at www.skiwalking.com as well. I have heard that the telescoping poles are not the best and as a ski walker I would not want to either be fiddling with them to adjust them or worrying about them collapsing on me. I weigh over 200 pounds and am hard on the poles, and really like them all one unit.
Thanks for your comment,
Olivia
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