Nordic Walking

What is Nordic Walking?
Nordic walking uses two specially designed poles to work the upper body while walking. Like cross country skiing, the poles are used by the arms to match each step the person takes. Nordic walking is a low stress workout for knees, hips and other joints. - 26% less impact (heel strike force) than walking - 30% less impact than jogging

How is it Better Than Just Walking?
Nordic walking increases your calorie burn by up to 46%, without increasing your walking pace.  Increases your heart rate and oxygen consumption without increasing your perceived rate of exertion.  Your exercise time is being used more efficiently because you are using 90% of your body's muscles.

Upper Body Workout
By swinging your arm forward as the opposite leg  moves forward , you are rotating your body and using your back muscles which  you do not do in regular walking.

Stability and Posture
On any surface, the poles provide more stability for walkers who have balance knee or leg problems. Proper use of the poles and arm motion encourages good posture. People who had given up walking for pleasure find that they can walk comfortably with the poles. For natural trails, the poles provide stability for walkers much like a hiking stick.

 AT DOUBLE O BIKES, WE PREACH THE A-L-F-A system

A – Attention – upright posture - straight back, look ahead, not down.

L – Long arm – meaning not bent – or bent slightly at the elbow, but straight, extend arms fully in front and behind torso.

F – Flat pole – pole is never totally upright but at an angle (Always) – tip positioned closer to the rear foot in the stride.

A – Adaptive step – rolling from heel to toe.

We use GABEL poles because we prefer their straps, grips and the overall versatility of their pole program.