What is Nordic Walking & How Does it Differ From Regular Walking & Hiking?
This is the Internet’s #1 most-asked question about Nordic walking!
Here is a quick comparison of Nordic walking, regular walking and hiking.
Nordic Walking (sometimes also called urban poling or pole walking):
Nordic walking with Nordic walking poles
Regular Walking
• Primary purpose: to improve or maintain overall physical and mental health
• Requires no special equipment
• Engages primarily the legs and glute muscles while the upper body is relatively relaxed
• Provides low to moderate cardiovascular benefits compared to Nordic walking
• Burns fewer calories compared to Nordic walking
Nordic Walking
• Primary purpose: to enjoy a fitness activity that engages the upper body muscles—including arms, shoulders, and core—and that provides a full-body workout
• Requires the use of specially-designed Nordic walking poles
• Incorporates a longer stride than regular walking, a rhythmic long-lever arm-swing motion, and a “plant, push, propel” poling technique; tips of the poles are planted behind the feet
• Provides increased cardiovascular benefits compared to regular walking
• Burns more calories compared to regular walking
• Improves posture
• Nordic walkers typically walk on relatively smooth terrain, trails and paths.
Hiking (sometimes also called trekking or tramping):
• Primary purpose: to enjoy the out-of-doors with increased stability and support, particularly on uneven terrain, and with less impact on the hips, back and knees
• Involves the use of specially-designed hiking poles
Hiking with hiking poles
• Incorporates a similar or shorter stride length than regular walking, a rhythmic bent-elbow arm swing motion; tips of the poles are generally planted in front of the body
• Engages primarily the lower body muscles, such as legs and glutes; engages the upper body when ascending and descending hills and on demanding terrain
• Hikers typically walk on surfaces that are relatively rugged, rocky, and uneven
Quiz time!:
Are the people in this image Nordic walking or hiking?
Is this person Nordic walking or hiking?
