Counsellor’s Column
“Why not give Nordic Pole Walking a try?” Junko Mifune
Following up on Counsellor Kuge’s previous article about his passion for running, I would like to write about Nordic pole walking in this article.
I was an active runner myself, participating in various races from my 30s to my mid-50s. I started feeling that running was somehow taking a toll on my body, and I switched to walking after encountering Nordic pole walking (hereafter Nordic walking) about ten years ago. While it has become common to see people walking with poles these days, back then, just walking with poles often drew teasing remarks like, “Where are your skis? (You have poles, but…)” or “It’s not snowing, is it?”
Nordic walking is said to have originated from cross-country skiers incorporating their movements into summer training. While pole walking has been popular in Europe for quite some time, I feel its popularity and establishment in North America and Japan have really taken off in the last five to six years.
These days, walking and other forms of exercise are widely recognized as powerful methods for maintaining health, with their effects increasingly seen as comparable to pharmaceuticals. Consequently, it is not uncommon for doctors to prescribe walking to their patients. Nordic walking offers several benefits, particularly useful for maintaining the health of seniors.
Increased Calorie Burn and Improved Cardiovascular Function: Nordic walking engages more muscles and elevates heart rate, burning significantly more calories than regular walking and effectively promoting heart health.
Strengthened Muscle Mass and Bone Density: Simultaneously using upper body, core, and leg muscles increase muscle mass and strengthens bones. This is essential for seniors to counteract muscle loss and improve bone density.
Improved Balance and Posture: Using poles enhances stability and corrects posture, improving balance and reducing the risk of falls.
Reduced Joint Stress: The poles lessen impact on knees and hips, making it a gentler exercise for seniors with arthritis or those recovering from joint surgery.
Muscle and Blood Flow Activation: Rhythmic pole movements promote upper body blood circulation and strengthen arm and shoulder muscles.
For selecting the right rubber tip, pole height adjustment, and using poles suited to your physical ability level, consulting a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, kinesiologist, or a certified Nordic walking instructor will help you choose the correct poles and learn proper walking technique.
Start with short walks using your poles, gradually increasing time and distance as your stamina improves.
Why not give Nordic walking a try this fall?
