Who is Nordic Walking?

Nordic walking has become a major exercise activity since 1997. Today, approximately 500,000 people in Finland enjoy nordic walking regularly, and it is spreading in popularity throughout Scandinavia. Enthusiasts look ahead to bringing it to the 30 million fitness walkers in the US, and even more so to those who do not now exercise regularly

A New Exercise Sport
Inactivity is a health threat in all industrial nations, even more so as economies move to the information and technology economies. Workers hunched over desks and computers all day develop many problems from stress and inactivity. In Finland, nordic walking classes were established throughout the country with recruitment especially of those who were inactive. The classes taught the correct nordic walking technique, stretching, and provided a social activity as well. Initial resistance to walking with poles is easily overcome when you are walking with a group.

Today, you see nordic walkers enjoying their poles singly or in groups on any path in Finland. Regular walkers have also joined in, with many volkssport walkers now using the nordic walking poles.

Will it Spread? Exel, Leki, and Swix company representatives in the US are interested in getting the sport off the ground in North America. Poles come with instructional materials.
Top Picks for Fitness Walking Poles

Learning Nordic Walking

The International Nordic Walking Association lists member associations to contact for information, instructors, and certification.
International Nordic Walking Association

DVD: Nordic Walking: Learn nordic walking from this DVD.

Extra:>> 10 Things I Learned About Finland

Nordic Walking
Technique
Poles
Upper Body Workout
Cardio Workout