Nordic Walking is a technique using poles, just like cross country skiing – but with no snow!
Nordic Walking uses longer poles than traditional walking or trekking poles that reach behind the body rather than being placed directly in front. The tecnique involves applying force to the poles with each stride so Nordic walkers recruit more muscles throughout the body, working the chest, latissimus dorsi, triceps, biceps, shoulder, abdominals, spinal and core muscles.
Nordic Walking combines simultaneous core, lower and upper body movement. It is accessible, making it ideal for cross training, injury rehabilitation, pre and post natal women and those who just want to enjoy being active outdoors.
Nordic walking was originally defined as part of a skiing training method in Scandinavia when there was no snow. Ski poles were used for ‘ski walking’. The first poles designed for fitness walkers were produced in 1988 and then the first Nordic Walking poles were produced by the company Excel who coined the term Nordic Walking.
At this time it was described as Sauvakävely (pole walking) in the Finnish language but later, Exel decided to name the activity ‘Nordic Walking’ which is now the term used worldwide.
Nordic Walking is a full body workout that can burn more calories without without feeling like you are working harder.
However there are lots of benefits once you have learned the technique, you can read about my top five here.