Particularly for those in their golden years, exercise is important. It’s not always easy to motivate yourself, but it’s something you really need to concentrate on fitting into your day. Perhaps you’ve seen some people in your age group using poles with which to go walking. Even though there is no snow involved, this is referred to as Nordic walking. In retirement communities, this activity is currently being promoted as an effective, safe exercise particularly suited to the residents within the community.
Who’s that Walkin’ Down the Street – with Poles?
If you’ve ever seen someone cross-country skiing, then you already know what Nordic walking looks like – just minus the skis and snow. For cross-country skiers, this conditioning program was created for the summer months in Finland and is now being used as an efficient, effective walking exercise. Across Europe and especially in Scandinavian countries, it became popular quickly.
Finally, North America caught on that this was a great way for assisting young and old alike to stay fit. You may also hear this referred to as “exe-sliding” or “urban poling”. For this particular exercise, various types of poles have been developed by the sporting industry.
Get a Workout
You basically get a full-body workout when you participate in Nordic walking. In order to move the poles, your upper back and arms are used. But your lower body muscles are used as well for the walking part of the activity. Once you get the pole motion right, the motion of your legs and the swinging motion of the poles will feel more natural. It takes a little practice, but you’ll get it. It works best once you develop a rhythm.
When taking a stride, you push forward with your arms. Again, watch a cross-country skier and you’ll get the idea.
Nordic Walking Benefits
The benefits of Nordic walking are many, here are a few to get you motivated:
- For both people with chronic conditions and healthy individuals, it offers numerous advantages.
- It is less strenuous than other pursuits.
- Compared to regular walking, it burns more calories.
- It is an excellent workout for cardiac fitness.
- Thanks to the use of the poles, your upper body gets a workout that it wouldn’t get with basic walking.
- Impact on your legs and joints decreases because of the polls (according to some exercise experts).
This exercise is considered to be one of the best fitness pursuits. It increases flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness even more than resistance training or standard walking.
What’s It Good for?
Let’s answer two questions here, rather than just one. We’ll tell you not only what Nordic walking is good for, but for whom. Nordic walking is the perfect exercise – being effective and safe – for people with the following conditions:
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Fibromyalgia
- Cardiovascular disease
- Peripheral vascular disease (when exercising, some people have difficulty with their leg muscles cramping up)
Walk, Jog, Practice Yoga, and More for Exercise in Our Retirement Community
For those residing in our Independent Living Community, there are numerous opportunities for exercise. Dances/celebrations, health and fitness programs, a swimming pool, and more are all available for every resident. With all there is to see and do, you’ll wonder how you ever used to fit time in for a career!
Relax and enjoy peace and quiet whenever you want to in your stylish but practical one- or two-bedroom apartment. The whole point is to enjoy life and retirement in style.
