Nordic walking uses specially designed poles to add upper-body exercise to standard walking.
It’s relatively easy to learn and suitable for all fitness levels, making it one of the best walking exercises you can do outdoors.
Here are a few ways it beats regular walking:
Utilizes More Muscles
Unlike regular walking, which involves just the legs and glutes, Nordic walking engages your arms, shoulders, and core, giving you a full-body workout.
Burns More Calories
By involving more muscles, research shows that Nordic walking burns up to 20–40% more calories than regular walking, depending on intensity and quality of technique.
Benefits for Posture
Using poles improves posture, as your shoulder blades squeeze toward your spine with each arm swing.
Easy on the Joints
Nordic walkers offload weight into the ledges of their poles’ handles, which reduces stress to your knees, hips, and back.
More Fun
Nordic walking in a class or group setting makes any walk more enjoyable. The combination of focus, rhythmic movement, and social interaction provide an uplifting boost of energy to your body and mind.
