Nordic Walking for Better Health and Fitness
Many people visit our osteopathy clinic with problems caused by inactivity, poor posture, or because of weight issues. These problems can be helped, and indeed prevented by a more active lifestyle. Many people think of beginning an exercise regime in terms of joining the gym and starting an intense and potentially intimidating regime. It doesn’t have to be that way. Nordic Walking is a technique in which walking poles are used to aid your technique. This enhances your movement, helping with the natural shoulder and arm movements.
Originally Nordic walking was designed as as part of a training regime for cross-country skiers in Finland. It’s since been taken on by people looking for a way of exercising efficiently and effectively. As walking poles help spread the load away from the legs when walking, it’s a technique that enables you to utilise around 95% of your muscles. It also uses more calories than normal walking.
Long Term Health Benefits of Nordic Walking
Accourding to the NHS, Nordic Walking can help in the long term many conditions. Chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma and stroke can all be helped by regular exercise such as Nordic Walking. Your mental health can also be helped, both due to being outside, taking in the sights and sounds of the natural environment, as well as socially, especially if you join a local group, meeting regularly, enhancing your social experiences.
Nordic Walking in Bedford
There are a number of Nordic Walking groups in and around Bedford. The nearest one to our Clapham Osteopathy Clinic is run by Roy Boness and meets regularly through the week. His Walk With Us classes include sessions beginning at the Pavillion at Bedford Park.
This blog post is an educational tool only. It is not a replacement for medical advice from a registered and qualified doctor or health professional.
If you have health concerns and you’re looking for an osteopath in Bedford, come and see us for a thorough and complete diagnosis, treatment and management of your musculoskeletal aches and pains.
