This is the Internet’s #1 most-asked question about Nordic walking!

Here is a quick comparison of Nordic walking, regular walking and hiking.

Nordic Walking (sometimes also called urban poling or pole walking):

**Nordic walking with Nordic walking poles**

Regular Walking

• Primary purpose: to improve or maintain overall physical and mental health

• Requires no special equipment

• Engages primarily the legs and glute muscles while the upper body is relatively relaxed

• Provides low to moderate cardiovascular benefits compared to Nordic walking

• Burns fewer calories compared to Nordic walking

Nordic Walking

• Primary purpose: to enjoy a fitness activity that engages the upper body muscles—including arms, shoulders, and core—and that provides a full-body workout

• Requires the use of specially-designed Nordic walking poles

• Incorporates a longer stride than regular walking, a rhythmic long-lever arm-swing motion, and a “plant, push, propel” poling technique; tips of the poles are planted behind the feet

• Provides increased cardiovascular benefits compared to regular walking

• Burns more calories compared to regular walking

• Improves posture

• Nordic walkers typically walk on relatively smooth terrain, trails and paths.

Hiking (sometimes also called trekking or tramping):

• Primary purpose: to enjoy the out-of-doors with increased stability and support, particularly on uneven terrain, and with less impact on the hips, back and knees

• Involves the use of specially-designed hiking poles

• Incorporates a similar or shorter stride length than regular walking, a rhythmic bent-elbow arm swing motion; tips of the poles are generally planted in front of the body

• Engages primarily the lower body muscles, such as legs and glutes; engages the upper body when ascending and descending hills and on demanding terrain

• Hikers typically walk on surfaces that are relatively rugged, rocky, and uneven

Quiz time!:

What is Nordic Walking & How Does it Differ From Regular Walking & Hiking?

Barb Gormley