Health Conditions
Many people find Nordic walking a very beneficial way to help manage their health condition. They find using the special Nordic walking poles and learning the correct technique for them helps with their posture, takes weight and strain off their lower limbs, reduces pain when walking and overcomes balance issues. They also find it easier and more comfortable to become fitter by being able to walk a bit further and faster over time.
We have and continue to work with various organisations including, Activity Alliance, Carers UK and We Are Undefeatable bringing movement to more people with long term health conditions.
Moving More Matters!
Here we list just some of the conditions Nordic walking can help with (as we build our website we will be adding more) but until you try you won't know what it might do for you so please get in touch to have a free go - see contacts at the bottom of this page. You are very welcome to bring a partner or friend along too. Our Nordic walking instructor, Penny, can arrange to give 1:1 or small group sessions if needed until you are confident to join our weekly group walks.
Our next free group sessions for people with Long Term Health Conditions
Come along to Evington Park on Wednesday morning
Book your free session place using the links below:
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Wednesday 5th November 9 am Meet in car park near the library
book your free place here - https://nordicwalking.co.uk/find-walks/340581
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Wednesday 19th November 9 am Meet in car park near the library
book your free place here - https://nordicwalking.co.uk/find-walks/340588
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Parkinson's
Many people have come to sessions we have organised for Parkinson's groups and for individuals with Parkinson's and have had a go with the poles and seen the difference it makes to their walking. Some of our best Nordic walkers have been those with or currently have Parkinson's as it helps straighten up the spine ensuring better posture, lessens or removes tremours and actively benefits walking gait.
Osteoporosis
Because Nordic walking uses both the lower and upper body it is an ideal weight-bearing, bone-strengthening exercise. This allows people to maintain their bone mass and density in their lower spine, hips, thighs, ankles as well as arms. The movement of pushing the pole against the ground increases arm strength and improves bone density in this area. The denser your bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break.
Using the Nordic walking poles also lessens the likelihood of trips and falls when walking.
Asthma and Lung Conditions
Our members with asthma and COPD tell us Nordic walking in a group helps them have confidence to walk whatever the weather. It's a great way to break the cycle of inactivity by reducing anxiety about getting breathless and knowing the poles will support them. Being able to Nordic walk helps maintain muscle strength around the lungs and using the poles correctly opens up the rib cage causing less pressure on internal organs and making it easier to breathe.
High Blood Pressure & Heart Conditions
Nordic walking significantly benefits heart health by increasing cardiovascular fitness, improving functional capacity, and helping manage conditions like high blood pressure and peripheral arterial disease. It elevates your heart rate more than regular walking while increasing calorie burn and using about 90% of your muscles, all without feeling like you're exerting yourself excessively
Other Health Conditions
Nordic walking has been shown to be good for many people who are living with or recovering from other health conditions e.g. diabetes, cancer, stroke, mental health such as anxiety and depression etc as well as helping protect our bodies from such diseases as we age.
We now know that increasing movement in our daily lives helps combat or decreases the risk from many common conditions and can help lessen pain. Movement is medicine!
However, please note that statements made on this website are not meant to replace or negate professional medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based upon your own research and in consultation and partnership with your professional health team.
Check out our blog in the coming months for more information on long term health conditions and what Nordic walking can do to help.
