Nordic walking is a modern form of fitness that has virtually no contraindications. The number of her fans is growing every year. In parks and on footpaths, people are increasingly seen with sticks in their hands, dressed in sportswear. To maximize the effect of physical activity, you need to choose the right clothing.
Criteria for choosing clothes for walking
As with many other sports, there are certain guidelines. Main condition - it should be comfortable, practical, not restricting movement. The rest depends on the following factors:
- time of year;
- weather outside;
- individual needs and wishes.
Seasonality
Each season has its own “shell” for the body.
- In summer you can wear a T-shirt, shorts, a cap and light comfortable shoes with elastic soles. In this case, preference should be given to cotton, linen and other “breathable” fabrics.
- In spring, autumn and winter, the main principle of clothing is layering.This will ensure air circulation and protect the body from both overheating and hypothermia. The colder it is, the more layers, for example, T-shirt - turtleneck - jumper - jacket. The most comfortable shoes are good quality sneakers.
Weather
When getting ready for training, you need to take into account the weather conditions: air temperature, precipitation and wind.
On a clear and sunny day, it is better to choose light-colored outfits that will reflect rather than absorb the sun's rays. You should also not neglect your hat. In hot weather, cream should be applied to exposed areas of the body to protect against ultraviolet rays.
To prevent rain from becoming an obstacle to your favorite fitness activities, you should stock up on waterproof shoes and a raincoat.
For cold, windy and rainy weather, trousers and a jacket with a hood made of water-repellent and windproof materials are suitable as a top. You can pull a soft woolen hat over your head.
Personal comfort and preferences
Each person’s body has its own individual characteristics: heat exchange, sweating, sensitivity to cold and light. At the same temperature, someone will be cold in a jacket, and someone will be hot in an ordinary sweatshirt. Some people will sweat after just a quarter of an hour of vigorous walking, while others will remain “dry” in the same clothes throughout the entire workout. Therefore, in addition to general recommendations, you need to be able to choose the optimal clothing so that the body is comfortable and the material of the clothing does not cause anxiety or allergies.
If you sweat excessively in cold weather, it is better not to wear hygroscopic underwear, for example, cotton - it will actively absorb moisture and cool down, which can lead to hypothermia.
Joint diseases dictate the need to wear orthopedic shoes with rounded soles and shock-absorbing inserts.
If necessary, you can use compression underwear - stockings, socks, leggings, which will help increase muscle tone, improve blood flow, prevent blood clots, and protect joints and ligaments from injury.
If you have increased photophobia, you must wear sunglasses both in summer and in winter, when the sun reflects off the snow surface and blinds your eyes.
Is thermal underwear necessary in cold weather?
Thermal clothing has a number of advantages. She:
- prevents the body from getting cold or sweating;
- tailored in such a way that it completely follows the contours of the body, without squeezing or rubbing the skin;
- has a different fabric structure. Can be completely artificial, natural or mixed;
- It is distinguished by a variety of models designed for practicing certain sports in different weather conditions.
That is why thermal underwear is strongly recommended to be used in the cold, especially winter, when the temperature outside the window is below freezing and the likelihood of “catching” a cold increases.
Tips for Beginners
If you seriously decide to take up Nordic walking:
- carefully study the rules of this sport, movement techniques;
- consult your doctor for any restrictions;
- buy the right equipment: poles, clothes, shoes, necessary accessories;
- “listen” to your body. It will always tell you whether you are dressed correctly, whether this load is suitable for you, whether it should be reduced or increased.
Nordic walking allows you to “unload” your legs, shifting the emphasis to the shoulder girdle and back muscles, which are little involved during normal walking.As a result of training, the functioning of all body systems is normalized, correct posture is developed and maintained, general immunity is strengthened, excess weight gradually “goes away,” and the person enjoys an active and healthy lifestyle.
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