It’s also more effective at targeting your abdominal muscles ( 8, 9). In addition, the use of Nordic walking poles helps activate the upper-body muscles, such as the latissimus dorsi (lats), trapezii (traps), forearm flexors, pectoralis majors, deltoids, and triceps. Interestingly, Nordic walking appears to activate these muscles more effectively ( 8, 9, 10). Nordic walking targets the muscles of the upper and lower body, making it an excellent full-body workout.īoth traditional walking and Nordic walking use lower-body muscles, such as the calves, hamstrings, buttocks, and quadriceps. In one small review of eight studies in people with heart disease, those in Nordic walking programs showed significantly improved exercise capacity, exercise duration, and oxygen uptake compared with those in standard cardiac rehabilitation programs ( 6).Īnother study in heart failure patients showed significant improvements in V̇O₂ max (a measure of lung capacity), in exercise duration, and on a 6-minute walking test in those who participated in a Nordic walking program, compared with the control group ( 7). Nordic walking is an excellent low impact option for those wishing to increase their cardiovascular fitness.īy also using your upper-body muscles, your body requires more blood to be pumped out through your heart, thus requiring greater use of your cardiorespiratory system ( 4, 5).ĭespite this, Nordic walking appears to only slightly increase your rate of perceived exhaustion (RPE) compared with traditional walking - meaning you don’t notice a large difference in intensity despite your body working harder ( 4, 5). Though some people may find using the poles beneficial, some research argues there’s little difference between traditional walking and Nordic walking when it comes to impact on the joints ( 3). This may help reduce the pain that typically comes with prolonged high impact exercise, such as running ( 2). While walking, the poles help redistribute weight and can help reduce joint loading and increase muscular strength. Nordic walking may be a good alternative to traditional forms of cardio exercise for those with joint pain or arthritis. There are many benefits to Nordic walking.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |