We have beautiful weather forecast this week, so do try and get outside for a few walks in the vicinity of your home. As we all know, outdoor exercise is fantastic for boosting wellbeing and reducing stress; something we could all benefit from in these strange times. Today's lesson is directly inspired by one of my walkers, who sent me a message asking for exercises and tips on how to keep her arms straight when walking solo; she had spotted her shadow hingeing at the elbow. The following is advice that I gave her - a mixture of visualisations, drills and points to bear in mind whilst practicing.
- Remember that the movement derives from the shoulder socket.
- Visualise your arm either as a pendulum of a clock, swinging from the shoulder with your fist being the weight on the bottom; or think of your straight(ish) arm making either side of a capital 'A'. NB you are not trying to keep your arm as straight as a soldier. You will notice a softening of the elbow as it swings forward.
- Ensure that the upper arm is working hard.
- Bring your focus to your elbow creases and really drive them forward. By bringing your focus to the elbow crease, you will find yourself leading from the elbow.
- Use double poling to practise the technique. If you notice that one arm is markedly weaker than the other then tuck your stronger arm up and use single poling to focus your attention on your weaker side for a while.
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Stay safe and keep healthy.
DISCLAIMER
These workouts have been designed for clients of Nordic Walking East Anglia, who have all been taught the correct Nordic Walking technique by a qualified British Nordic Walking Instructor. They have also been shown how to perform these exercises in face to face lessons; this film is merely a prompt. Individuals participate in these exercises at their own risk and must ensure they have adequate and non-slip floor space in which to participate and agree that they have no health concerns that prevent them from taking part. These exercises are designed to be carried out outside, however, if individuals perform the warm-up and cool-down sessions indoors there is a danger of collision with or damage to furniture, light fittings, etc. as well as potential for injury.