Nordic walking offers numerous benefits for both body and mind. While this outdoor sport is accessible to everyone, it is important to be well informed — including about the downsides — before getting started. This will allow you to take up the activity with greater confidence. Here is what you need to know about the drawbacks of nordic walking.
Key takeaways:
- Movement coordination is essential for practising nordic walking without injury.
- This activity may be contraindicated for people suffering from osteoarthritis, polyarthritis or lower back pain.
- People with balance difficulties should avoid nordic walking due to the risk of falls.
- Nordic walking equipment and classes can be costly, but are necessary to get started with this activity.
The technical walking technique
Before taking up this discipline, it is essential to understand what nordic walking is. After that, you may rightly ask yourself: is nordic walking difficult? The answer actually depends on your initial fitness level and your ability to learn the technical walking technique.
To practise nordic walking, you need to coordinate your movements. It is not simply a matter of walking while planting your poles. If you are a nordic walking beginner, you may for example forget to slightly lean your torso forward or bend your elbows too much when pushing with the poles. Poor posture can increase tension on the joints and cause pain.
To improve your technical walking technique, the best approach is to start by taking classes with a qualified instructor. With regular practice, you should be able to master the correct movements, good posture and find a comfortable rhythm.
Health issues
The health benefits of nordic walking are numerous. While this activity is for example beneficial for the heart, it also has its drawbacks. There is a contraindication for people suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Gripping the walking poles and performing the activity can in particular cause pain and inflammation.
Is nordic walking good for your back? The answer is yes. This activity can help prevent back pain and tone the postural chain, promoting better posture and a healthier back. If you suffer from a condition such as lower back pain, this sport may however not be recommended for you. In any case, we recommend consulting a doctor and doing a trial session before taking up this activity.
The risk of falls
Another drawback of nordic walking is the risk of falls. People with significant balance difficulties should avoid this activity to prevent falls and related injuries. The same applies to pregnant women, whose changing centre of gravity can affect balance during pregnancy.
To avoid falls, it is important to have a certain level of stability and work on your technical walking technique. Remember not to focus solely on your poles, but also on finding safe ground for your feet.
The cost of nordic walking
A true outdoor activity, nordic walking aims to be accessible to as many people as possible. However, it does come with a certain cost, particularly for those who wish to take classes with a qualified instructor. Club membership fees are relatively affordable though, and provide access to a wealth of advice.
The same applies to equipment. In addition to quality shoes and nordic walking clothing, walking poles can be quite expensive. They must be chosen carefully to avoid injury. Carbon poles are recommended as they absorb vibrations better than aluminium ones, though they come at a higher price. That said, it is always possible to find more affordable, good-quality equipment to get started.
The constraints of the walking pole
Walking poles can be a drawback of nordic walking. While they are essential for this activity, they must be strapped to the hands using a glove strap.
This constraint prevents you from doing several things at once, such as walking your dog, taking photos of the scenery or sending a message. On the other hand, it forces you to focus on the present moment and enjoy the peace of nature.
Solitude in nature
Nordic walking is an individual sport practised out in nature. There is therefore a high chance you will find yourself alone during the activity. Depending on the person, this solitude can be seen as either an advantage or a drawback.
If you feel alone and need company, we recommend joining a group. It will help you feel more at ease, forge new connections and make the time fly by.
Environment-related drawbacks
Finally, nordic walking is subject to environmental constraints. Like all outdoor activities, you may face unfavourable weather conditions such as wind, rain or freezing temperatures. For those living in cities, practising this sport is also made more difficult by the lack of green spaces and the urban bustle.
To tackle these drawbacks, we first recommend investing in equipment suited to all seasons. You can also look for natural routes close to home, perhaps even accessible by public transport.
Nordic walking does have a few drawbacks, though these are outweighed by the many benefits. There are no real contraindications to the activity, but rather adaptations for beginners. They need to learn the correct techniques, get well equipped and surround themselves with the right support to thrive in this sport.
