Health & Fitness Benefits - Nordic Walking in the UK

Improve cardiovascular fitness
Improve lung efficiency
Improve bone density ( prevention of osteoporosis)
Improve muscle tone
Improve flexibility
Improve posture and body balance
Improve mood (depression)
Reduce high blood pressure
Reduce cholesterol
Reduce general aches and pains
Re-habiliation from illness or injury
And can improve all of the following conditions:
Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, Obesity, Hip Replacement, Lower back pain, Cardiovascular Disease, Respiratory Disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Neurological Conditions, Parkinson's, MS, Mental Health Conditions.

Here is how it works

Nordic Walking burns between 20%-46% more calories than ordinary walking without poles at the same speed. This is ideal for people who cannot walk quickly and want to maintain or improve good health. Combined with a sensible diet it can help with weight loss. It is possible to increase your heart rate faster than ordinary walking, this is achieved by the intensity of the exercises (using more muscles) and not the speed you walk. To burn calories and gain fitness improvements, it is important to increase your heart rate while exercising during the class.
Nordic Walking uses 90% of all your muscles for a total body workout. It feels easier despite using more muscles so you can walk for longer too. This because the work load is distributed throughout the whole body and not just the lower half. Turn fat to muscle and make yourself stronger. It can also help to strengthen your bones.
Reduces the load on your lower joints; hips, knees, ankles. Distributing the work load in turn reduces the stress on the knees, hips, ankles and back. This is especially good if you have a joint problem or are overweight.
Increase your spinal mobility. Regular walking can also increase your mobility. Using the Nordic Walking technique you will strengthen back and shoulder muscles, which can help to improve your posture, reduce back pain and release neck and shoulder tension.

Nordic Walking is different and may be the activity for you because:

It is a sociable activity in small groups of about 8-12. Each person can work to their own ability within that group.
It is an outdoor activity, giving you the benefit of enjoying natural daylight, which we sometimes don't get enough of, especially in winter, the lack of which has been associated with some forms of depression.
Walks are done in various locations and take advantage of our beautiful countryside. We walk in places you might not necessarily go to if you were on your own.
Because Nordic Walking feels easier than ordinary walking, you feel less tired and although working harder, walk for longer. Hence gaining more fitness benefits.
It is really good fun.

Group Members from NASS Yeovil
(National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society)