The Benefits of Nordic Pole Walking

Poles have been used as an off-season training tool by competitive cross-country skiers for many years.  In 1997 the Finnish sports equipment manufacturer Exel Oyj, in cooperation with researchers in sports medicine and other fitness professionals, launched the sport of Nordic Walking.  It’s already very popular in Europe and is rapidly taking off in North America.  Currently, there are an estimated 8 million Nordic Walkers worldwide.   Here are some of the many benefits of Nordic Pole Walking:  nordic-walking-03

  • Strengthens the entire body by engaging up to 90% of skeletal muscles.
  • Oxygen and energy consumption increase an average of 20% and up to 46%.
  • Heart rate increases by 5 to 17 beats per minute over normal walking, or up to13%.
  • Consumes about 400 calories per hour in comparison to 280 calories per hour for a brisk walk.
  • Effectively releases muscle pain and tension in the neck and shoulder region and increases lateral mobility of the spine.
  • Naturally corrects body posture and improves coordination.
  • Promotes circulation, lymph function, and more effective breathing.
  • Reduces the stress on the lower back and lower joints up to 26%.
  • Increases stability.
  • Provides resistance exercise to maintain bone density.
  • Easy to learn for all ages and fitness levels



Individuals with these conditions have benefited from Nordic Pole Walking:
  • Arthritis
  • nordic-walking-02Artificial hip & knee replacement
  • Diabetes
  • Lower body injury rehabilitation
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Obesity
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Post-cardiac or stroke rehabilitation
  • Spinal injuries and lower back muscular pain
  • Vertigo