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:

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 (also called urban poling or pole walking):

• Primary purpose: to enjoy a fitness activity that provides cardiovascular fitness ana a full-body workout

Nordic walking (with Nordic walking poles)

• Requires specially-designed Nordic walking poles

• Incorporates a slightly longer stride than regular walking, a rhythmic long-arm swing motion, and a “plant, push, propel” poling technique; tips of the poles are planted just behind the feet

• Engages engages the entire body, including legs, arms, shoulders, and core muscles

• Nordic walkers typically walk on relatively smooth terrain, such as sidewalks and trails.

Hiking (with hiking poles)

HIKING WITH HIKING POLES (also called trekking or tramping):

• Primary purpose: increased stability and support while walking, particularly on uneven terrain, and with less impact on the hips, back and knees

• Requires specially-designed hiking poles

• Incorporates a similar or shorter stride than regular walking, a rhythmic bent-elbow arm swing motion; tips of the poles are generally planted in front of or beside 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