UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines recognise Nordic Walking

The UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines published on 7 September 2019 has recognised the benefits of Nordic Walking as a useful activity separately to those of ordinary walking.

The report is an update of the guidelines issued in 2011 since which time the evidence to support the health benefits of regular physical activity for all groups has become more compelling.

UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines Nordic Walking

Key points of the report are:

  • Even relatively small increases in physical activity can contribute to improved health and quality of life.
  • Regular activity is important for people of all ages.
  • Increased emphasis on the importance of strengthening activities.
  • New developments in the evidence base for the health effects of sedentary time in adults and children.
  • An emerging evidence base for the health benefits of high intensity interval exercise, (HIIT).

We are pleased to see Nordic Walking separated out from walking and its additional benefits acknowledges. There are, of course, benefits that go beyond the scope of these three categories of muscle function, bone health and balance and we collate the research on this site here.

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