I always thought that but never said it out loud….. but if medics say they are a good idea……. but you still do look a bit strange…. doesn’t swinging your arms work?
In nordic countries they have 'English Walking' - its mostly dawdling along and stopping, looking a bit bewildered at times then carrying on. There are regional versions for real purists - the English London Walking fans bowl along and might break out into a song and dance at any time - usually about fish or chimneys. The English Yorkshire Walking fans tend to only walk in hobnail boots for example.
Unfortunately, if you swing your arms wildly - particularly if they're in synch with your legs on either side - you're likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act.
No it doesn't. Skiers don't just swing their arms about. They use their arm and shoulder muscles in combination with their sticks to control their speed and direction. Just watch a slalom skier! Nordic walking involves using your arms in a similar way with considerable force to help propel yourself along. You don't get that kind of upper body exercise just by swinging your arms.
What if you were carrying a can of beans in each hand? I seem to remember 'The Green Goddess' being a big proponent of this - so much so she had sponsorship with Heinz which was only withdrawn when she went rogue and used two cans of Ravioli, thus offending 'Big' Bean. It was not long after this she disappeared from our screen. You don't cross 'Big' Bean.
Carrying weight whilst swinging your arms would work the upper body more than not carrying weight However using the poles to push of with puts your body in a better posistion It stops you rounding up your shoulders and makes you stand straighter with your shoulders pushed back This opens up your chest more so you take in more oxygen. I’ve been really surprised which muscles feel like they have been worked when using the poles.
