Things To Do While Nordic Walking

Nordic walking is walking with hiking poles, which are also called trekking poles. In the book "Nordic Walking," Malin Svensson says that walking with poles causes your body to burn 20 to 46 percent more calories than normal walking. Additionally, it helps you strengthen your upper body and relieves pressure on your joints, thus alleviating pain. Nordic walking sticks improve your workout by adding a bit of resistance so you work a little harder.

Become a Pioneer

Nordic walking is fairly new and slightly unusual in the United States. You do not often see people with Nordic walking sticks around your local neighborhoods. When you begin Nordic walking, you can educate people on how beneficial it is for your body.

Walking the Dog

As long as your dog walks properly next to you, you can take it on your Nordic walking excursions. Nordic walking can enhance the walk for both you and the dog by stepping up the intensity, according to Older-Dog.com. Before you begin any long hikes, you will want to allow your dog to get used to the poles. It is best to do so for short distances during calm moments. Once your dog is familiar with the poles, you can walk one of two ways. You can either use one pole or a hands-free leash, which lets you coordinate movement with the dog while holding both poles. Using one pole leaves your other hand free to manage the dog.

Change Terrain

You can have fun when Nordic walking by altering your terrain. Begin on the street outside your home, walk over to the park and move onto grass. When you pick up your pace and change terrains, it adds variety to your workout. No matter what terrain you explore, be sure to include a hill.

Explore the City

Nordic walking allows you to explore your city by foot. Many of your city's best finds may only be accessed on foot. While walking, you can discover monuments, Christmas lights, parks or rivers that would be unreachable in a car. Additionally, Malin Svensson says that you notice more when on foot. Rather than checking the gas gauge or focusing on traffic, you are able to open your eyes and see the city your beauty holds.