IG听力2020 part4
[00:04.06] In today’s programme as part of Health Awareness Week,
[00:07.15] I would like to introduce an activity which is increasing in worldwide popularity.
[00:12.46] The aim of our programme is to promote a healthy lifestyle without expensive subscriptions to gyms,
[00:19.63] and to encourage people to spend more time out in the fresh air.
[00:23.88] This is where Nordic Walking comes into its own.
[00:28.14] It is a total body version of walking that can be enjoyed both by non-athletes as a health-promoting physical activity,
[00:36.54] and by athletes as a sport.
[00:39.56] It can be done by anybody, anywhere and does not require expensive equipment or clothing.
[00:46.20] The activity is performed with specially designed walking poles similar to ski poles.
[00:53.36] Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking,
[00:57.88] which means it makes something we learn as babies twice as effective.
[01:02.84] The poles used add two major benefits to ordinary walking.
[01:08.42] Firstly, the upper body muscles, which are not used in normal walking,
[01:13.73] have the same physical workout as the legs.
[01:17.72] Secondly, the poles help to propel walkers along,
[01:21.44] which means that they work harder than usual,
[01:24.09] yet the support given by the poles makes the activity feel easier.
[01:29.94] Nordic Walking is a specific fitness technique which is not to be confused with trekking,
[01:36.57] hill walking or trail running as the poles are not placed in front of the walker,
[01:42.16] but to the sides in a way that increases the use of the upper body.
[01:47.73] It is the fastest growing fitness activity in the world and it is highly effective,
[01:54.38] very affordable and, most of all, an enjoyable and sociable activity.
[02:00.74] However, the technique must be learnt correctly if the participant is to get the most out of the activity,
[02:08.45] and this is taught by qualified instructors who have undertaken an officially-recognised course.
[02:15.09] The idea of Nordic Walking as a sport began
[02:18.98] when competitive crosscountry skiers in Finland started to use ski poles in their off-season training,
[02:26.06] which included running and walking, when there was no snow.
[02:31.10] They soon realised that the technique was a perfect training aid that kept their hearts and lungs in peak condition
[02:39.87] and that upper and lower body muscles remained in top shape.
[02:44.38] Over the next 50 years this summer activity began to be used by more people in Finland as a recreational sport
[02:53.15] and enthusiasts realised that they were achieving a whole-body workout
[02:58.20] that was simple to incorporate into everyday life.
[03:02.72] Towards the end of the twentieth century,
[03:05.90] the Finnish Sports Institute joined forces with other agencies
[03:09.62] and a leading ski pole manufacturer to formalise the technique of the new sport
[03:15.46] and to develop specific poles for Nordic Walkers.
[03:19.71] Research into the effects of this simple technique soon led to it being trialled as a health and rehabilitation technique.
[03:27.94] The results were so impressive that it became a major tool in health and wellness programmes worldwide.
[03:35.38] Nordic Walking rapidly became a mainstream activity
[03:38.99] and there are now well over 10 million regular Nordic Walkers globally
[03:44.19] who enjoy this outdoor activity all year round.
[03:48.35] A few years ago, the World Nordic Walking Federation was formed
[03:53.84] to promote safe Nordic Walking to communities worldwide
[03:57.44] whose focus is on accessibility and raising the standards of education of the lead Walkers.
[04:05.13] Conferences have been organised to help bridge the gap between the medical profession and the fitness industry.
[04:12.31] Specialists are now launching children’s fitness courses,
[04:16.02] which will enable instructors to deliver the technique safely to youngsters.
[04:20.36] Compared to ordinary walking, Nordic Walking involves applying force to the poles with each stride.
[04:27.97] Thus, the upper and lower body are toned at the same time and 90% of the skeletal muscles are made to work.
[04:37.99] The use of poles reduces the pressure and impact on joints and strengthens back and abdominal muscles.
[04:45.96] The technique helps reduce tensions in the neck and shoulders,
[04:49.14] while the upper body movement improves posture and the way you walk.
[04:55.26] This is particularly beneficial to those who have a sedentary lifestyle.
[05:00.47] It burns up to 46% more calories than ordinary walking;
[05:04.62] if you would like to lose a few pounds, then Nordic Walking is an enjoyable way to do this.
[05:11.53] It is one of the most effective cross training techniques for athletes and sportspeople
[05:15.77] who require the ultimate cardiovascular and endurance conditioning
[05:20.56] as it improves their aerobic capacity and muscular strength in a short period of time.
[05:28.52] Nordic Walking is unique in that it provides benefits for everybody
[05:32.94] from those with medical problems to the super fit.
[05:37.08] It is ideal for people who have not exercised for a long time or who dislike traditional sports or gym activities.
[05:45.86] An injured person can use the poles to support and guide,
[05:50.37] working to improve fitness as part of their rehabilitation.
[05:55.42] Athletes can use the technique for cross-country training and can incorporate Nordic Walking into their programme.
[06:03.38] Community groups find it a sociable way to keep fit.
[06:06.84] Whatever your fitness level, age or goal, this technique is enjoyable for all.
[06:13.74] The activity can be done anywhere.
[06:17.20] A street pavement is just as effective a surface as a grassy slope.
[06:22.24] A sandy beach will provide an excellent opportunity for a full body workout.
[06:27.55] All you do is adapt the tips of the poles for whatever surface you are walking on,
[06:32.86] rubber for hard, smooth surfaces, and a toughened metal tip for trails, beach and ice.
[06:40.31] Nordic Walking combines exercise with nature, which is thought to boost mood far more effectively than a session in the gym.
[06:49.87] Try it!
