Outdoor Activity and the benefits of Nordic Walking

Today I am going to look at the benefits of outdoor activity and why Nordic walking is beneficial as part of a regular exercise routine. I will look how Nordic walking can improve your health, wellbeing and your outlook on life, leaving you feeling fitter, healthier and happier. I will explore how the Victorians used the outdoors as a form of therapy and healing and we will look at a client review.

Over the years a lot of research has been conducted into the effects of outdoor activity and the benefits it brings. If we look back at the Victorian era, scented gardens were used as a form of healing and therapy; herbs and plants were used for medicine in healing certain conditions. Being outdoors is a good deterrent for warning off common illnesses and lifting the spirit.

Some basic benefits of exercising outdoors include:

• Walking on a sunny morning helps with uptake of vitamin D which prevents osteoporosis – even in younger people it is important to observe the benefits.
• Walking increases bone density therefore another beneficial preventative measure against osteoporosis.
• Walking Increases endorphins (our feel good hormones), which helps us when we are feeling a little low or melancholy. Walking is great antidepressant.
• Some physiological benefits include improved heart and lung functionality, helping to increase stamina, endurance and aerobic fitness.
• Weight loss helping us to look good and feel great.
• Cancer research charities now promote walking and exercise as a preventative measure against cancer.

Nordic walking is equally therapeutic. Walking through the seasons on a cold frosty morning looking at the fronds on the ferns and a misty haze hanging over the park, or spring morning when everything is coming into fruition and life begins again, winter when the snow is on the ground and peace all around. Being outdoors lifts the spirit.

So what can Nordic walking do for you? It’s a great all body work-out, using 90% of your skeletal muscles. If you use the technique correctly you will see an improvement in your upper body, more definition in your biceps and triceps (the wobbly bits ladies complain about), you will improve core stability and you will feel muscles that have been lying dormant for some time. You will improve your stamina and cardiovascular fitness and over time, with regular sessions; you will feel good, look good and make new friends along the way.  Nordic Walking can be adapted to give a good workout at any age, with greater or lower intensity. A good instructor will be able to advise you which class is best suited to your needs.

Recently I spoke to one of my clients Nicola Board, I asked her about the benefits of Nordic walking and how it had improved her fitness levels. Below is a short interview with Nicola.

B: Nicola how did you hear about Nordic Walking?

N: I first came across Nordic Walking in a newspaper article sometime last year. It sounded interesting and, although I did a bit of research on it after reading the article, I didn’t take my interest any further at that time.

B: What motivated you to start Nordic Walking?

N: I went skiing over New Year and felt that I would have got more out of my holiday if I’d been a bit fitter. I remembered the article I’d read about Nordic Walking and thought it would be an ideal form of exercise to increase my fitness levels so that I wouldn’t return from my next ski trip with the same misgivings.

B: How long have you been Nordic walking?

N: I have been Nordic Walking for eight months.

B: Why did you choose Nordic Walking as part of your exercise routine?

N: I had been doing yoga for a couple of years but, apart from dashing up the escalators on my way to work, my exercise regime was lacking a decent cardio workout. Having taken up gym memberships (and let them lapse!) in the past I knew that I didn’t want to go down that route again. I’ve always enjoyed walking and had read that Nordic Walking worked more muscle groups than ‘normal’ walking so I decided to give it a try.

B: What did you think after your first session?

N: Aside from concerns over my co-ordination, I have to say I was hooked after my first session.

B: What is the best part of your lesson?

N: Oooh, where to start? In a nutshell, I love the fact that, not only am I getting a great cardiovascular workout, but using the Nordic poles is also giving me an upper body workout at the same time and all whilst exercising in beautiful Bushy Park.

B: What are the benefits it has brought to you in terms of fitness?

N: Since taking up Nordic Walking I’ve noticed an increase in both my cardiovascular capacity and overall fitness, together with improved muscle tone, particularly in my legs and arms.  

B: Can we discuss the social aspects. How do you find the social aspect of Nordic Walking?

N: Nordic Walking is a very social form of exercise. The pace of the classes is such that it is possible to hold a conversation whilst walking and I must say that, without exception, everyone I’ve met, whether at a TryNordic lesson or one of the Nordic walks you’ve organised has been extremely friendly.

B: Lastly if you had to give summary about Nordic walking how would you describe it to others who might be considering undertaking this exercise as part of their routine.

N: Nordic Walking is a great alternative to normal walking or jogging/running. The Nordic poles propel you forward which increases your pace yet makes the walking seem easier. It also means that you get a weight-bearing upper body workout whilst walking and you burn more calories. In addition to the health benefits, Nordic Walking gets you out in the fresh air in beautiful countryside. Once you have mastered the correct technique you can exercise anywhere, with others or on your own.

To anyone considering undertaking Nordic Walking I would just say “Give it a try! You’ll feel better for it.”

B:  Nicola thank you for your time.

Written by Beverley Boon at http://www.trynordic.co.uk ©