What is Nordic Walking?

Developed in Finland in the 1950's, Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking. It is a specific fitness technique, not to be confused with trekking or hill walking. By using specially designed poles and straps, the poles are planted behind the body to provide propulsion making you walk faster and feel lighter!

As Nordic Walking works the upper part of the body as well as the legs, it is great for posture and is an effective all over body work out. It can burn up to twice as many calories as ordinary walking. It is recommended by fitness experts and health professionals because it is simple, highly effective and affordable.

Nordic Walking is great for all round health and fitness as it:

• uses 90% of your major muscles and can burn 20 - 40% more calories than normal walking.
• takes pressure of your knees and joints.
• does not require expensive equipment or clothing.
• is one of the most effective cross training techniques for atheletes and sports people who require ultimate cardiovascular and endurance conditioning.
• is sociable and FUN!

Nordic Walking Poles and equipment

All you really need to get started are Nordic Walking Poles which are available to use in all of my classes. Nordic walking poles are not to be confused with treking poles as they have a number of specific differences which enable the Nordic Walking technique to be undertaken properly. Treking poles cannot be used for Nordic Walking.

The general features of Nordic Walking poles:

• specially designed straps, which are left and right hand specific, with ergonomically shaped handles to support the technique.
• need to be correct for an individual's height, typically your height in cm X 0.68 and then rounded down to the nearest 5 cm's.
• removable rubber ‘paw’ (angled at 45 degrees) which covers the tip of the pole for walking on hard surfaces.

Good quality Nordic Walking poles will have an element of carbon and can cost anything from £45 to £150 for a pair. If you are looking to buy your own poles I have a range of best selling Nordic Walking poles for you to try in my classes.

Footwear

You don't need specialist footwear for Nordic Walking but ideally you need flexible soled shoes that are waterproof and breathable. If walking in snow it is advisable to wear snow shoes.

Clothing

Layered and breathable fabrics are recommended along with water proofs in case of wet weather. A small and slim rucksac is also ideal, so that your arms are free to swing from the shoulder - supporting good Nordic Walking technique.

Other

As with all exercise it is advisable to bring a drink. Sun screen and hats in hot weather are also important.