Ditch pole dancing—the hot workout trend from Scandinavia is pole walking. Developed in Finland as something to do on summer evenings for ski runners, the sport called Nordic walking uses special poles that have glove-like straps so the body is actually pushed forward with each step. This cool way of walking stands to tone the arms, a good part of the upper body, and the core, all while being very good for the joints—whereas hiking sticks support you just in rough terrain.
Studies show it uses almost every large muscle group for about 67% more calorie burns than just walking. The incredible thing is that any person, young or old, can engage in Nordic walking.
"Nordic walking is like merging easiness with heavy impact," stated Trond Nyland, the CEO of Fynd and an expert in useful workouts. "No matter if you're young or old, just starting or a pro in sports, Nordic walking breaks down all walls and gives great results that grow with your skill."
While simple walking trains just the legs, the poles in Nordic walking also involve the upper body. Consequently, it results in a workout for the entire body, which also means increased cardiovascular work. "You're basically making your whole body into a machine that burns off food," he said. "The poles fully involve your upper half, adding a big calorie-burning edge that doesn't feel too hard."
Studies say that Nordic walking could lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure, decreasing stress, depression, and chronic pain. "What other kind of full health fix looks like a simple walk?" he said. And for those whose feet need no less than a New York minute to move fast, they are treated to up to a 25% increase in speed.
"The poles move you forward, making you light on your feet and smooth in your motions," Nyland said. "This means top results in less time—great for people with full days."
The workout is adding credence to the fact that walking is among the most studied and health-promoting activities and that you don't need expensive gear or a fancy gym to enjoy the health benefits or data to support it.
When starting, says Nyland, you want to begin with 30-minute walks three times per week. "The cool part is that as you get more sure and strong, Nordic walking moves up with you, from easy rehab to hard training, from alone walks to group gatherings to build a life that backs strong aging and long health," he said.