🚶 Walks & nature

Nordic walking

Easy on the joints, sociable and suitable at any age: Nordic walking gets you moving without pushing you too hard. With poles and a steady pace, there is plenty of breath left for talking.

More than walking with poles

Nordic walking looks gentler than it is: actively working the poles brings the arms, shoulders and trunk into play, so that up to ninety per cent of your muscles are involved – all with little strain on knees and joints. That mixture is exactly why it is so popular. You get a real workout without overdoing it, and you can still hold a comfortable conversation.

Getting the technique right

The trick is the diagonal stride: right arm forward with the left leg, then the other way round – just as in ordinary walking, only more pronounced. The poles are planted at an angle behind you and pushed against firmly, not simply carried along. It feels odd at first, but after a round or two it comes by itself. A quick pointer from someone experienced saves a lot of frustration.

Suitable at any age

Hardly any endurance sport spans the generations like Nordic walking. From someone coming back after a long break to an older walker who wants to stay supple, everyone finds their own pace. In a mixed group the pace is set by the whole group, so nobody is left behind – and that is exactly what makes it so sociable.

Tips for getting started

Have the pole length set properly – as a rule of thumb, about your height times 0.66.
Plant the poles at an angle behind you and push off actively rather than just dragging them along.
Start with shorter rounds and build up – the technique tires muscles you are not used to using.
Comfortable running shoes with good cushioning matter more than any specialist kit.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nordic walking suitable for beginners?

Very much so. The movement is quickly learned and the strain is low. A short introduction to the pole technique is all you need to start.

What does Nordic walking add over ordinary walking?

Working the poles brings the upper body into the workout and raises energy use noticeably, while the joints are spared.

How often should I go?

Two or three times a week for thirty to sixty minutes is considered ideal for a noticeable gain in stamina and mobility.

Nordic walking near you

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