Nordic Chi Walking

Nordic Walking and Hiking is a dynamic activity that is very popular in Europe and Western Canada, and growing in popularity now in the East.

 

Fitness Walking and Hiking with Poles is a full-body, cardiovascular exercise that engages the core and upper body: abdomen, chest, back and shoulders, as well as the legs. Elite athletes of all ages, weekend warriors, and health and fitness-oriented people can benefit from this exercise. It's well-suited to both groups and individuals, and has proved particularly appealing to women (and men) 40 and up, and women of all ages with rehab issues.

 

Many fitness experts agree that Nordic Walking and Hiking is one of the safest yet most effective forms of exercise. It can improve stamina and endurance by increasing cardiovascular workouts by 25%, de-stressing joints, building bone density and burning up to 46% extra calories compared to walking. Plus the poles can propel oneself forward much faster than ordinary walking or hiking, with enhanced balance and stability. And it's great fun! 

 

The Urban Poles I use are length-adjustable and can be adapted for asphalt, grass and trails, gravel or sand. They're also perfect for snowshoeing.

 

Summarizing the benefits of Nordic Walking and Hiking:

 

• Strengthens abdominal, back, arm, shoulder, chest, leg and all “core” muscles (without separate weight or resistance training!).
• Burn 25-50% (and up to 70%!) more calories with each step.  

• Improve both “cardio” and vascular fitness. Heartbeat quickens without fatigue.

• Increase overall stamina and muscle endurance.

• Improve lymph system function and boost your immune system.

• Reduce pain and injury-causing stress on hips, knees and feet. Helps maintain overall bone density.

• Maintain joint health and range of motion. Improve both your posture and balance.

• Propel yourself faster than ordinary walking.

• Enhance both your energy and mood.

• Experience a truly fun and convenient “good use” total body exercise.

Nordic "Chi" Walking and Hiking  adds the healing and performance-enhancing aspects of chi (qi) or vital energy: sensing, building and circulating internal energy as an integral part of the activity. Exercising in the great outdoors offers the natural opportunity to play with both internal and environmental chi.

 

Nordic Chi Walking Clinic:

 

For walkers, weekend warriors, athletes, fitness and health professionals, and those in rehab.

Enjoy a powerful upper-body workout while you walk and energize body and mind. Nordic techniques enable extra muscle-toning, de-stress joints, burn more calories and can propel you faster. Additional internal energy building and circulating Qigong (Chi Kung) techniques make for a unique, dynamic wellness workout. Special strapless, adjustable and ergonomic poles supplied.

 

    Next Clinic: Collingwood Arboretum,

                   DATE TBA

                   $20 Fee. Poles provided**.    

                   Optional Mindful Lunch, 12 noon @ nearby restaurant.

                        

    **Option to put full clinic fee towards poles purchase afterwards.

 

     Pre-registration required please.

 

Leader, Jim Richardson, is a Certified Nordic Walking Instructor and Qigong teacher.