Poles, Can Boosts Your Workout

Urban Poling, or Nordic Walking, Boosts Your Stepping Workout

Walking is a terrific, popular form of relaxation and exercise, of course.

But what if you could jazz it up with a couple of poles?

That’s the premise behind urban poling, also known as Nordic walking, which is gaining popularity in North America after gaining traction in Europe. It was developed to train cross-country skiers, but its health benefits were quickly discovered to be beneficial for everyone.

“Nordic walking is not very different from regular walking—you’re just adding ski poles for your hands,” says champ Karen Asp. “Once you get the hang of it, you can cruise along and even achieve a similar intensity as running but with less perceived exertion.”

The poles distribute the workload among all four limbs, so it’s less stressful on the body than running.

The American Nordic Walking Association states that it engages your core more effectively and provides a solid upper-body workout. It’s also low-impact and easy on the knees and other joints.

Harvard Medical School says, “Nordic walking combines cardiovascular exercise with a vigorous muscle workout for your shoulders, arms, core, and legs.” It uses 90 percent of your muscles, not just the half below your waist.

The poles are beneficial for balance, according to Harvard. “Nordic walking is also associated with reductions in fat mass, ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and waist circumference.”

You can do it in urban settings, parks, or trails. And all you need is a pair of poles, which you can order online for between $20 and $200.

So, spice up your walk and enjoy the outdoors.