Walking has always been a great way to not only lose weight but also keep yourself physically and mentally fit and happy. It is a very easy, anywhere, inexpensive and low-impact exercise that can help you achieve your fitness goals. However, there is a specific style of walking that is gaining a lot of attention – known as Nordic walking. According to health experts, it can help improve your heart health to a great extent.

Experts say that people suffering from heart disease, if they practice Nordic walking for at least three months in addition to other popular exercises, can see significant improvement in their heart functioning.

What is Nordic walking?,

Nordic walking takes its name from a country in the region – Finland, which is known worldwide for skiing. This winter activity is part of the country’s culture as the entire landscape is covered in snow for several months a year. But when it’s not snowing, people engage in Nordic walking. Experts say it started as an off-season training for cross-country skiing.

In Nordic walking, you use hand-held poles to propel yourself forward — the same motion used by cross-country skiers.

How does Nordic walking help improve your heart health?

According to doctors, Nordic walking improves your heart health in several ways, including:

Activates the muscles

Nordic style walking uses more than 90 percent of your muscles, compared to 50-70 percent during normal walking. It also involves most of your upper body muscles, as you have to move your arms, shoulders, back and core a lot.

Raises heart rate

Since you are training like an athlete when doing Nordic walking, it helps increase your heart rate significantly, which makes the blood pump more easily.

Burns more calories

According to studies, Nordic walking burns at least 50 percent more calories than regular walking, as it involves more body parts in rigorous movements.

Reduces stress on the knees

According to experts, Nordic walking puts less stress on your knees than regular walking.

How to master Nordic walking?

To start Nordic walking, you’ll need a set of trekking poles and a good walking route. Nordic walking can be done in a quiet, paved area or in rocky, hilly terrain – it’s not just for hikers on trails. Instead of ski poles, you can use regular, stiff sticks that should be about two-thirds of your height.

While walking, make sure to maintain proper posture by pushing your shoulders back and keeping your head upright so that your ribs stay straight and open. Also, strike the ground using the sticks on either side of your feet while walking, making sure they hit the middle of your step. The sticks should be held at an angle so that the grip doesn’t loosen and you get better leverage to push off. This will help you activate your upper body.

Repeat this while walking.

However, if you have coronary heart disease or any other cardiac problems, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting.

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