Nordic Walking
Nordic Walking is a form of fitness walking that uses specially designed poles to work the upper body during a walk. Poles are used with each step in a natural walking rhythm to help propel the body forward. Because the poles are used by the arms to match each stride, Nordic Walking provides an extremely efficient aerobic workout that can burn 40% more calories than regular walking. It increases your heart rate, without increasing perceived exertion — which makes the low-stress activity great for keeping fit no matter your age, weight, gender, speed or athletic ability.
Nordic Walking began as early as the 1930s in Finland, where cross country skiers used ski walking with poles to train and maintain their strength during the summer months. In the 1990s, the popularity of Nordic Walking started to spread quickly throughout Scandinavia and Europe. Today over half a million people in Finland regularly Nordic Walk, and fitness walking enthusiasts are busy bringing the Nordic Walking trend to millions across the United States, New Zealand and many other countries.
Our Commitment to Nordic Walking
Champaign Surplus has been committed to Nordic Walking since 1995, when owner Lynn Wachtel became a certified Nordic Walking instructor, started teaching NW clinics and brought Leki Nordic Walking Pole merchandise into our product mix.
The Benefits of Nordic Walking
□ Nordic Walking is a great outdoor and year-round activity.
□ Nordic Walking is a low-impact fitness activity, ideal for everyone no matter their ability.
□ When the correct technique is used, Nordic Walking utilizes 90% of the muscular and skeletal systems of the body and has been shown to be 46% more effective in oxygen consumption than walking without poles.
□ Increased heart health — heart rates during Nordic Walking are 5-18 beats faster per minute than normal walking, an increase of up to 11% and a better cardio workout.
□ Increased calorie consumption & weight loss — Nordic Walking over time at an easy to moderate intensity increases caloric consumption from ~280 calories/hour to ~400 calories/hour, a 40% increase!
□ Can help improve coordination, posture and back health.
□ Nordic Walking poles can be used in a variety of ways for stretching and strengthening exercises.
□ Like with any form of exercise, you get a nice endorphin boost.