Nordic Walking, or fitness walking with lightweight poles, has been added to the list of selected activities by the nation's physical activity program the President's Challenge.
Developed by the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, The President's Challenge helps people of all ages and abilities increase their physical activity and improve their fitness through research-based information, easy-to-use tools, and friendly motivation. A full list of President's Challenge activities can be found at http://www.presidentschallenge.org/challenge/activities.shtml.
Hugely popular in Europe, Nordic Walking is making its way to the United States and is quickly becoming recognized as one of the single most beneficial types of exercise for the human body with the potential to improve any person's health and fitness level. The benefits of simply walking at a leisurely pace-let alone a faster, harder pace–are compelling for mobility, stability, back health, weight loss and so much more.
“We in the Nordic Walking community are thrilled and honored that this activity, in which anyone at any age or fitness level can participate, has been recognized as a viable activity by the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition,” says Suzanne Nottingham, Founder of Nordic Walk Now. “Fitness walking without poles only stimulates half the joints in your body as compared to Nordic walking, which activates your upper body musculature and core. So Nordic Walking is like getting double the work for your time and effort!”
Nottingham recently published an article on the benefits of Nordic Walking in the official newsletter of the President's Challenge, “Fitness Is Fun.” That article can be found at http://www.presidentschallenge.org/newsletter/oct-2010.shtml.
