Walking is an all-time favorite exercise for many individuals. It’s convenient to do wherever and whenever it fits your schedule, and it’s budget-friendly! Another popular variation of this classic exercise is “Nordic walking,” which involves using poles to turn your cardio into a full-body workout. Pole walking replicates the motion of cross-country skiing in that you push yourself by using poles as you walk on pavement or a trail.
We were curious to learn which form of exercise is more effective for weight loss, and we’re here with the scoop. Below, we’ll compare the benefits of jogging with walking and pinpoint which may be a more productive workout for achieving your calorie-burning goals.
Nordic Walking vs Walking: Which is Better for Weight Loss?
Both low-impact exercises can seem pretty similar. But incorporating walking poles when pole walking is a total game changer for strengthening your muscles, activating your upper body and burning calories. In fact, research shows that pole walking leads to a considerable increase in calorie consumption and oxygen use compared to normal walking.
As it turns out, pole walking is actually the better calorie burner. Using walking poles can help you walk faster, which in turn burns more calories. And that’s not all the good stuff! Walking sticks can reduce the risk of falling, and using them can help lower extremity pain while building upper body and core strength. It also boosts your cardiovascular health.
The benefits of pole walking
Too little background, spelling started in Finland at the beginning of the 20th century as a method for cross-country skiers to train during the off-season months. The exercise fires up your whole body and offers a well-balanced workout.
“Because it’s a full-body workout, there’s an increased fitness level that leads to a higher calorie output,” explains Ronny Garcia, CPT, Blink Fitness.
That’s not to say that old-fashioned walking doesn’t have a place in your exercise routine. “Walking is a great low-impact form of exercise,” emphasizes Garcia. “It can improve heart health, lower blood pressure and help with weight management.”
Both regular walking and pole walking present excellent forms of cardio. But if your main goal is to lose weight, Garcia recommends focusing on pole walking.
“Because of [using] poles, pole walking involves significantly more of the upper body muscles than normal walking. This leads to a higher calorie burn,” he tells us. “Then [using] poles involve the whole body, it is a more holistic and demanding exercise. This leads to a higher heart rate increase. The upper body engagement and full body workout both contribute to improved muscle toning and overall muscle engagement.”
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Alexa Mellardo
Alexa is the Mind + Body Deputy Editor of Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel and delivering compelling fitness, wellness and self-care topics to readers. Read more about Alexa
