Striding into Spring!

Sunshine and spring flowers

get me lacing up my walking shoes

and into the fresh air!

Even going shopping gets me moving as I shun the bus to go downtown!

My favourite place to walk is out in the country

where the grass is green and inviting

and the winding country roads take me past farms

and through wonderful scenery.

It felt so good to use my walking poles again

and the whole body gets a much deeper workout by using them.

Wild flowers, like these anemone, are filling the woods and roadsides.

the bees are busy again

and the pussy-willow show off their furry, silver catkins against the blue sky.

Who's coming walking with me?

About walking with poles:

Nordic walking (or pole walking) is like cross-country skiing without the snow.

When you use the poles correctly, besides your legs, your upper body gets a great workout. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Walking poles work your arms, shoulders,

chest and upper back muscles

through a full range of motion as you walk."

The effort you use swinging the poles

transforms your daily walk into a total body workout.

Even the abdominal muscles are used every time you lift and plant the poles.

Ever since I discovered the kind of exercise a few years ago,

I have felt the wonderful benefits

and how my whole body tingles

as well as how much more toned my muscles become

with a regular workout.

Three times a week is ideal and I aim on doing outings of at least an hour

for full benefits.

Doing any sort of regular exercise gives us a feel-good sensation

and if we are lucky enough to be able to get out in nature to do it -

so much the better!

Try it!  

Then share your experiences with me!