Via Nordic Walking Suffolk on Facebook, some beautiful scenery during a recent walk. I converted to Nordic walking from gym equipment because it got me outdoors.

Ex(ercise) in the city

Now that I got you to click on this, here's what I'm really talking about. If you're like the growing number of people who commute at least 1 hour one-way from the suburbs to a demanding and time-consuming job in the city, you have probably wondered how you can get your exercise.

Because Nordic walking is a full-body exercise, you can get a lot of benefit out of a short intense walk. How can you make it even more effective? I like to do this:

• I eat dinner and then wait 1-2 hours. That gets me to the postprandial spike.
• After that, I go for my Nordic walk, approximately a half hour. If you feel like adding to the intensity of the walk, you can make sure to walk uphill, speed up your pace, or add exercises like pushups, planks, and lunges. The poles help with balance when doing lunges.
• When I get back, my blood sugar has dropped to more tolerable levels.

What about being able to get to sleep right after exercising? Some people worry they will be too revved up after a brisk Nordic walk they might never get to sleep. Not true. There are ways to go to sleep after exercise. It’s encouraging to know that exercise typically helps you get to sleep faster.

Nordic walking sampler in Jefferson County on July 15
Find out what Nordic walking is all about. Learn more at Nordic Walking Guy on Facebook and at the Nordic Walking Guy blog.
When: July 15 at 10 AM (we'll go about 1 to 1.5 hours)
Where: Wald Park (1973 Merryvale Road, Vestavia Hills). We'll see you at the swimming pool parking lot. Look for the white Nordic walking sign.

Screen clipping taken: 6/21/2017 04:50 AM
No charge. Poles provided. Dress for the weather, and bring some water.
Instructor: Leroy Hurt, ANWA-certified Advanced Nordic Walking instructor
Why Nordic walking?

• Full body, low impact
• Increase weight loss
• Improve cholesterol
• Improve blood pressure
• Facilitate rehabilitation
• Maintain stability and balance
• Maintain posture
• Facilitate stress relief
• Support muscle toning
• Improve cardiovascular function
• Improve lung capacity
• Support immune system
• Socialize with walking companions
• You determine the intensity of your workout