Nordic Walking Made Easy

My name is Paul Collins and I am a Chartered physiotherapist (Physical Therapist) and INWA qualified Nordic walking instructor. I am writing this article in the hope that people realise the benefits of Nordic walking and to increase the awareness of the exercise worldwide (although as far as I am aware this is happening as we speak). Nordic Walking is fitness walking with the use of poles. Unlike trekking, it requires the poles to be placed at 45 degrees to the ground to give a more propulsive effect with the ground when pushing through the poles. The main benefits of Nordic walking include burning 20-50% more calories than normal walking, making it an ideal exercise for weight loss. Nordic walking takes weight off of the lower back, hips, knees and ankles. This makes Nordic Walking a great exercise for people who dislike the jolting when jogging or conventional walking as well as people with medical conditions which result in reduced mobility, increased pain and reduced fitness. Nordic Walking is labelled a “Total Body Workout”, mainly due to the fact that it allows 90% of the body’s muscles to be working with one exercise. This allows the loads placed on the body to be spread out, making the exercise feel easier than walking and jogging at similar exercise intensities. Advantages of Nordic walking include exercising outdoors, you can exercise alone or with friends and family, you can do it anywhere and you can enjoy the wildlife and natural beauty of the surroundings at the same time. You can enjoy Nordic walking whatever your age or fitness level. My 5 years experience teaching nordic walking in the UK combined with work as a physiotherapist have allowed me to adapt the exercise for people of all ages with a variety of fitness levels and medical conditions. In this time I have had great results working with people to lose weight, improve mobility and to recover from conditions such as stroke, heart conditions, Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis but to name a few. Please feel free to visit my worldwide Nordic walking Educational website and take advantage of exclusive information about this exciting exercise and enjoy the benefits which Nordic walking has to offer. Pick up some poles and have a go! Kind Regards Yours in Nordic Walking Paul Collins MSc INWA Instructorrn