What is Nordic walking?
"It's a sport in nature, anyone can do it, and we need the will to walk and some sticks? Yes. Then why do you call the sport Nordic walking... well, say it normally... hiking, trekking... well, no ?” No. Although Nordic walking and trekking are similar, they are far from identical sports.
So what is the difference between them? At the outset, let's say that these two sports are not so different as, for example, running and swimming. But despite the fact that both are for all ages, both use poles, and both are based on walking, there are several differences that set Nordic walking and trekking apart.
TRACK TYPE
Trekking tracks are often very dynamic. They are full of various ups and downs, the terrain is often uneven, too winding or full of large rocks. In contrast, the most ideal track for Nordic walking is a straight path on a straight line or with a slight incline. This is mainly in order to achieve the most accurate execution of the technique, which is so important for Nordic walking.
TECHNIQUE
The targeted focus on movement technique is one of the striking differences between the two sports. And what is this technique? It is based on the fact that sticks are not just an accessory but the main tool needed for this sport. In order to achieve the correct execution of the technique, you first of all need the right sticks.
Mastering this technique is not difficult, it is important to focus on its correct execution. How to do it?
Keep your body in a slight forward bend.
The movement of the hand is conditioned by the shoulders (when trekking, the movement of the hand comes from the elbow).
Pay attention to consistent work with the sticks - the body must bounce off the sticks.
STICKS
While in hiking, the poles serve as support, for example, when going uphill, in Nordic walking, the poles actively involve the upper part of the body in the movement. They therefore ensure high-quality movement of up to 90% of the muscles in the entire body. Different poles are also something that differentiates Nordic walking and trekking. And their holding, of course, is not arbitrary. In the second half of the movement, i.e. when the hand is behind the back, release the grip while maintaining the technique. But how to achieve the release of the stick without it suddenly falling to the ground and thus interrupting the coordinated movement? Nordic walking sticks have a special loop for that, which keeps the stick on your hand when you release it behind your back. You will learn about all the specific differences between trekking poles and Nordic walking poles in this article.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Last but not least, Nordic walking and hiking also differ in their effects on the human body. Of course, like any other sport, these two sports also offer the possibility of healthy movement, which is important for a good lifestyle. However, unlike trekking, Nordic walking also adds a number of health benefits. The correct implementation of the movement technique and persistence in this sport can help with back pain, cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, but also with allergies.
Before buying the right poles for you, the first step must be to think about whether your preferred sport will be Nordic walking or trekking. The important functions of your future poles can make a big difference in what purpose the poles will serve for you. So if you are just starting out with this sporting adventure, do not hesitate to choose the sport that suits you best before choosing your clubs.
"It's a sport in nature, anyone can do it, and we need the will to walk and some sticks? Yes. Then why do you call the sport Nordic walking... well, say it normally... hiking, trekking... well, no ?” No. Although Nordic walking and trekking are similar, they are far from identical sports.
So what is the difference between them? At the outset, let's say that these two sports are not so different as, for example, running and swimming. But despite the fact that both are for all ages, both use poles, and both are based on walking, there are several differences that set Nordic walking and trekking apart.
TRACK TYPE
Trekking tracks are often very dynamic. They are full of various ups and downs, the terrain is often uneven, too winding or full of large rocks. In contrast, the most ideal track for Nordic walking is a straight path on a straight line or with a slight incline. This is mainly in order to achieve the most accurate execution of the technique, which is so important for Nordic walking.
TECHNIQUE
The targeted focus on movement technique is one of the striking differences between the two sports. And what is this technique? It is based on the fact that sticks are not just an accessory but the main tool needed for this sport. In order to achieve the correct execution of the technique, you first of all need the right sticks.
Mastering this technique is not difficult, it is important to focus on its correct execution. How to do it?
Keep your body in a slight forward bend.
The movement of the hand is conditioned by the shoulders (when trekking, the movement of the hand comes from the elbow).
Pay attention to consistent work with the sticks - the body must bounce off the sticks.
STICKS
While in hiking, the poles serve as support, for example, when going uphill, in Nordic walking, the poles actively involve the upper part of the body in the movement. They therefore ensure high-quality movement of up to 90% of the muscles in the entire body. Different poles are also something that differentiates Nordic walking and trekking. And their holding, of course, is not arbitrary. In the second half of the movement, i.e. when the hand is behind the back, release the grip while maintaining the technique. But how to achieve the release of the stick without it suddenly falling to the ground and thus interrupting the coordinated movement? Nordic walking sticks have a special loop for that, which keeps the stick on your hand when you release it behind your back. You will learn about all the specific differences between trekking poles and Nordic walking poles in this article.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Last but not least, Nordic walking and hiking also differ in their effects on the human body. Of course, like any other sport, these two sports also offer the possibility of healthy movement, which is important for a good lifestyle. However, unlike trekking, Nordic walking also adds a number of health benefits. The correct implementation of the movement technique and persistence in this sport can help with back pain, cardiovascular diseases, diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, but also with allergies.
Before buying the right poles for you, the first step must be to think about whether your preferred sport will be Nordic walking or trekking. The important functions of your future poles can make a big difference in what purpose the poles will serve for you. So if you are just starting out with this sporting adventure, do not hesitate to choose the sport that suits you best before choosing your clubs.
