The weathers warming up for those of us in winter climates. Maybe you’re getting out to go for walks and hikes more. One thing you might consider getting is some Nordic walking sticks and turn your stroll into a full body workout. I got a pair last summer and I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much I use my arms and core. If you’ve ever cross country skied you know what a great aerobic workout it is. Nordic walking is similar to cross country skiing in that it’s a full body workout. Think of it as an exaggerated normal walking pattern. When you plant the poles you’re using your arm and core muscles to push you forward. Did you know that ~90% of your muscles are used when Nordic walking and you burn 46% more calories? It’s a highly effective exercise for core strengthening and take the strain off of your back. It’s easier on your hips and knees too. You get eleven to thirty three percent off-loading on your knee joints. In fact there’s numerous research with people that had knee replacements that successfully used the poles pre and post surgery to speed up their recovery time.
There are many types of Nordic poles for walking and hiking, but the ones I bought are call Urban Poling and have a patented hand grip called a CoreGrip. It’s patented by an occupational therapist, so I had to support my fellow OTs product invention! The thing that’s unique about the grips is that there’s a ledge at the bottom of the grip for the little finger side of your right and left hands to rest on. As you walk and plant the poles you put downward pressure on the ledge of the Coregrip handle – which activates your arms and core muscles more.
So as you’re planning your walks and hikes consider trying a pair of Nordic walking poles. You’ll have less impact on your hips and knees, increase your core strength, walking tolerance, gait speed and balance. Plus you’ll have the many health benefits of walking outside taking in nature. It’s a win win!
So VERY true! Urban Poles are the highest quality Nordic poles I have used (I’ve instructed with poles for over 10 years), manufactured for both fitness and rehab use.
My clients are pre and post hab, fitness enthusiasts and folks just starting out in exercise and wanting to leverage their time for the best results (not only cardiovascular benefits).
I love these poles for upper body strength, balance and posture benefits!
Thanks Linda, that’s great. I really am enjoying mine and agree that they work the upper body, core, help balance and posture too!
WHAT IS THE BEST SITE TO ORDER
THESE POLES
You can google Nordic Walking to find a variety of them or Urban Poling for the ones I mentioned.
Specifically which Urban Poles did you purchase? I have looked and there are varied selection/names. Thank you Paula!
Cheryl- They’re colorful, but I don’t know specifically which type – my son gave them to me for my Birthday(I told him which site to go to – cause I wanted these handles!) I can poke around the site and see which ones they might be.
They are Fitness Poles. Mine has a covering that was art by an indigenous artist.
Paula, under Urban Poles, perhaps another way to ask my question is what was the price of poles you specifically purchased. Thank you!