Nordic Walking

Activities

A team of monitors is available so that you can do one of the most complete sports in the best surroundings, with paths specially designed for this purpose.

Benefits:

Uses a large number of muscle groups.
Improves cardiovascular capacity between 13% and 40% and oxygenation up to 60%.
Reduces pressure on joints.
Helps prevent osteoporosis.
Increases energy burning up to 46%.

The Origin of Nordic walking

The origins of this sport can be traced back as far as the 1930s when most cross-country skiers included “walking with sticks “ as part of their summer and autumn training programme in order to improve their physical condition and be prepared for the start more intensive training in the winter.
It is important to emphasise how easy it is to learn, as well as the fact that during the exercise period the feeling of tiredness is minimum.

Benefits for the health

Uses a large number of muscle groups in the same movement as opposed to running or conventional walking that only use the lower body muscles:

Abdominals, arms, pectorals, back, neck.

Improves cardiovascular capacity and oxygenation:

Cardiovascular activity is the equivalent to a light running session, with an average increase of between 13% and 40%
Oxygen consumption can increase up to 60%, with a minimum increase of about 20%

Increases energy consumption up to about 46%, with an average of about 20% in relation to classical walking (Cooper Institute, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sports 2002 publication)
The amount of calories burned increases substantially , an average of 20% more, and can be as much as 40% in relation to conventional walking, which means you can burn more than 410 calories/hour.
Reduces pressure on joints:

Pressure is noticeably reduced on ankles, knees and hips
Improves neck and upper spine movements and at the same time strengthens back and arms
The sticks are very useful for walking on slippery surfaces
Helps prevent osteoporosis:
The vibrations made by the sticks when they are used for support on the ground helps strengthen bones without harming joints.

In short, with Nordic walking you will achieve:

More effective walking.
Less pressure on joints.
You will work 90% of your muscles.
Increase oxygen supply to all your body.
Relaxation of tension in neck and upper spine region.
Better quality of sleep. Mind-body balance.
Stimulation of elimination of stress hormones.
Optimisation of heart work.
Strengthening of the immunological system.
Increase in self-esteem.
Delay onset of old age.

The Surroundings

The Aran Valley and, in particular, the Baqueira region, is ideal for Nordic walking. Its high altitude makes it the perfect place to do aerobic sports, as with the same amount of effort our body receives more benefits. We guarantee that once back in your normal place of residence, you will notice the difference. There are a number of forest tracks and pathways that start off from the Hotel. The Ruda Valley, the ascent to Baqueira 1850, the Beret Plain, Montgarri, are just some of the accessible routes where you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery while at the same time doing healthy activity.

Monitors

For your convenience we have monitors who are qualified from the Spanish Association of Nordic Walking (ANE), to show you the best movements to make, based on the ALFA 247 technique. In just a few minutes, they will show you how to improve your strength, stamina, mobility and coordination.

Equipment

Few sports can give you so much with so little equipment. All you need is sports or comfortable clothing, sports shoes, a hat, sunglasses and special sticks for Nordic walking. These sticks can be hired or bought at the Hotel.

Bookings

Nordic Walking is one of the free activities available at the Montarto Hotel during the week, although you can also hire a monitor, should you wish. Just ask directly at the Hotel reception desk or call on 973 639 001 or send an e-mail to

reservas@hotelmontarto.es.