Benefits of Nordic Walking

Why Nordic Walking is the Smarter Way to Exercise

NordicWalkerFemale-field

· Uses 90% of the muscles 100% of the time

· Tones/strengthens arms, shoulders, abdominals, buttocks and legs

· Releases neck and shoulder tension

· Low impact, stable and enhances upright posture

· Reduces compression on joints by 30%

· Burns up to 40% more calories

1. Burn more calories in less time

Approximately 400 calories per hour (compared with 280 calories for normal walking). Energy consumption increases when using poles by an average of 20% compared with ordinary walking at the same speed without poles. Heart rate is 5-17 beats per minute higher. Up to a 46% increase in energy consumption when fully utilising the correct technique.

2. Low rate of perceived exertion

You can walk for extended periods and not feel exhausted because you are utilising more muscle groups to propel you.

3. A total body activity

The lateral mobility of the neck and spine increases significantly. The muscles most actively involved are the forearm extensor and flexor muscles, biceps, triceps, the rear part of the shoulder muscles, the large pectoral muscles, chest, abdominals, back muscles, and your butt!

4. Reduced load and relaxed muscles

Reduces the load on knees and other joints. Improves balance and co-ordination. Releases pain and muscle tension in the neck/shoulder region.

Timothy S. Church et. al. Field testing of Physiological Responses Associated with Nordic Walking. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, vol. 73, No. 3., pp 296-300

Historical Figures who were Walkers

Reflections on the Necessity of Walking in their Lives

Charles Dickens walked 20 or 30 miles a day!

Fredrich Nietzche believed walking was necessary for his writing. Stanford University has revealed that walking boosts creativity by 60%, so Fred was on to it!

Einstein, Tchaikovsky, Aristotle, Wordsworth, even the Romans took long walks.

The links below describe the reasons these historical figures incorporated walking into their daily routine.

http://blog.scribblepost.com/why-the-most-famous-people-in-history-took-long-walks/

https://www.marksdailyapple.com/why-these-nine-famous-thinkers-walked-so-much/

From Auckland to Athens

Completing the Authentic Athens Marathon

The antecedents o Athens-Night-Medals f the marathon originate in 490BC when the Greeks were at war with the Persians. When The Battle of Marathon was won, Pheidippides, an Athenian herald or "day-runner", was despatched to Athens to announce the victory. He ran the 40 kilometres from the battlefield near Marathon and on his arrival, and with his dying breath, said "Joy to you, we've won".

The first modern Olympics was held in Athens in 1896, and included the marathon. Marathons have been part of world-wide athletic endeavours ever since.

L-R: Georgia Jensen-Proctor, Paul Stevenson, Christina Chan, Gordon Attwood, Sue Wightman, Jane Bollard, June Stevenson

Panatheniac-Stadium-2 Following in Pheidippides footsteps, a dedicated team of Auckland Nordic Walkers set the training goal of participating in the 2018 Authentic Athens Marathon. This course followed the main highway and is relatively flat. Despite being late Autumn, the day was very hot, with the sun directly overhead and little shade. Measures to keep cool and walking at a slower pace ensured that everyone successfully completed the event in good shape.

The highlight was the finish at the 2500 year old Panathenaic Stadium, which is an amazing venue. It is the only stadium, in the world, built entirely of marble.