I began Nordic
walking a year and a half ago because it was a full-body low-impact exercise. I
became a certified instructor through the American Nordic Walking Association
(ANWA) because I wanted to share the sport with other people.
Some people who can
benefit are obvious:
- Senior citizens who don't need jarring or extreme exercise.
- People rehabilitating from injury.
- People who want to lose weight.
- People who want to manage their cholesterol.
Others who can
benefit are athletes, especially large strength athletes looking for cardio
without the impact of running and the monotony of aerobic machines in a gym.
One issue caught my
attention: the obesity epidemic. A Huffington Post article said there
aren't enough specialists to treat the increasing number of obese people.
The main points were:
- 38% of people in the US are classified as obese.
- Obesity is related to a number of illnesses and other conditions.
- The US health system rewards treatment instead of prevention.
Nordic walking,
because it's exercise, is preventive. How can we be motivated to take up the
sport?
- We can do it outside and enjoy the weather.
- We can do it in groups and enjoy each other's company.
- We can do alone and enjoy a time of reflection.
The preventive
aspect of Nordic walking should be motivation enough because it feels worse to
be sick and have to go through treatment.
