The French Athletics Federation promotes Nordic walking. A sport that traumatizes the joints less than running and uses 80% of the muscles of the body.
This Friday, October 18, the French Athletics Federation (FFA) is celebrating a little-known sport: Nordic walking. This sporting activity comes from the Scandinavian countries. It was broadcast by Finland. In 2009, 8 million people practiced it worldwide.
Nordic walking enthusiasts have one thing in common: each walker is equipped with two poles reminiscent of those used for skiing. Laughable in the eyes of some, they are the strength of this sport. And if Nordic walking is not very popular in France (a few thousand followers only), it deserves to be known, according to the FFA. More beneficial than running, more dynamic than a simple walk, this sport walking can be practiced at all ages, by everyone.
A walk that works the whole body
Nordic walking has many strengths. Softer than running, it traumatizes the joints less. The non-aggressive vibrations even strengthen the skeleton of the walker. During a run, the feet support 2 to 4 times the weight of the body against 1.5 times in brisk walking. It optimizes the effort of walking and supplements it: 80% of the body’s muscles are used. We spend 40% more energy compared to traditional walking.
According to specialists, it promotes muscle development in the upper body in addition to that of the legs through the use of sticks. Contrary to popular belief, far from being ridiculous, they are all the point of walking. They provide lateral supports which promote pulmonary amplitude and oxygenation. Goodbye the unpleasant breathlessness of sport.
How to practice Nordic walking?
Nordic walking activates the whole body, not just the legs. For this, the walker accentuates the natural movement of his arms using the poles. These supports propel the body forward. They not only allow you to walk faster, but also to lengthen the stride, requesting more muscles.
Anyone can practice Nordic walking. However, the FFA does not recommend this sport for people with arthritis. For walkers with tendonitis in the upper limbs, she advises not to use poles. In case of osteoarthritis, walking can be practiced, but in a moderate way.
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