It allows you to combine the positive effects of sport with relaxation and fun; the mountains, with their unspoilt paths, their silence and their colours are the ideal place for Nordic walking.
This is the latest sporting trend and consists of walking with special sticks that encourage a sustained gait. Invented by Finnish cross-country skiers looking for an effective form of summer training, it is also becoming increasingly popular among sportsmen and women and lovers of the outdoors.
Simple and fun, it is suitable for all ages as everyone can adjust the pace to suit their needs. It is practised along mountain paths, green meadows and wide valleys, holding special poles and simulating the alternating step of cross-country skiing (the alternating advancement of opposite leg and arm). The movement is more intense and effective than traditional walking, but less demanding and stressful than running; it reduces trauma to the joints of the lower limbs, and involves and strengthens the muscles of the trunk (back and abdominals), shoulders and arms.
The simultaneous use of poles allows the arms and legs to move together, reducing the feeling of fatigue as the work done by the body is more distributed; it increases the shoulder and pectoral muscles and strengthens the cervical muscles; while the hip, knee and foot joints are relieved compared to jogging.
It can be regarded as a true health-protection programme as it burns fat, develops endurance and coordination, improves lung capacity, reactivates underused muscles, works the cardiovascular system fully and without fatigue, strengthens joints without being traumatic, loosens contractions in the shoulder and neck area, and helps combat stress and depression.
