Nordic Walking

What is it?

Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking – it makes something we learn to do as babies …. twice as effective!

Nordic Walking uses poles in order to add two major benefits to walking

The use of poles means the upper body muscles are used as well as the legs
The poles help to propel the walker along – this means he/she works harder than usual yet the support given by the poles makes it feel easier!

Nordic Walking is a specific fitness technique and is not to be confused with trekking, hill walking or trail running as the poles are not planted in front of the walker/runner but in a specific way that increases the use of the upper body. It can be done by anybody, anywhere and does not require expensive equipment or clothing.

History

The history of Nordic walking

1930s – Super fit competitive cross country skiers in Finland started to use poles in their off season training when there was no snow – they soon realized that this was giving them a massive advantage and that the technique was a perfect training aid that kept their heart and lungs in top condition and ensured upper and lower body muscles remained in top shape.

1980s
Nordic Walking began to be used by more people as a recreational physical activity in its own right and enthusiasts realized that they were achieving a whole body workout that was fun and simple to incorporate into every day life.

1997 – 2000
The Finnish sports institute joined forces with other agencies and the ski pole manufacturer Exel plc to formalize the technique of the sport and to develop specific poles for Nordic walkers.

Research into the effects of this simple technique soon led to it being trialled as a health and rehabilitation technique – results were so impressive that it became a major tool in activity promotion and wellness programmes worldwide.

Nordic walking grew in popularity all over mainland Europe with millions of regular participants. In some European countries such as Holland, Austria and Germany, Nordic Walking rapidly became a mainstream activity with specific magazines dedicated to it as well as clothing, shoes and of course, poles.

2001
The first Nordic Walking classes in the UK began in South West London – they were taught by Martin Christie our master trainer and Francis Mitchell.

2004
Nordic Walking UK was formed and the first INWA Instructor training courses were launched by Martin Christie.

2005 – Present
There are now nearly ten million regular Nordic Walkers all over the world and it is rapidly becoming a common sight in Europe, the USA, Australia and the UK. NWUK have trained over 1,000 Instructors and Nordic Walking has been featured repeatedly in the National press and fitness publications.

2010
Nordic Walking UK launch an even more comprehensive National standard programme for participants all over the UK with a competence card scheme that provides added benefits for all those taught by participating NWUK Instructors. Many Local Govt organisations now use this as a way to ensure that Walk Leaders only lead Nordic Walkers that have been taught correctly to a recognised standard.

NWUK join forces with major International experts (Tom Rutlin – the Father of Nordic Walking) and former INWA Master Trainers ( Marko Kanteneva and Mike Gates) to form the World Nordic Walking Federation. This organisation recognises the need to promote safe, affordable nordic walking to communities worldwide. It is NOT linked to any retailer and is totally inclusive.

2012
Martin Christie trains Sean Newton in Hampstead to become a Nordic walking Instructor!

Sessions starting Feb/March 2012 around Norwich

Source: http://nordicwalking.co.uk