Developing the Nordic walking habit

One of the Nordic Walking Guy's 3 rules is "Be consistent!" One way to do that is to develop good habits.  Here's one person's opinion about how to do it. Keeping your goal in mind is your starting point.

Main points:

• "Reaching an imaginary number of days is not how you get results."

• "...set 'macro goals' and 'micro quotas.'"

• Forgive yourself when you get off track and get back on track.

• "...look for shortcuts (for instance, the triggers we mentioned above) that prevent you from having to use willpower and off the cuff decision making (as strange as that may sound)."

To get that Nordic walking habit off the ground, here are some tips for using those lessons about habits:

• Set your Nordic walking poles by the door so you can grab them right away. You won't have to think about looking for them when you head out for your walk.

• Put up a piece of paper and make a tick mark every time you go out. You'll enjoy seeing the tick marks add up.

• Walk with friends, so you can hold each other accountable in an enjoyable way.

Findings from the Cooper Institute

The Cooper Institute released a study to "compare oxygen consumption and energy expenditure associated with regular walking (walking without poles) and Nordic walking (walking with poles)."

The study concluded "Nordic walking significantly increased oxygen consumption, caloric expenditure, heart rate, and heart rate as a percentage of maximum heart rate for both men and women without significantly affecting the rate of perceived exertion by the participants."

The Nordic Walking Guy has experienced it firsthand. Being required to manage my blood sugar closely, the Nordic walking effort reduces my blood sugar levels in half. The levels drop from terribly high to where they should be following a 3-mile walk.

Sunday Songs, Serenades, and Symphonies for Your Walking Pleasure

Well, it does have "walk" in the title, and the beat will help you keep a good pace.