Walking Information

ONE OF THE EASIEST WAYS TO START BECOMING MORE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE!

An active way of life is important for everyone and becomes more important as we grow older. The research tells us what we need to do………………………………… GET MOVING, MORE OFTEN.

Walking is good for you, and if done regularly can significantly improve your health.

The benefits include:

• Weight control
• Increased muscle strength
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke
• Improve mental health 
• Stress reduction 
• Improved flexibility and joint mobility 
• Decrease blood pressure 
• Reduced risk of Osteoporosis

Here are some suggestions for you to ‘walk the walk’:

• Channel flick without the remote
• Walk during your lunch break
• Get a friend involved 
• Take the stairs 
• Get off the bus one stop sooner 
• Walk the kids to school 
• Bring the shopping in from the car one bag at a time 
• Walk briskly around the supermarket
• Check out the Walking group’s there’s one near you!
  

Another helpful website to visit is www.wonderwalkers.co.nz

NORDIC WALKING

 Simply defined, Nordic Walking is walking with poles or cross-country skiing without the skis. It is a total body workout using very strong, yet lightweight flexible one-piece poles made of composite materials. The dampening qualities of composite poles successfully reduce unwanted vibrations especially on hard surfaces.

This is important especially with previously inactive populations eager to reap the health benefits this easy and effective form of physical activity. Nordic Walking is fun and can be enjoyed by almost everyone - any age, any athletic ability.

Nordic Walking has been a hot topic in the fitness, athletic and outdoor industries in recent years, becoming the fastest growing physical activity in Europe. Last year Nordic Walking made its debut in the U.S. and has already shown signs of gaining popularity.

Because of its simplicity, Nordic Walking appeals to a wide range of individuals from the endurance athlete to the recreational enthusiast.

BENEFITS OF NORDIC WALKING

The benefits are clear within the first few minutes of trying Nordic Walking, and the Cooper Institute in Texas has issued the following findings following comprehensive tests into the activity:

Simply defined, Nordic Walking is walking with poles or cross-country skiing without the skis. It is a total body workout using very strong, yet lightweight flexible one-piece poles made of composite materials. The dampening qualities of composite poles successfully reduce unwanted vibrations especially on hard surfaces. This is important especially with previously inactive populations eager to reap the health benefits this easy and effective form of physical activity. Nordic Walking is fun and can be enjoyed by almost everyone - any age, any athletic ability. Nordic Walking has been a hot topic in the fitness, athletic and outdoor industries in recent years, becoming the fastest growing physical activity in Europe. Last year Nordic Walking made its debut in the U.S. and has already shown signs of gaining popularity. Because of its simplicity, Nordic Walking appeals to a wide range of individuals from the endurance athlete to the recreational enthusiast. The benefits are clear within the first few minutes of trying Nordic Walking, and the Cooper Institute in Texas has issued the following findings following comprehensive tests into the activity:

• Energy expenditure increases when using poles on average 20% compared with ordinary walking. As much as 46% increase in energy expenditure
• Less perceived exertion 
• Heart rate is 5-17 beatslmin higher 
• Effectively releases muscle tension of neck and shoulder area .Does not aggravate joints 
• Safety factor on slippery and uneven surfaces
  

For further information please visit www.nordicwalking.net.nz

The complete Cooper Institute study can be found at this reference:
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