As you’ve likely noticed while living among the beautiful hills and mountains of Colorado, walking and skiing are two favorite pastimes. But did you know that they’ve been combined into a fitness craze that’s popular across Colorado and around the world?
It’s called Nordic Walking, and it’s not that different from normal walking, except you do it with specially designed ski poles in your hands. While the concept may sound simple, it takes a little time for the average person to learn how to Nordic Walk and become physically conditioned to go long distances. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll have a new low-impact workout to add to your fitness routine that offers a similar intensity to running, without all the pounding on your joints.
Where Did Nordic Walking Come From?
Nordic Walking began in Finland in the early 1900s as an off-season training exercise for cross-country skiers. In 1997, a Finnish company (with the help of sports medicine experts and athletes) invented a new wrist strap system for the poles, which makes today’s Nordic Walking technique possible.
Nowadays, Nordic Walkers can use either Nordic Walking Poles or Bungee Poles, which add extra resistance and movement to the workout. Since Bungee Poles require more muscles and coordination to use, they provide a greater-intensity workout than standard poles.
The Benefits of Nordic Walking
It’s no surprise that Nordic Walking has become so popular across the globe. Even though it started out as a cross-training exercise for skiers, it’s evolved into an activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy and benefit from.
Nordic Walking is also the perfect activity for Colorado, thanks to our expansive network of trails and parks, as well as our spectacular views and mild climate.
Not only is Nordic Walking fun, but it also offers health and fitness benefits that surpass regular walking, hiking, and jogging. As a matter of fact, many doctors agree that Nordic Walking is one of the most effective cardiovascular workouts available because it exerts all of the body’s major muscle groups.
Research has shown that Nordic Walking:
- Burns up to 46% more calories than standard walking, which makes it excellent for weight loss efforts
- Increases the aerobic effect of walking by up to 25%
- Engages 90% of the body’s muscles, compared to a maximum of 70% for regular walking
- Increases heart rate by 10-15% more than normal walking
- Burns at least 400 calories per hour on average, compared to walking which burns about 280
- Is low impact, which reduces strain on joints in the lower body (hips, knees, ankles, etc.) by about 26% compared to jogging or running
- Distributes exercise intensity across all four limbs, which helps you not feel as “beat up” as you do after jogging or running
- Tones the upper body including the arms, shoulders, and back
- Improves core stability and strength
- Can be done anywhere, which makes it a great way to work out while traveling and even allows you to explore new places
- Provides a rhythmic experience because of the poles, which helps you recharge mentally as well as physically
- Promotes spine mobility and an upright posture
- Reduces back, shoulder, and neck pain
- Improves the condition of those with Type 2 diabetes by reducing insulin resistance and dependence on medication
- Reduces high blood pressure
Nordic Walking Sessions at Adventure Fitness Athletic Club
If you’re in the Thornton area, you can learn all about this fun, efficient workout at Adventure Fitness Athletic Club (AFAC). We hold regularly scheduled Nordic Walking classes for our members, and non-members can join the class for the price of a day pass ($10) or one time for free.
Our Nordic Walking classes are led by Susan Schaffner, the owner of Adventure Fitness Athletic Club and a Certified American Nordic Walking Association Personal Instructor. Whether you’re a Nordic Walking newbie or have been hitting the pavement with your poles for years, attending these classes at our gym is a great way to pursue the sport and meet new friends.
Susan’s classes are held on the days and times listed below.
- Saturdays: 7:30-8:30 am – Nordic Walk – meet at Front Range Community College/Library
- Saturdays: 8:30-9:15 am – Beginners Nordic Walk – meet at Front Range Community College/Library
- Mondays: 8:30-9:15 am – Nordic Walk – meet at AFAC
AFAC supplies both Nordic Walking Poles and Bungee Poles for your convenience.
Learn More
If you enjoy exercising outside, come Nordic Walking with us! You’ll learn how to build muscle and burn calories safely and effectively.
For more information, call Susan at 720-849-0245 or email her at susan@adventurefitness.club. Club members can register on MINDBODY.
To read more articles from Adventure Fitness Athletic Club, check out our Adventure Corner blogs by clicking here.
