Pole Walking-Helps Boost Your Walking Workout
Getting bored with the same old walking routine? Pole walking is the latest craze from Europe that is sweeping the US. I saw pole walkers the other day in my neighborhood. So I did a little research. I thought maybe they were training for the skiing season. However, upon doing a little research I found out the real reason they are using two poles while walking.
Using the two poles while doing normal walking increases the amount of calories burned by 46%. With pole walking, 90% of your body muscles are being used. Wow! Compare that to 35% for bicycling and treadmill and 65% for jogging. The more muscles used in a workout-the more calories are burned. That’s simple, yet powerful. Imagine that, by adding two poles to your regular workout, you get an overall complete body fitness workout and increase the amount of calories burned. Can you say, “I can do this!”
Do you have aches and pains in your neck caused by work overload, financial woes because of the bad economy, or just too many things to do in a day? Pole walking uses the upper body during walking and helps to strengthen and relax neck, shoulders and back muscles. It also helps to relieve stress in general. If you’re like most people and keep all your stress in your neck and shoulders, pole walking can help eliminate these problems.
Pole walking also helps your posture. By keeping your body upright and in a positive, natural movement, you build up the upper body, where more than 50% of your muscles are located. The strengthening and usage of the muscles in your upper body helps in better overall posture.
Internally, there are even more benefits to pole walking than just regular walking. When utilizing the poles, you strengthen your heart. Adding poles to your normal walk increases your cardiovascular workout by 20%. This in turn helps to lower lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. This is beneficial to those with diabetes.
Try walking with two poles the next time you go for your morning or evening walk. You’ll immediately feel the extra exertion by your upper body. Relax and take it slow and soon you’ll wonder how you did without them. Pole walking takes practice and there are several websites currently available to help with the purchase of poles and guidance in proper technique. Pole Walking Instructions Another website: Pole Walking One more: Pole Walking I’m going to look more into this and update this posting as I learn more about the fitness fun and relaxation benefits to pole walking.
Interested in purchasing your own poles. KEYTZ Nordic Walking Fitness Poles - Lightweight Carbon/Aluminum Shafts (Black, White, or Pink) - Pair
Read more about Pole Walking: The Ultimate Nordic Pole Walking Book
