The sport that has seen the largest growth and popular reception in Germany in the last two years is Nordic walking. It is the first time since the introduction of soccer, that there has been such a rapid increase of enthusiastic followers. After being practiced in Scandinavia for many years, the sport has now been introduced to the Central European market.

The number of active Nordic walkers is tenfold since the introduction of this sport in Central Europe in the year 2000 – Nordic walking is on its way to establish itself as a sport for the masses. The reasons are obvious: Nordic walking is a sport that is not only suitable for the young athletes. Even the German health insurances have picked up on the subject and subsidize Nordic walking courses. And that surely means something at a time of cutbacks!

Facts:
Nordic walking raises the heart beat by 5 to 17 beats per minute (normal heartbeat when walking at a normal brisk pace is 130 beats per minute, with Nordic walking this is 147 beats per minute, an increase of 13%)

• using Nordic walking sticks increases the burning of kilocalories by 20% compared to normal walking
• can increase the burning of calories by as much as 46% (Cooper Research Institute Research, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sports 2002 publication)
• eases muscle tensions in the neck- and shoulder area
• strengthens the extensor- and flexor muscles in the underarm, the muscles on the back of the shoulder, as well as stomach-, chest- and back muscles.
• spares joints and knees
• reduces the strain on knees for overweight persons
• burns off over 400 calories per hour (compared to 280 calories per hour when walking normally)

• using Nordic walking sticks increases safety on  slick and slippery surfaces
  
  Nordic walking improves the condition, strengthens the muscles of the upper body and legs and improves the flexibility and blood circulation in neck and shoulders. The pace should be kept in such a way that a pulse of 120 to 150 beats per minute is achieved.