Nordic Walking - Ideal Exercise for Balance Problems

Written by Julie Taylor

Nordic Walking - Ideal for Balance Problems...

For some people, because of their injury or condition, balance is a problem. This type of walking is ideal because everyone uses poles – even those with no problem at all.  (Walking in the snow at ski-hills is a good way not to be singled out too if you use a couple of ski-poles…)

Part walking, part cross-country skiing this is one of the hottest ways to lose calories.  It’s also a great way to start getting back to fitness.

Nordic walking is a popular fitness activity in Europe that’s quickly gaining momentum this side of the Atlantic. The whole-body walking workout involves using two ski-like poles to propel yourself along rural roads, urban pavement and nature trails.

Less jarring on joints than running, Nordic walking targets almost every muscle in your body; your arms, shoulders and back in particular, says Joanne Younker, a ski and Nordic walking instructor in Whistler, B.C. “I totally reshaped my upper body and gained better mobility in my spine after I started Nordic walking,” she says.

Its calorie-zapping potential also outpaces regular walking. It burns about 20 per cent more calories than strolling without poles.  The best part - it doesn’t feel more strenuous.

As for the poles, they’re not cheap and sell for $70 to $200 at sporting-goods stores.  You may be able to pick some up for less too at Craigslist.com or Kijiji.com sites that sell secondhand stuff.

It’s quite reasonable to start walking yourself and work out how best and most comfortably you can walk – there are some good tips below.  However, before taking the plunge, a little instruction might be a good idea.   You will probably find a trainer online or at a local rec centre.

Be prepared to pay $10 to $60 for a class or private session.

• Shoulders Do a posture check to ensure proper form, take efficient strides and ultimately reduce injury. “Hold you shoulders back and down, tummy tight, and chin off your chest,” says Paula Antley, a Vancouver-based master instructor for the International Nordic Walking Association.

• Elbows If poles are at the right height for you, you’ll be able to bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle from your body while holding the hand grips. But when you walk, plant the poles at a 45-degree angle behind you, then swing your arms without bending your elbows, pushing yourself forward.

• Poles Adjust your poles so they’re 60 to 70 per cent of your height.

• Shoes While you can buy shoes designed specifically for Nordic walking, any supportive walking or running shoe will do.