Nordic Walking is a great complimentary exercise form to your Somatics Practice
As a Somatic Educator, I get asked a lot about what form of exercise is a good compliment to one's Somatics practice. Walking is one of them, and Nordic walking even more so!
Walking requires the whole body to work as a whole system. It's not just your legs moving when you walk. Your arms and shoulders should move as well. And the torso, that connects the lower and upper limbs is where all movement should originate. Ideally there should be a gentle rotation of the torso. That rotation is what actually swings the arms and legs.
But we have been physically and culturally trained, and use our bodies in ways that restricts movement of the torso. Think of all the ways we may actually be limiting our freedom of movement.
That's where Somatics comes into play. Your Somatics practice is meant to help you release all these tension patterns, rewiring your body to move with more ease.
Walking is a great way to integrate, i.e. rewire the nervous system and relearn to move well, the changes you are creating when you practice your Somatics.
Nordic walking takes it to the next level. Because you are walking, and using the specific poles of Nordic walking, your upper body is engaged more than while regular walking.
I said upper body, not just the arms! Your shoulders will rotate, and the lower body will rotate in opposition of the shoulder girdle, and voila, you are moving from your torso!
Walking requires the whole body to work as a whole system. It's not just your legs moving when you walk. Your arms and shoulders should move as well. And the torso, that connects the lower and upper limbs is where all movement should originate. Ideally there should be a gentle rotation of the torso. That rotation is what actually swings the arms and legs.
But we have been physically and culturally trained, and use our bodies in ways that restricts movement of the torso. Think of all the ways we may actually be limiting our freedom of movement.
- Overly tightening the abs in fitness training
- Shortening the abs and hip flexors while sitting
- Overly contracting the low back
- Pulling shoulders "down and back into your back pockets"
- Don't move your hips, or you'll draw attention to yourself
- Stand up straight!
That's where Somatics comes into play. Your Somatics practice is meant to help you release all these tension patterns, rewiring your body to move with more ease.
Walking is a great way to integrate, i.e. rewire the nervous system and relearn to move well, the changes you are creating when you practice your Somatics.
Nordic walking takes it to the next level. Because you are walking, and using the specific poles of Nordic walking, your upper body is engaged more than while regular walking.
I said upper body, not just the arms! Your shoulders will rotate, and the lower body will rotate in opposition of the shoulder girdle, and voila, you are moving from your torso!
Burn More Calories, Tone More Muscles with Nordic Walking
In addition to being a great compliment to your Somatics, Nordic walking offers more health and fitness benefits beyond regular walking.
If you are a regular walker, Nordic poles can take your routine to a whole new level. If you’re less active, nordic poles can help reduce pain and assist with balance issues, that may otherwise hinder regular exercise. Nordic walking is even beneficial for those with Parkinson’s or MS because it can improve posture and help walkers maintain a quicker gait and longer stride.
While regular walking predominately works the leg muscles, Nordic walking also targets muscles of the back, core, shoulders, arms, and gluteals. Various studies estimate that Nordic walking can burn anywhere from 18% to 67% more calories than traditional walking.
Using Nordic poles distributes your body weight over four points on the ground, reducing wear and tear on the feet, ankles, knees and hips. Nordic walking simultaneously engages the lower and upper body, improving coordination and therefore cognitive health. While Nordic walking is great for people of all ages, the benefits can especially help older adults stay active, and independent lifestyle.
Nordic poles are very different from hiking/trekking poles. They have a glove-like strap you slide your hand into, as compared to the loose straps found on most trekking/hiking poles. The specialized straps help you transmit power to push off the ground, which propels you forward. Three criteria for proper Nordic Walking are correct pole length, correct fit of the strap gloves, and not swinging the poles out in front of you as you walk.
When choosing your poles, opt for 1-piece models vs collapsible ones. Most poles offered on Amazon and other big chain retailers are not true Nordic poles, even if labeled as such. Surprisingly, well-stocked sporting good stores generally only carry hiking/trekking poles either. A Nordic walking instructor or a national Nordic walking organization to help select your poles. A qualified instructor can help you learn to use them correctly.
A good pair of Nordic poles is a great investment for anyone seeking an easy-to-incorporate-into-your-life activity. No gym membership, bulky equipment, or storage space required! If you’re ready to try something new, give Nordic walking a try. Your brain and body will thank you!
As a Somatic Educator, Personal Trainer and Nordic Walking Instructor, my mission is to help people move better so they can live better. Visit thinksomatics.com for more info.
If you are a regular walker, Nordic poles can take your routine to a whole new level. If you’re less active, nordic poles can help reduce pain and assist with balance issues, that may otherwise hinder regular exercise. Nordic walking is even beneficial for those with Parkinson’s or MS because it can improve posture and help walkers maintain a quicker gait and longer stride.
While regular walking predominately works the leg muscles, Nordic walking also targets muscles of the back, core, shoulders, arms, and gluteals. Various studies estimate that Nordic walking can burn anywhere from 18% to 67% more calories than traditional walking.
Using Nordic poles distributes your body weight over four points on the ground, reducing wear and tear on the feet, ankles, knees and hips. Nordic walking simultaneously engages the lower and upper body, improving coordination and therefore cognitive health. While Nordic walking is great for people of all ages, the benefits can especially help older adults stay active, and independent lifestyle.
Nordic poles are very different from hiking/trekking poles. They have a glove-like strap you slide your hand into, as compared to the loose straps found on most trekking/hiking poles. The specialized straps help you transmit power to push off the ground, which propels you forward. Three criteria for proper Nordic Walking are correct pole length, correct fit of the strap gloves, and not swinging the poles out in front of you as you walk.
When choosing your poles, opt for 1-piece models vs collapsible ones. Most poles offered on Amazon and other big chain retailers are not true Nordic poles, even if labeled as such. Surprisingly, well-stocked sporting good stores generally only carry hiking/trekking poles either. A Nordic walking instructor or a national Nordic walking organization to help select your poles. A qualified instructor can help you learn to use them correctly.
A good pair of Nordic poles is a great investment for anyone seeking an easy-to-incorporate-into-your-life activity. No gym membership, bulky equipment, or storage space required! If you’re ready to try something new, give Nordic walking a try. Your brain and body will thank you!
As a Somatic Educator, Personal Trainer and Nordic Walking Instructor, my mission is to help people move better so they can live better. Visit thinksomatics.com for more info.
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