Scandinavian walking with sticks: there are practically no contraindications!

Today cheerfully walking people with sticks in the hands are surprised in all the cities of our vast Homeland. The sticks resemble skiing in shape, but skis, however, are nowhere to be seen, which causes random walkers to be perplexed and interested. Very few people know that this is not a manifestation of forgetfulness, but a new kind of fitness that has recently come to us is Scandinavian walking.

What is Scandinavian walking?

This is a kind of exercise. Classes usually take place in the open air and are a walk with special sticks. Initially, this walk was created for skiers who needed to maintain a good shape in the summer. However, the idea was so effective that it quickly moved beyond the narrow range of professional athletes and became an independent sporting direction. We can say that for today nothing more universal Scandinavian walking simply does not exist. It helps to lose weight in a natural way, it helps to keep the body in good physical shape. Scandinavian walking with sticks (contra-indications on it, I must say, practically none) confidently entered the sports programs of fitness trainers, rehabilitologists and physiotherapists. The fact is that this type of fitness is really effective and is available for all ages. What is the essence of Scandinavian walking?

Scandinavian Walking: Technology

For walking, special sticks are required, the height of which depends on the height of the person. It is calculated according to the formula proposed by Finnish scientists: the height of the sole of the running shoes, multiplied by a factor of 0.68, is added to the growth. Sticks, if properly selected, increase the load on the upper body - chest, shoulders, back. We can compare: athletic walking and cycling involve about 45% of muscles, running - 65% and 90% - Nordic walking with sticks. Contraindications, as in any form of fitness, of course, there are, but they are very insignificant. And they mainly concern people who do not have the opportunity to actively move due to recent injuries. If you can walk, you can walk with sticks. It consumes much more energy, so walking is very effective for losing weight. One hour and a half hours, like a normal walk, - and a person will lose about 600 - 1000 kilocalories. True, the magic thing is Scandinavian walking with sticks?

Contraindications: Who can be harmful walking with sticks?

No one. And this is good news. A special distribution of loads contributes to an increase in endurance and, consequently, an increase in the duration of training. With sticks in hand, the step becomes wider, the muscles of the buttocks and the back of the thighs are trained. The muscles become more elastic and embossed. In addition, the use of sticks reduces the burden on the joints, which allows you to walk to pregnant women and people with excess weight. You can go to those to whom running is contraindicated (due to pain in the joints, scoliosis or other disorders of posture). If any cardio-operations are contraindicated because of heart problems, your choice is Scandinavian walking with sticks. Contraindications, as we see, are practically absent, which makes this type of fitness attractive for many.