Nordic walking

While trekkers, backpackers, and skiers had been using the basic concept for decades, Nordic walking was first formally defined with the publication of "Hiihdon lajiosa" (translation: "A part of cross-country skiing training methodic") by Mauri Repo in 1979.

[1] Nordic walking's concept was developed on the basis of off-season ski-training activity done using one-piece ski poles.

Nordic walkers use more of their entire body (with greater intensity) and receive fitness building stimulation not present in normal walking for the chest, latissimus dorsi muscle, triceps, biceps, shoulder, abdominals, spinal and other core muscles that may result in significant increases in heart rate at a given pace.

[7] The study concluded that while all three methods are useful for improving overall fitness, Nordic walking is the most effective.

[8] Nordic walking poles are significantly shorter than those recommended for cross-country skiing.

The cadences of the arms, legs and body are, rhythmically speaking, similar to those used in normal, vigorous, walking.