Effective because people want to gain the conditioning level necessary to reach their personal goals whether it’s fitness, weight loss or a certain pace in an event.
Efficient means that it’s done realistically in the least amount of time required. Why train two or three hours a day if 30 to 60 minutes, done properly, could yield the same result?
Safe is pretty straightforward, such as avoiding injuries so you’re healthy, fit and ready to tackle the next goal if you so desire.
Fun because fitness should never become a chore. That’s why we set goals, train with others, constantly learn and — something we sometimes forget — it’s why we should always be open to trying new things; new training loops, new running partners, new events, even new workouts such as Nordic walking.
Yes, it look’s geeky, but integrating Nordic walking into your running or walking training routine can help with all four of the tenets of a successful program. Nordic walking is essentially walking with poles, using an alternating arm swing opposite the legs. It basically looks like classical Nordic (or cross country) skiing without the skis.
Nordic walking is effective because it’s a proven total body conditioner and is often used as off-season training by Nordic skiers. It’s efficient, because it boosts the calorie burn over regular walking by an average of 30% and as much as 45% if you pole vigorously and use hills. It’s safe because walking with poles can add stability on uneven ground or trails, poses no known risk of injury to the upper body because the poles are so light and it can reduce the impact force on the lower extremity (as the poles bear some load), especially during downhill walking. And many people find Nordic walking a fun alternative to mix into their running and walking routine because there is some technique involved, and it can be ideal to do on roads, trails or other varied surfaces.
Once you get over the geek factor you’ll be invigorated and find that Nordic walking is exactly the efficient, effective, safe and fun workout you need in your busy life.
Join the Nordic Walkabout Club every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Maine Running Company to Nordic walk with others and learn more about this growing fitness activity.
John Rogers is the owner of Maine Running Company on Forest Ave. in Portland. Send questions or comments to him at jr@runwalkcompany.com or check out the store’s website at www.mainerunning.com.