Health & Fitness
Nordic Walking: Your Arms Get as Much of Workout as Your Legs
Join me as I walk my way around Marin using the full-body technique I learned in Europe.
There was a time when I was young and my main form of exercise was running. I never was a runner; more of a plodder. But I would put in about 20 miles a week and pretend to be in shape.
As time went by, my body began to protest more and more. I could put up with the occasional ache and pain but when my back started complaining, I had to pay attention. I did yoga. I went to a chiropractor. I even tried acupuncture. Nothing worked perfectly (although I still do the yoga stuff). The fact of the matter was that if I wanted to run, I was going to have to put up with lower back pain.
Then my wife introduced me to Nordic walking.
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Many of you have heard of the NordicTrack. This is a treadmill type device where you sort of simulate the actions of cross country skiing. It is supposed to be one of the best, full-body workouts that you can get.
Nordic walking is the NordicTrack without the track.
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Better yet, you have to do it outdoors as opposed to your living room.
Here is how it works: You get your walking sticks and you start walking. Your arms play a very important role in that they MUST help to propel you forward as you walk. Additionally, the pace is usually brisk so count on a cardio-workout as well.
I typically go for a Nordic walk about five times a week. My usual distance is between 3 and 6 miles which I cover in one to two hours. When I am done, I’m breathing hard and my arms are as tired as my legs. The best part is that I will have just spent a good deal of time in the beautiful Marin outdoors.
I am looking for people to join me. I have a website where I have posted a training video where you can see how this actually works. On this same site, I am posting a time and place for my next “group” walk. You are invited to join me. If no one shows up, that’s not a problem. My dog will be happy to keep my company. Click on this link to find out more about my next group walk.
Aside from walking...
I also spend time saving the world.
Gotta go.
Up, up and away...
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