Leavenworth Washington Nordic Walking
“Nordic Walking” is a new trend that has seized German-speaking countries. It began in the 30′s as a summer training method for long distance Nordic skiers and is 40% – 50% more effective than conventional walking. It is an ideal method of training the whole body for both young and old. By using walking sticks to include the entire musculature walkers are able to increase their pulse rate as well as their metabolism. Nordic Walking strengthens the upper torso including shoulders, chest, and other movement related muscles. Correct use of Hiking poles will provide added balance and stability on a walking or hiking surface. It will also increase your endurance by distributing the workload over the bodies entire musculature. You’ll find that pole use will significantly reduce the strain on ankles, hips, and knees. Check back soon to learn more about our program for Nordic Walking at the Icicle Village Resort!
NORDIC WALKING
Free Nordic walking group begins at 8:30AM at the Ski Hill parking lot. For newcomers instructions will be provided one half hour before the group walk. After work group will meet at 6:30PM. This is for folks who have tried Nordic walking and want to walk with others.
Times: 8:30AM, and 6:30PM on Tuesdays. Cost: Free Location: Ski Hill parking lot. Information: 509 548 6409 Contact Teresa Redrup.
Nordic Walking around Leavenworth is beautiful through Waterfront Park… see a photo journey here Waterfront Park.
The following cross country trails also make excellent Nordic Walking routes:
The Bavarian Volkssport Association 509-548-4084
Sponsor of a 10k seasonal walk, April 1 – December 1
Nordic Walking Health Facts:
- Heart rate is 5 – 17 beats per minute higher (for example in normal walking heart rate is 130 beats/minute and in Nordic Walking 147 beats per minute i.e. increase is 13%)
- Energy consumption increases when using poles by an average of 20% compared with ordinary walking without poles
- Up to a 46% increase in energy consumption (Cooper Institute research, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sports 2002 publication)
- Releases pain and muscle tension in the neck/shoulder region
- The lateral mobility of the neck and spine increases significantly
- The muscles most actively involved are the forearm extensor and flexor muscles, the rear part of the shoulder muscles, the large pectoral muscles and the broad back muscles
- Does not aggravate joints and knees
- Reduces the load on knees and other joints
- Consumes approximately 400 calories per hour (compared with 280 calories per hour for normal walking)
- Poles are a safety factor on slippery surfaces
Nordic Walking should be practiced for relatively long periods, i.e. between half an hour and two hours at a time. The pace should be steady and the heart rate should rise to between 120 and 150 beats per minute.
Nordic Walking Health Facts
International Nordic Walking Association Website
Check back soon for Nordic Walking with the General Manager and packages!
