5 reasons to start Nordic walking
Walking with sticks (the so-called Scandinavian walking) has long been almost unknown to our compatriots. Today it is rapidly gaining popularity around the world. The interest in Scandinavian walking is primarily due to its beneficial effects on the human body.
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Disease prevention
Outdoor hiking is considered one of the best ways to heal your body. With Nordic walking, the effect is enhanced, as vigorous arm movements are added to normal leg work, which puts stress on the muscles of the chest, upper back and shoulder girdle.
Scandinavian walking helps to normalize the work of the heart, increase the tone of the vascular walls. This reduces the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. It has been found that an hour of exercise lowers blood pressure by 10 units.
According to statistics, women who walk with sticks at least 5 km a day are diagnosed with malignant neoplasms of the mammary glands 25% less often. In children and adolescents prone to scoliosis, such training improves the condition of the spine and the entire musculoskeletal system. Scandinavian walking tones up, activates the body's defenses. Fans of this sport maintain physical vigor and intellectual activity until a ripe old age.
Dealing with stress
Nordic walking is usually done in a group. An energetic walk in the company of friendly, affable people cheers up, distracts from family, production and everyday problems. Fresh air soothes, improves appetite and sleep. The specificity of training makes them one effective way to deal with the effects of nervous stress.
The ability to lose weight
When doing Scandinavian walking, loads capture almost 90% of the muscles of the human body. During an hour of training, the body loses up to 700 kcal. That is why such classes are recommended for people suffering from diabetes mellitus and a tendency to obesity.
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Simplicity and availability
Nordic walking is available for people of all ages and is a great family workout option. You can do it anywhere (near your home, in the nearest park or square), without wasting extra time on the way to the training site. It is not difficult for a working person to choose a convenient moment for classes during the day.
Scandinavian walking is not associated with the need to use expensive equipment. The walking technique has its own characteristics, but it is not difficult to learn how to walk correctly. The help of a paid instructor is not required for this.
Safety
As a form of physical activity, Scandinavian walking has practically no contraindications. The person himself chooses the pace of the walk, the intensity of hand movements when pushing off with sticks, as well as the complexity and length of the route. The ability to dose the load depending on the state of health makes exercise safe even for very elderly and not quite healthy people.
When starting to practice Nordic walking, you should consult your doctor. He will tell you what loads to start with and how to gradually increase them without harming your health. In any case, walking with poles will help strengthen the immune system, improve the condition of the heart and blood vessels, maintain a normal weight and cope with stress. With complete safety, this is one of the most effective ways to heal the body.
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Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".
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