Let’s set the record straight first. Nordic walking isn’t just walking with poles, there’s more to it than that. It’s an exercise that has profound benefits to the body, engaging as much as 90% of your muscles as opposed to just the 50% that normal walking uses. It can bring you greater overall strength, improved cardiovascular function and it’ll increase your calorie use substantially as well, so it’s a good activity for anyone looking to lose weight. Normal walking, after all, only engages the muscles below your legs whereas the Nordic technique brings your whole upper body into the equation as well, strengthening your shoulders, arms, core and legs in particular.
To reap the rewards from the activity all year-round, all you need is a pair of walking poles, walking shoes and appropriate clothing. Here are some specific products from our friends at CimAlp that we recommend…
Trousers
Recommended: CimAlp Bergen
These trousers, available in men’s and women’s versions, are specifically designed for Nordic walking. In fact, they were actually designed and tested by Nordic walking guides.
Featuring a wind and waterproof fabric on the thighs and then a stretchy 3D-FLEX Power fabric on the back and around the crotch, these provide that balance you want between protection and breathability. They feature two side pockets and a zipped back pocket and bring 50UPF protection to the table.
