This is the Internet’s #1 most-asked question about Nordic walking!

Here is a quick comparison of Nordic walking, regular walking and hiking.

Nordic Walking (sometimes also called urban poling or pole walking):

• Primary purpose: to enjoy a fitness activity that engages the upper body muscles—including arms, shoulders, and core—and that provides a full-body workout

• Requires the use of specially-designed Nordic walking poles

• Incorporates a longer stride than regular walking, a rhythmic long-lever arm-swing motion, and a “plant, push, propel” poling technique; tips of the poles are planted behind the feet

• Provides increased cardiovascular benefits compared to regular walking

• Burns more calories compared to regular walking

• Improves posture

• Nordic walkers typically walk on relatively smooth terrain, trails and paths.

Regular Walking:

• Primary purpose: to improve or maintain overall physical and mental health

• Requires no special equipment

• Engages primarily the legs and glute muscles while the upper body is relatively relaxed

• Provides low to moderate cardiovascular benefits compared to Nordic walking

• Burns fewer calories compared to Nordic walking

Hiking with hiking poles (sometimes also called trekking or tramping):

• Primary purpose: to enjoy the out-of-doors with increased stability and support, particularly on uneven terrain, and with less impact on the hips, back and knees

• Involves the use of specially-designed hiking poles

• Incorporates a similar or shorter stride length than regular walking, a rhythmic bent-elbow arm swing motion; tips of the poles are generally planted in front of the body

• Engages primarily the lower body muscles, such as legs and glutes; engages the upper body when ascending and descending hills and on demanding terrain

• Hikers typically walk on surfaces that are relatively rugged, rocky, and uneven

Quiz time!

Are the people in this image Nordic walking or hiking?

Is this person Nordic walking or hiking?