Nordic Walking Guy's first rule is: Walk with purpose. An article described a study that reached that conclusion.
Takeaway: "...walking with a purpose makes people walk faster and feel healthier more than walking for leisure."
Findings from the study:
- "...people who walked primarily to places, like to work or the grocery store, reported better health than people who walked for fun, relaxation, or just the fun of it. They also got where they were going quicker than those on a leisurely stroll."
- "...walking for any duration or any purpose, but especially walking to work, makes people feel healthier."
- "...people who walked more frequently and for longer, for whatever reason, had higher self-assessed health scores."
- "...city planners should consider how to create interventions that encourage people to walk within, to, and from their neighborhoods, Akar says. This could manifest as more sidewalks or rest areas for commuters and recreational walkers."
Walking with purpose requires focus, something that helps Nordic walkers move more briskly. Focus makes Nordic walkers more aware of their technique, moving their arms more decisively and pushing off with more strength.
