WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?

THE BENEFITS OF NORDIC WALKING IN PARTICULAR


You may have seen various news and medical research items about it recently, or even the author LJ Ross and Robson Green trying it during one of his ‘Weekend Escapes’ television programmes and being enthusiastic about it (episode 14, aired 9th February 2023). Also the late Michael Moseley advocated it in his ‘Just One Thing’ series (BBC Sounds/Radio 4 on 25th April 2024). Here are some quotes from from his podcast:

“Nordic walking leads to greater fitness and weight loss compared to regular walking” and “Anyone can benefit – if you’re a seasoned athlete or have limited mobility”

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We all know exercise has many physical and mental health benefits, especially if done outside and in a group like ours for the social aspects, but in addition Nordic walking specifically:

  • Helps with posture & shoulder or neck stiffness (especially from activities that encourage bending the head and/or shoulders forward such as driving, desk jobs and scrolling on your mobile)
  • Is good for balance & coordination
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  • Works the less dominant hand and arm, which is rare in many activities but it helps the brain in various ways (such as creating new neural pathways)
  • Uses more muscles and is more ‘cardio’ or aerobic than ordinary walking
  • Keeps hands warmer in the winter (because of the grip and release parts of the technique)

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  • Improves circulation & wound healing (growth factor stimulation)
  • Causes less pain and strain to joints, like knees and hips and also the back
  • Burns more calories, by an average of 20%
  • Helps uphill so people manage uphill stretches more easily – sometimes in a blur as shown here! 🙂 ->
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In addition, Nordic walking is increasingly recommended by a variety of medical professionals for the following conditions:

  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Cancer treatment side effects eg breast cancer surgery after-effects & lymphoedema
  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

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  • Coronary Heart Disease & high blood pressure (research with these groups shows that it improves general mobility, level of functioning and fitness)
  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Fibromyalgia

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