Health
By Kate McLelland
Who needs to run when you can walk? It’s my first time with a local Nordic walking group, and no matter how hard I try, I remain at the back of the line while my companions steam on ahead. When we stop I am more than slightly out of breath and deeply apologetic about lagging so far behind. The others laugh at my serious expression, telling me that most ‘newbies’ quickly learn to keep up, once they have mastered the simple technique required. My fellow walkers come from different backgrounds and are of varying heights, ages and fitness levels. However, all are unanimous in their praise of Nordic Walking. As we sit and chat over a cup of coffee at the end of the session, they tell me about the transformational effect walking has had on their lives, from aiding recovery after a hip operation to helping with weight loss. Walking the Nordic Way - Nordic Walking originally began as a summer training regime for cross-country skiers. In order to walk the Nordic way, you use poles that engage your arms and upper body, propelling you forward. This removes pressure from the knees, making you feel much lighter on your feet; that’s the reason why Nordic Walking is often taken up by people who have undergone a hip replacement operation. It’s recommended that you learn the technique required from a qualified instructor, and you can find lists at either nordicwalking.co.uk (call 01392 956 856) or britishnordicwalking.org.uk (call 01446 773 876). Most instructors will provide the poles required, other than that, all you need is good walking shoes and appropriate, weatherproof clothing.
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Why walking is good for health - Research carried out by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California discovered that brisk walking was more effective than running in reducing the risk of heart disease. What’s more, the benefits of walking aren’t limited to physical health. The mental health charity “Mind” claims that countryside walks can raise selfesteem and reduce depression, and most doctors agree that exercise can improve sleep patterns. Although thirty minutes is the ideal length of time for a daily walk, Dr I-Min Lee, a professor at Harvard Medical School, suggests starting with three ten minute walks each day, then building up to the full 30 minutes when you feel more confident. The right way to walk - It’s vital to maintain a good posture when you walk, so tighten your stomach muscles and keep your spine straight, with shoulders relaxed and your chin parallel to the ground, trying not to lean too far forward or too far back. Let your arms swing naturally and use the whole of your foot as you walk, rolling from heel to toe. Good shoes will improve stability and allow your feet to bend naturally: they should be made of waterproof material, with a thick heel (to absorb the shock as your heel contacts the ground) and flexible soles. Back at home, after my first Nordic walking session, my muscles ache and I’m aware that my body has had a thorough workout. Next time I see a runner I won’t feel my usual pang of guilt that I’m not out there as well, with my heart racing and my feet pounding the tarmac. I’ve found my ideal form of exercise, and it’s as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.
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