1 to 1 Fitness introduces “Nordic Walking”

The origins of Nordic Walking may be traced to Finland, where, in the early 1930s, cross-country skiers began using poles to positive effect during their summer training. In the 1980s, clinical studies correlated the use of trekking poles with fitness levels. Subsequent studies in the 1990s demonstrated that this simple, efficient exercise increased cardiovascular activity, significantly enhanced muscular and aerobic fitness, and improved overall vitality.

Nordic Walking was developed by Finnish sports equipment manufacturer, Exel Oyj, in close cooperation with sports medicine researchers and other fitness professionals. As a defined fitness exercise with specific training equipment, it was officially launched in 1997.

Why is Nordic Walking better than just walking?
Nordic Walking increases your heart rate, oxygen consumption and caloric expenditure without increasing your perceived rate of exertion. You don't feel like you're working any harder but, in addition to working your legs, you're experiencing a full range of motion that engages the abs, arms, shoulders, upper chest and back muscles. The poles provide additional stability and help reduce stress in the knees and other joints. Bone density can be increased through this sort of resistance training, and posture also improves through use of the proper technique and arm motion. Clinical and anecdotal reports indicate that this type of exercise may prove beneficial in broad range of conditions, including the arthrides, back pain, cardiac syndromes, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, obesity, osteoporosis, repetitive stress injury, thoracic outlet syndrome, depression, mood disorders, and more.

Health facts - Benefits of Nordic Walking
In Nordic Walking the benefits are clear within the first few minutes of trying and the Cooper Institute in Texas has issued the following findings following comprehensive tests into the activity.

Burn more calories in less time
Consumes approximately 400 calories per hour (compared with 280 calories per hour for normal walking)

Energy consumption increases when using poles by an average of 20% compared with ordinary walking at the same speed without poles

Heart rate is 5-17 beats per minute higher.

Up to a 46% increase in energy consumption when fully utilising the correct technique (Cooper Institute research, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sports 2002 publication)

Low rate of perceived exertion & easy to master
You can walk for extended periods and not feel exhausted because, you are utilising more of your body's muscle groups to propel you.

A total body activity
The lateral mobility of the neck and spine increases significantly
The muscles most actively involved are the forearm extensor and flexor muscles, biceps, triceps, the rear part of the shoulder muscles, the large pectoral muscles, chest, abdominals, back muscles, and your butt!

Reduced load and relaxed muscles
Reduces the load on knees and other joints. Improves balance and co-ordination

Releases pain and muscle tension in the neck/shoulder region

Poles are a safety factor on slippery surfaces

Varied levels of intensity
Suitable for all ages and level of fitness.

Energetic, Relaxing and Fun
The Ministry of Health and SPARC recommend that all adults get at least 30 minutes of activity five or more days per week, and Nordic Walking is the ideal way to do so. This low impact, total-body movement is easy and effective - and so fun you'll likely want to do more than the 30 minutes minimum. And if you want to boost the intensity for greater calorie burn and improved fitness you can simply pole harder, tackle more challenging terrain or walk for a longer time with a low level of perceived exertion.

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

Reference sites:
www.walkingabout.com
www.cooperinst.org
www.nordicwalking.net.nz

Nordic Walking

Greg Bigg is an experienced Personal Trainer, REP’S NZ registered and has extensive experience in running and walking up to ultra marathon distances.

Greg has been trained in Nordic Walking by June Stevenson - INWA® Certified Nordic Walking Master Instructor. June is based in Auckland and works with many groups including Auckland YMCA and Sport Auckland. (www.nordicwalking.net.nz)

Greg is now able to offer training to small groups (maximum of 8) as well as to individuals. Inititial training sessions last between 60m and 75 minutes. The sessions is practical and include a step by step introduction into the safe and effective way to Nordic Walk. In most sessions the group will be walking within 20 to 30 minutes. The remainder of the session is practice, warm down and 5 minutes stretching.
At the end of the session the participants should be reasonably proficient with their poles and have sufficient confidence to walk alone.

For these introductory groups participants that do not have poles are able to use hire poles supplied by Greg. The cost to hire os $4.00. It is recommended that people do not purchase poles until they have had at least one training session. It is important that the correct poles are purchased to get the most benefit out of Nordic Walking.

There will also be group walks arranged depending on demand. (1 walk per week for 6 weeks)

The cost of a Training session will depend on the numbers attending

To find out more about Nordic Walking and discuss the costing contact Greg Bigg at 06 870-1114 or 021 250 6006 email: fitnessplus@xtra.co.nz