Profile : Elizabeth Diem, RN, PhD
Elizabeth (Liz) Diem, RN, PhD
Assistant professor
University of Ottawa, School of Nursing
Walking with Nordic Poles
When did you start playing your sport/training/or sign up for your activity and why?
I started using the Nordic walking poles because my sister brought me a set from Germany four years ago and showed me how to use them. Now they’re available at sports stores all over the city.
How do you feel at the end of doing your sport/activity/training?
I feel that I’ve had a full workout. When I walk without the poles, I feel that my arms aren’t really involved. When you use the poles, the aerobic activity can increase by 20 to 30%—sorry, I can’t find the reference right now!
What it is about your sport/activity/training that keeps you motivated?
I can do it right from home. I use the poles when I go to the library or shopping downtown, and that keeps me in shape for climbing the hills in Gatineau Park and higher in the Rockies.
What do you think is the biggest health risk facing current and future generations and how do you think they are best addressed?
The biggest health risk is obesity from overeating and lack of physical activity. Physical activity might not burn all the calories you eat, but it really helps you feel better about yourself.
How do you manage your time so that your schedule includes physical activity?
I try to walk to places rather than driving. One motivator is that I hate looking and paying for parking. I walk with the poles at least every second day, summer and winter, and I have a two-hour hike/snowshoe walk on the weekend.
What does being healthy mean to you?
Being healthy means having energy to enjoy life with my family and friends.
Comments (1)
hey - nice article! liz - thanks for the inspiration and encouragement to get out and walk - and all the good it gives us!
By Dot B on 2010 05 20