Faster Walking - More Burned Calories Plus Less Stress!

Did you know that Nordic Walking increases your heart rate and calories burned? Even though your body is working harder during Nordic Walking than regular walking, it does not mean that the body is experiencing increased stress.

Participants in the Cooper Institute found that although walking with poles produced a more beneficial workout, they did not find that using poles made the workout more strenuous.

As a result of hunching over computers and poor posture, many people have neck and shoulder side effects that make them long for a fitness regimen that relieves tension, pain, lack of energy and overall discomfort. Nordic Walking is perfect to partner strong cardio fitness, muscle strength and of course relieve muscle tension in your neck and shoulders.

The Finnish Helsinki Polytechnic's Faculty of Health Care studied women with neck and shoulder pain. The conducted study showed a decrease in neck and shoulder symptom in more than half the participants along with an increase in mobility of the spine.

In addition to the physical benefits of Nordic Walking relieving muscle tension and stress which allows you to be a better worker, the emotional relief of stress is also part of Nordic Walking! Enjoying the outdoors with fellow walkers helps to alleviate every day stress.

Allowing your mind to wander and focus on your environment makes everything else melt away. Hearing the birds chirping, waves crashing, and friend laughing is a perfect excuse to grab your poles and walk!

Psychological Benefits of Nature!

Nordic Walking is an outdoor workout routine that has many physical and psychological benefits. The New York Times published an article dedicated to the benefits of fresh air and natural surroundings. "In a series of studies, scientists found that when people swap their concrete confines for a few hours in more natural surroundings- forests, parks and other places with plenty of trees- they experience increased immune function"

A decrease in stress helps to build a stronger immune system and peaceful mind. To emphasize the importance of nature, imagine walking through a busy city. Constantly our eyes are watching the passing people, obstacles in our path such as cars and people while our ears are being filled with honking horns, engines and conversations. It is exhausting just describing the city surroundings. Now imagine yourself on a quite beach. The air is clean and crisp; the birds are playing tag and chirping amidst the silence while large ocean waves crash along the serene beach sand. Are you relaxed, do you feel calm, are your ears open to your surroundings, is your posture more upright as you lift your head to view the landscape ahead?

Envision your calm place, grab your Nordic Walking poles- relax, rejuvenate and stay healthy both physically and mentally

4 Top Ways to Reduce Stress

How is stress involved in your daily routine? The errands continue to pile up, the kids are out of school, career responsibilities and family time are all amongst our everyday juggling act! Managing stress is not only a necessary part of balancing your life but your mind and health as well. Relieving your stress leads to a stronger immune system, balanced lifestyle, clearer mind and happier life.

The top four ways to relax and recharge are the top benefits of Nordic Walking!

The top four solutions are:

1. Going for a walk
2. Spending time in nature
3. Talking with a good friend
4. Sweating out tension with a good workout!

Incorporating Nordic Walking improves your mental health by releasing tension caused by stress, reconnecting your body, mind and soul all while burning up to forty percent more calories than regular walking. As a result of poor posture, many people have neck and shoulder side effects that make finding a fitness regimen that relieves tension, pain, lack of energy and overall discomfort almost impossible. Nordic Walking is the perfect partner for strong cardio fitness, muscle strength and of course relief of muscle tension in your neck and shoulders.

Whether you prefer to relax by yourself or enjoy connecting with groups and friends, Nordic Walking is just what the doctor prescribed.

(O'Connor, Anahad. "The Claim- Exposure to Plants and Parks Can Boost Immunity." http://Www.nyt.com. New York Times, 5 July 2010. Web. 27 June 2011. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/health/06real.html.)

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm

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