Do you feel safe when out walking?

I came across an article that had advice about staying safe when out on your exercise. The article is written to runners, but it applies to Nordic walkers just as well.

Takeaway: "...we can’t let fear stop us from doing what we love."

Points:

• "...if you see something, you should say something." For example:
• "...share that news with your local run group."
• "Post about it online."
• "When appropriate, report incidents to law enforcement."
• Cities can do their part, too, by installing good lighting and emergency call boxes along popular running routes."

Being part of a walking group is another way to stay safe as well has enjoy the company of others.

Nordic walking for cardiovascular rehabilitation

A study reported the results of comparing Nordic walking and regular walking for helping patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).

Main point: "After a 4-week training period, Nordic walking training appeared more efficient than training without poles for increasing walk distance on the 6-min walk test for patients with ACS and PAOD."

Research results:

• The Nordic walkers had greater improvement in distance covered during the 6-minute walk test.
• Improvement was greatest for peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).

Nordic walking for geriatric rehabilitation

A study compared Nordic walking with regular (overground) walking (no poles) for improving endurance and speed in the elderly.

Main point: "NW [Nordic walking] is 106% more effective in improving gait speed among elderly than OW [overground walking]."

Key points:

• Nordic walking participants were able to walk farther in the 6-minute walk test.
• Nordic walking participants also increased their gait speed.