Nordic Walking

[James Burke]

Anybody into Nordic Walking (with tandem walking poles)?

This is my second year, and by far it's the best way to boost metabolism and drop pounds. Somehow, I got away from using the poles during last summer and fall, and I noticed a huge decline in metabolism...and a substantial weight gain.

Typical claims say that you can burn approx. 40% more calories walking the same distance with poles than without. I've been keeping a detailed health journal for the past 13 months and those claims appear to be substantiated by my estimates. I log just a fuzz over 3 miles each day with the poles (roadside walking and a bit of cross country walking).

Here's a shameless (unsolicited and unpaid) plug for a fellow Michigander who helped me get started: http://skiwalking.com




JB

 

[OldPaint]

NORDIC WALKING????? back when i started doing this(1970)it was CROSS COUNTRY SKIING)))))
WOW, give it new name it supposed to be something else????
yes its very invigorating, burn tons of calories and keeps you warm in MINUS 0 MAINE, WINTERS.

 

[rjssigns]

In my neighborhood there used to be tons of folks using the poles. Now nobody uses them or walks unless the weather is absolutely perfect. My dog and I are out everyday, sometimes twice. I may try it with the poles as that would really get the arms involved. Wonder if it would help my rotator cuff?

 

[OldPaint]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtxTEgGakY4

 

[kheebl]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtxTEgGakY4

I don't think he is talking about cross country skiing. Nordic walking is basically just walking but you add ski poles. I see people doing it all over where I live but have never tried it.

 

[TomK]

I don't think he is talking about cross country skiing. Nordic walking is basically just walking but you add ski poles. I see people doing it all over where I live but have never tried it.

What do the poles add to the walk? I don't get it...

 

[kheebl]

I think the poles just add more of a workout so you burn more calories. But I am no expert haha should probably let someone who does it explain.

 

[James Burke]

What do the poles add to the walk? I don't get it...

Think of it as the difference between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. You're utilizing the upper body to increase your momentum, thus you burn more calories (since you're utilizing approx. 90% of your muscle groups). You're not swinging your arms wildly. You set the pole and push off with each stride.

One would never think of doing four or five thousand reps of any upper-body exercise, but with Nordic walking, you're getting just that.

If you're skeptical, find a scrubby old pair of ski poles at a pawn shop and try it. If you like it, then invest in a nice pair of carbon fiber walking poles...there's a huge difference in poles so choose carefully.

JB

 

[James Burke]

NORDIC WALKING????? back when i started doing this(1970)it was CROSS COUNTRY SKIING))))) WOW, give it new name it supposed to be something else???? yes its very invigorating, burn tons of calories and keeps you warm in MINUS 0 MAINE, WINTERS.

They're two totally different things...but they provide essentially the same benefits.

 

[James Burke]

I think the poles just add more of a workout so you burn more calories. But I am no expert haha should probably let someone who does it explain.

There are a lot of videos on YouTube that show horrible technique. To get the most benefit, your elbow should remain extended through the entire swing of the arm (as you would when you walk normally) and allow the shoulders to do all the work...not the arms.


JB

 

[James Burke]

Wonder if it would help my rotator cuff?

So long as there is no current damage to the cuff, I would suspect it to be helpful. You might want to check with your orthopedist first.


JB

 

[player]

You should try using heavy steel rods for your poles for that extra burn.

 

[James Burke]

You should try using heavy steel rods for your poles for that extra burn.

You could try, but it surely wouldn't be that much fun. My carbon fiber poles weigh 7 ounces each and make walking an absolutely invigorating (and fun) experience.

Take a look at the pole straps in the link of my first post. Your hands are actually fitted into fingerless gloves that allow you to hold the pole without actually having to tightly grip it with your fingers.


JB

 

[player]

No pain no gain.