Cape Cod Nordic Walkers Informational

Nordic walking is a great form of physical activity using a pair of Nordic walking poles. It is enjoyable and anyone can get good at it! If you can walk, you can Nordic Walk! Exercising in the fresh air, the feeling of fitness and wellbeing, the places it takes us to, the people we meet, the non-competitive nature of it and the ability to be good at it even if you are not the “athletic” type are part what makes Nordic walking so unique. Tones your muscles and helps keep your bones strong: Muscles need to be worked to stay in good shape and Nordic walking with correct technique can work up to 90% of your muscles. It tones your legs, sculpts your arms, cinches your waist, and tightens your core. Protects your hip and knee joints: Walkers with sore hips or knees frequently tell us how good it is for easing the stress on their lower body. It was not just hips and knees, the lumber spine and ankles also benefited. Improved posture through Nordic walking, as well as taking some of the load off the lower body through the poles helping your joints and distributing the weight. Helps with weight loss: Nordic walking is energy thirsty, walkers burnt up to 45% more calories Nordic walking than ordinary walking. This is because Nordic walking brings many more muscles into play than ordinary walking – your chest, arms, shoulders, abdominal muscles, and other core muscles are all involved as well as your legs. Plus, the poles propel you forwards helping you walk faster, raising your heart rate and expending energy. Boosts your circulation: The technique encourages active feet, a full arm swing, and squeezing and opening the hands round the pole. All of which boosts circulation, particularly the efficient return of blood back to the heart. Strengthens your heart and lungs and benefits those with asthma and COPD: Nordic walking gets your heart rate up. Much more so than regular walking. The benefits of exercise for your heart and lungs are well documented. It helps lower blood pressure, reduces your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Mental wellbeing: Exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety and it is even more effective when done in a green environment. No surprises here – nature is intrinsically good for the spirit. Not only is Nordic walking outdoors, but it is also a social activity – another stress buster, mood enhancer and friendship creator. You are literally and figuratively moving forwards. Discover new places on Cape Cod: Whether it is new parks and walks locally or trips further afield, Nordic walking is a gateway for exploring. The poles provide support, and the technique promotes good posture giving you the confidence and stamina to tackle challenges that you had never thought possible. Nature is your gym and best news, no gym membership! You will never walk alone...unless you want to! This event will take place on Sunday November 17th at 1pm in the Main Meeting Room. For more information or to register for this event, please contact Amy Wolfe at awolfe@clamsnet.org or by calling the OVL directly at (508)428-5757