In recent years, the importance of exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle has become increasingly apparent. With today’s busy and often sedentary lifestyles, finding the time and motivation to exercise can be difficult.
Luckily, there’s a new exercise craze that is making waves in the world of fitness and heart health: Scandi walking.
What is Scandi Walking?
Scandi walking, also known as Nordic walking, is a form of exercise that originated in Finland in the 1930s. It involves walking with specially designed poles that help to engage your upper body and provide support.
The poles are used in a rhythmic motion that engages your arms and shoulders, in addition to your legs.
Scandi walking is similar to cross-country skiing, but without the skis. It’s an outdoor activity that can be done in any weather, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels.
The Benefits of Scandi Walking
Scandi walking is a low-impact exercise that provides a number of benefits for heart health, including:.
Cardiovascular Health
Scandi walking is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health. By using your upper and lower body, you get a full-body workout that gets your heart pumping.
Studies have shown that regular Scandi walking can help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Fitness
Scandi walking is a great way to improve your fitness level. Because it engages your upper body, it provides a more complete workout than walking alone. Scandi walking is also a great way to burn calories and build muscle.
Joint Health
Scandi walking is a low-impact exercise that is easy on your joints. It’s a great option for people who have joint pain or arthritis, as it doesn’t put as much pressure on your joints as running or other high-impact exercises.
Mental Health
Scandi walking is a great way to relieve stress and improve your mental health. Being outdoors and getting exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, and Scandi walking provides a fun and social way to get moving.
Getting Started with Scandi Walking
If you’re interested in trying Scandi walking, there are a few things you’ll need to get started:.
Poles
You’ll need to purchase a set of Scandi walking poles. These can be found at most sporting goods stores, and come in a variety of sizes and styles.
Proper Attire
Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Scandi walking can be done year-round, but you’ll want to wear layers in the winter and lighter clothing in the summer. You should also wear comfortable shoes with good support.
Technique
It’s important to learn the proper technique for Scandi walking. There are a number of instructional videos available online, or you can take a class with a certified instructor.
Conclusion
Scandi walking is a fun and effective way to improve your heart health and fitness. It’s a low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels, and provides a number of benefits for your physical and mental health.
So why not give it a try?.