Walkers with Orthopedic Problems

People with orthopedic problems can benefit from Nordic walking. If you have problems with your knees or other joints that make fitness walking difficult or painful, you may be able to do Nordic walking with less pain. Using the Nordic walking poles distributes your weight so that some of the pressure is taken off your joints, thus relieving the pain in your knees, hips, or ankles. Nordic walking is more stable than basic fitness walking because the poles are extra contact points so people with balance problems can walk more comfortably. With Nordic walking you can get the health and fitness benefits of walking without irritating sore joints. Of course, you should check with your doctor before starting this or any other exercise program.

Benefits of Nordic Walking

The principal benefit of Nordic walking as compared to regular walking is that it engages most of the muscles in your body. This allows you to get more overall exercise in the same amount of time as you do when you do regular walking. This is a great overall conditioning workout for people with limited time for exercise. You burn more calories than with regular walking. You don't use as many calories as when you run for the same amount of time, but it gives you more upper body conditioning than running. Nordic walking, as a low impact exercise, is much easier on your joints than running.

Calorie Burning

Adding poles and doing Nordic walking, compared to walking without poles, burns about 20% more calories. This is with the same perceived exertion. This means you can burn significantly more calories without feeling you are working harder. (Ref. Research Quarterly Exercise & Sport, 2002 Sep. 73(3)296) If you improve your technique and/or go faster, you can expend more energy and increase calorie burning even more in the same workout time.