One of the claims of Nordic Walkers is that the activity burns more calories than “just walking.” How can this be? Walking is one of the best exercises to do. True, the faster, the better to raise your heart rate – go like you are rushing to catch a bus. Fast enough that you can talk,without running out of breath.
Nordic Walking Poles – Magic?
OK, here’s the deal. When you Nordic Walk properly, you push into the surface with your pole tips, Right? Think of the poles as propelling you forward. Check. Now, think some more about it. When just walking, you are using 70% of your body’s muscles. Good, but let’s do better. If you carry dumbbells, assuming that will involve your upper body with resistance – you are close but no cigar. You can damage your tendons this way. Do one exercise for one muscle group at a time!
So, but pushing down, your triceps and core start to get involved. They need more blood to do this. The heart pumps more blood for them to get the energy to contract. Those muscles thus consume energy to do their work. Ergo – more calories. Your body uses 90% of it’s muscles now. So you benefit over just walking, when your arms pretty much swing or dangle.
All this with no extra effort. Sweet. And yes, this has all been tested. By the Cooper Aerobics Institute in Dallas.. Oh – and all this with no feeling of extra effort. Nice.
Carpe Diem,
Rick