Nordic Walk Fit
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Snowshoe Classes - Benefits
Benefits of Snowshoeing
If you enjoy the outdoors and love to hike you'll love this!

Snowshoe Nordic Walkfit is the perfect workout! It's a combination of nordic walking and snowshoeing. It's the best way to get really fit during the winter months,explore new trails, off trails, meet new friends and feel winter fly by! With the use of snowshoes, Urban Poles and the Rutlin Technique, participants have the best of both worlds. According to the Cooper Institute, Nordic walking activates 1800 abdominal contractions and 900 upper back contractions in a mile. Snowshoeing activates the hip flexors and quadricep muscles while lifting the boot, snowshoe and snow with each step. It also activates glutes and hamstrings during ascents and quadriceps on descents. Together the workout burns an additional 400 to 600 calories more than just plain walking. Add a back pack with your favorite energy snack and water and you've got the perfect workout. There are no hidden gym fees, no waiting for machines just scenery and fresh air!

Speed/calories
- Declan Connolly, professor of Sports and Physical Education at University of Vermont says that snowshoeing on packed snow going at a rate of just 6km/hr will give you the same exercise heart rate as walking on a treadmill @ 9km/hr ( keep in mind that packed snow is much easier to walk on than fresh snow). Therefore a person weighing 170 lbs snowshoeing at 6km/hr will burn 960 cal/hr. compare this with cycling @ 20km/hr burns 612 cal/hr.


Along with the benefits listed above, below is a list of benefits for Nordic Walking/ Urban Poling as well as Snowshoeing

Nordic walking is suitable for people of all ages and most fitness levels. It can be done on a variety of terrain like snow, hills, sand, rocks, gravel, pavement and grass.  It offers a higher intensity workout than just regular walking.

Enjoy Company 
Exercise with a partner, family or friends.

Burn More calories
Researchers at the Cooper Institute found that Nordic walking burns 20% - 46% more calories than regular walking. On average, 400 calories per hour. A recent research study has shown that, among healthy people aged 60 and over, the amount of energy used and the heart rate level were on average 40% higher with Nordic walking compared to normal walking .
Full Body Workout
The aerobic and strength building benefits of nordic walking are well documented. Participants receive a full body workout. During execution many major muscles are used, arms, back, shoulders, abdominals, legs, heart, lungs and the mind. Research has shown that nordic walking can better improve an individual’s health, fitness and general well-being than walking.
Strengthens Spine and Reduces Back Pain
Nordic walking strengthens the spine and reduces back pain by increasing spine mobility.

Reduces Muscle Tension
Effective nordic walking releases muscle tension and pain in the neck, shoulders and back.

Take the Load off of your Joints 
Walking with poles reduces the load on knees, heel strike force, hips and ankles.
"For anyone with restrictions or complaints of the spine, hip joints, knees or ankles, nordic walking provides relief" (International Nordic Walking Association).
Helps Combat the effects of Osteoporosis
Nordic walking strengthens the bones of the lower and upper body thus helping to combat the effects of osteoporosis.
Easier to Maintain
The effort of the upper body controls the intensity of the workout. Because of this, it is possible to walk at the same speed as other members of the group while at the same time exercising at your own intensity level. This makes Nordic walking more enjoyable and you more likely to stick to your exercise programme.
Ideal for Cross Training and Off Season Sports Training
Nordic walking is an ideal cross-training or off season sport fitness activity. It involves a high level of muscular activity and heart rate - yet a a lowered rate of perceived exertion. This means that you can work at a higher intensity for longer periods of time than traditional training techniques.
Improves Cardiovascular Fitness
Because nordic walking engages many major body systems, the heart rate can be considerably higher than from just walking. It offers a higher intensity workout that increases your heart rate by 5 to 17 beats per minute.
Relieves Stress and Promotes a Sense of Well Being
Nordic walking is a great way to relieve stress. It is fun, and simple to do. You can work at a low or high intensity.