Nordic walking in relation to MS

I came across an article that suggested benefits of Nordic walking for MS patients. The article listed these benefits:

• Improved stability and balance.
• Enhanced flexibility and strength.
• Elevated mood and well-being.
• New pathways in the brain.
• Reduced spasticity in the foot.

Because Nordic walking engages the whole body in a low impact, customizable intensity exercise, it makes for efficient use of time. That makes Nordic walking "a great way for them to engage most of the muscles of the body in one enjoyable activity" for MS patients.

Research is underway to determine how Nordic walking can increase exercise capacity in MS patients as well. MS patients only have a certain amount of energy, according to the article, so the efficiency of the exercise may be valuable in managing that time budget.

Sunday Songs, Serenades, and Symphonies for Your Walking Pleasure

A charmer from back in the day by Electric Light Orchestra.

Keeping it off

Mother Jones had an interesting article on weight loss that included vignettes of what happened to contestants on The Biggest Loser reality show. One contestant exercised 7 hours each day and ultimately dropped from 430 pounds to 191 pounds. Even those his post-show exercise routine took 2-3 hours every day, he still gained 100 pounds back. Overall, contestants dropped an average of 128 pounds during the show but gained an average of 90 points back.

Sustaining weight loss, according to that article, is a tall order and complicated by something called persistent metabolic adaptation. That means your body adapts to its weight by slowing down calorie burning and storing excess calories in fat. So if your body is used to being 200 pounds and had been requiring 2,500 calories each day, it will slow down that rate, and store the extra calories as fat unless you burn them off with activity and exercise.

A quick Internet search will result in articles and blog pieces about the positive relationship between Nordic walking and weight loss. That's because using poles involves your upper body, adding to the calorie burn. Here are some other thoughts:

• Since it's a full-body activity, it's a very efficient use of your time.
• Since it's a low impact exercise, you can quickly get up to a full exercise load without joint pain or injury.
• Since you can vary the intensity, you can walk with others. The social dimension of exercise can be a motivating factor in sustaining an exercise regimen and also in encouraging each other in healthy habits.