Nordic walking
As one of
the fastest growing recreational activities in the world, nordic
walking is great fun and easy to do.
This sport is suitable for a range of abilities and fitness
levels.
The walker uses a pair of poles, rather like cross country
skiing, the activity combines the benefits of walking with further
upper body toning.
The poles are used by the arms to match each step taken,
reducing the load on knees and other joints and giving a better
overall workout without feeling like you have exerted too much
energy.
So how does it work?
It offers a
host of health benefits:
- It helps exercise both the upper and lower body at the same
time.
- It burns 40% more calories compared to regular walking - in
fact one hour of Nordic walking can burn approximately 52g of body
fat.
- It reduces stress on joints, which makes it great exercise for
all age groups.
- Because it keeps your body upright, the use of poles aids
breathing and improves circulation.
- It can help to reduce the effects of RSI (repetitive strain
injury).
- Without having to walk any faster than usual, Nordic walking
increases the heart rate by 5 - 17 beats per minute more than with
normal walking.
- Nordic walking loosens up knots and releases pain and muscle
tension in the neck and shoulder region caused by working at desks,
with computers, reading or watching TV.
Watch a
Meridian TV feature on Nordic walking in KCC parks.
How do I
book?
Join in with the Nordic walking craze in KCC's Country Parks and
walk the Kent countryside from pole to pole.
For further information, please contact Karen Harris on 01474
350390 or 07780 844485 .