Nordic Walking: Full-Body Workout from Scandinavia Gains Popularity
Nordic walking, which began as an off-season training technique for cross-country skiers, has gained popularity as a low-impact exercise in Nordic nations and is attracting attention worldwide. This activity utilizes specialized poles to engage the core, legs, and upper body. Dr. Heather Viola, an assistant professor of general internal medicine at Mount Sinai, highlights its advantages, such as decreased knee strain, enhanced balance, comprehensive upper-body workout, increased endurance, and assistance on downhill trails. Nicoline Roth, the CEO and founder of NRTHRN Strong, points out that Nordic walking promotes outdoor engagement and is accessible to individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Proper technique includes adjusting poles to elbow height and coordinating movements correctly. NRTHRN Strong also provides classes that incorporate cross-country skiing techniques for a more challenging workout. It is recommended to consult a physician prior to starting, especially for those with injuries or balance concerns.
Key facts
- Nordic walking originated as off-season training for cross-country skiers.
- It uses specialized poles to engage upper body, legs, and core.
- Heather Viola, DO, from Mount Sinai lists benefits: reduced knee pressure, improved balance, full upper-body workout, better endurance, downhill support.
- Nicoline Roth, CEO of NRTHRN Strong, says it's accessible for all ages and fitness levels.
- Proper technique: poles at elbow height, opposite pole with opposite foot.
- Common mistakes: holding poles too tightly, planting both poles simultaneously, placing poles too far forward, using wrong pole length.
- NRTHRN Strong offers classes with a trainer machine mimicking cross-country skiing.
- Consult a doctor if you have shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand injuries, balance issues, or severe arthritis.
Entities
Institutions
- Mount Sinai
- NRTHRN Strong
- Vogue
Locations
- Nordic countries
- Scandinavia