Looking for a cardio workout to really get your heart pumping and improve daily life? Forget running or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and give Nordic walking a try. New research finds this low-impact, whole-body activity is even better than HIIT for heart health.
Nordic walking originated in Finland, can be done at different intensity levels, and incorporates the use of specially designed poles. You use them in opposition to your legs, as in your left arm and right footwork together and your right arm and left foot. The poles push off to boost you along and really maximize your workout.
In this new study, patients with coronary heart disease who did Nordic walking had a bigger increase in their functional capacity - the ability to carry out daily activities - than those who did HIIT or continuous training at a moderate-to-vigorous level. But we’re not talking about your average leisurely stroll. Nordic walking exercises 80 to 90% of your muscles, when done properly, according to the American Nordic Walking Association, while running and walking only exercise 40%. Plus, using the additional shoulder, chest and arm muscles in Nordic walking leads to burning 20% more calories than regular walking.
Source: CNN
Photo: Getty Images