Nordic walking at Riverdale Fitness

Nordic walking. It's walking with poles that makes all the difference!

Nordic walking is one of the fastest growing recreational fitness sports in the world. In fact millions of Europeans take to the poles every week with this Finn originated, oxygen-fed and fitness-driven "total body workout."

Fitness, motion and rhythm has turned into the mantra for office-bound creatures crippled by back problems, weight issues and emotional dullness. Now they are burning more calories, reducing stress on their body, increasing their O2 intake and stimulating their mind while toning 90 per cent of their muscles (as opposed to 60 per cent when running).

You don't feel like you're working any harder but, in addition to working your legs, you're experiencing a full range of motion that engages the abs, arms, shoulders, upper chest and back muscles. This low impact activity increases strength and flexibility of the neck, shoulder and spine, which can greatly improve your posture plus it reduces strain on the knees because you take some of the load with the poles.

Nordic walking burns about 400 calories per hour compared to 280 calories per hour of normal walking (depending on exertion) and a Nordic walker's heart rate tends to be 5 to 17 beats per minute higher.

The technique takes a bit of practice as the extremely light poles are not swung in a forward and back motion like a walking stick, but are planted behind the body and stay behind the body at all times. The poles are on a 45-degree slant and a torso rotation using big movements turning from the waist allow the shoulders to follow through. Propelling forward with poles is a nice powerful feeling and when you take your stride into high gear you can feel the strength and power your body generates.

Nordic walking can be adapted to individual fitness levels. It isn't just for the fitness enthusiast who wants a high intensity, total body aerobic workout.

Nordic walking clinics are offered at Riverdale Fitness Mill in Inglewood Wednesdays and Sundays. For more information call 905-838-3632 or visit www.riverdalefitnessmill.com.

Why did we ever walk without poles?