FITNESS WALKINGV. NORDIC WALKING : THE BATTLE

Fitness walking or Nordic walking:~What are the differences and avantages? How to choose your sport~Olivia and Franck share their experiences with us to help us understand the differences between these two types of walking.

OLIVIA: PRO FITNESS WALKING

Olivia, department manager at DECATHLON in Noisy and a high-level tennis player, started fitness walking 5 years ago.

How did you discover fitness walking?~I was playing a lot of tennis when I went to Philadelphia for my studies. As a result, because it was easy, I starting fitness walking and running. What's more, it was a way of discovering the town of Philadelphia, and then New York!

What's your verdict?~It's really good for my general well-being. It improves your endurance and requires a certain amount of effort, but it's much gentler on the body than running or tennis! That's why I kept fitness walking when I came back to France. I was hooked! I also meditate, and that's complementary with fitness walking.

Why did you choose fitness walking rather than Nordic walking?~It's easier! All you have to do is go outside, and you can do it anywhere! But don't forget, the coordination between the arms and legs is very important for getting the right pace. I have also tried Noridc walking, but it's more technical. It wasn't for me.

Would you like to add something?~The other great thing is I have introduced fitness walking to colleagues who didn't know anything about it, and it's a great opportunity for discussion!

FRANCK: PRO NORDIC WALKING

Franck, IT logistics project manager is a novice: he started Nordic walking at the beginning of 2017...

How did you discover Nordic walking?~I was running a lot when I injured my knee. As a result, I had to turn to a sport that is less brutal on the body... I had the opportunity to be coached in Nordic walking so I gave it a try.

What's your verdict?~I like walking with poles. Technique is required for getting the maximum thrust, acceleration and position. I'm still learning, even after months of practice! I often watch Youtube videos to improve my technique and get performance benchmarks.

I also like walking in a group and talking in a natural environment - it's really sociable. But I also like walking on my own to push myself, increase my heart rate and extend my distance! And I also appreciate the soothing effect of Nordic walking - fresh air is good for the mind!

Why did you choose Nordic walking rather than fitness walking?

Thanks to the poles you use all your muscles - more than for fitness walking. It's also more technical, and it's complementary with running because you don't use the same muscles. And it's in fashion!

Would you like to add something?

Now they've seen me Nordic walking, my wife and children want to come with me!~And when I walk, I don't see many other walkers, so I feel like can be an ambassador and promote my sport!

EXTRA INFO

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK? WHICH TYPE OF WALKING TEMPTS YOU MORE?

FITNESS WALKINGV. NORDIC WALKING : THE BATTLE

EXTRA INFO

MORE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU MAKE YOUR CHOICE!