Nordic Walking Techniques - Typical Mistakes

• Striding
  When you walk, you sometimes get the tendency to gain speed by taking bigger strides. However, over striding will do you no good. It creates unnecessary pressure on your legs which can lead to injuries. Instead of taking big strides, take shorter steps since you will not only be able to walk faster but it will also be good on your feet. Aside from that, remember to proper arm and leg movement while walking. It means that when your left leg moves forward, it is your right arm that should swing forward.


• Posture
  It is not uncommon for Nordic walkers to experience back pain after an intense training session. The reason for this is mostly due to them having improper postures while walking. Wrong postures include leaning and tilting the head too much. Keep your back and head up! Do this and your back will thank you for it.


• Shoes
  Just like over striding, having an inappropriate pair of shoes can be bad for your feet. As a general rule, get a pair that gives you maximum comfort and is designed for the activity. Things to consider are the fit, weight, and cushioning. Your feet are the ones that receive much of the impact of your weight so the importance of protecting them must be emphasized.


• Hydration
  Doing an intense activity like Nordic Walking can cause you to sweat profusely. With the sweat go your body fluids. You should thus replace them by drinking lots of water and energy drinks. Don’t wait until you become thirsty because by then, you are already dehydrated.


• Overtraining
  It is normal for beginners and fanatics to be very enthusiastic when they pick up their poles and go Nordic Walking. However, too much training can be bad for your body too, just like anything else. Thus, try to do it in moderation. If you feel tired, get some rest. There’s no use pushing yourself too far when you’re risking your health in the process. It is especially so when you’re just starting out and your body is not yet accustomed to the movements involved in this type of training.