What is Nordic walking?
Nordic walking can
best be described as cross country skiing without skis. It is a form of fitness walking which uses
two specially designed, hand-held walking poles and a particular technique
which exercises the arms, torso and legs.
Nordic walking is a
very accessible form of exercise which can be carried out on a variety of
surfaces and terrains by anyone who can walk, irrespective of age or level of
fitness.
Unlike normal hiking sticks which
you stab ahead of you as you walk, users push back on Nordic walking poles, rotating the shoulders
and hips, propelling the body forward. The poles act as levers to give a
springy, lengthened stride. It takes a little getting used to but, almost
imperceptibly, the stride lengthens into a long easy lope and the whole body
seems to loosen up.
