Will this be another fitness gimmick that is here today and gone tomorrow?    

For over 40 years Nordic Walking has most commonly been practiced in Scandinavia as the summer fitness conditioning for cross-country skiers. Yet even before this, sports colleges and health care establishments had for a long time considered Nordic Walking as a form of treatment.Now this exercise form is spreading across the globe and being adopted by millions of people as their preferred fitness enhancement tool, growing from strength to strength in many arenas,  from rehabilitation to body-shaping andrecreation l, not to mention its growing acceptance in most countries as a recognized sport.Nordic Walking has stood the test of time and is today the fastest growing sport in the world.

Am I too old to do Nordic Walking? I’m nearly eighty years old!

We have people in their late eighties who have experienced impressive health and fitness benefits from Nordic Walking. Nordic Walking is ideal for the elderly because it  provides you with a sense of security and confidence through the increased balance and stability of two walking aids, thus encouraging you to get out and about more. So if you are still able to walk at even a very slow pace, try Nordic Walking and feel the difference in balance and stability.

Walking faster or jogging, will that give me the same results?

Walking faster or jogging may not always provide the best outcome. Outcomes are usually governed by the individual’s motivational limits and enjoyment levels. Both walking and jogging significantly increase the amount of stress put on the body which can cause injury and in turn reduce the vital enjoyment factor.Scientific studies show that using poles at a perceived lesser rate of effort or slower speed can achieve the same outcomes.

Where do I do Nordic Walking?

Nordic Walking is enjoyed in the great outdoors. It can be done on soft and hard surfaces as the poles are supplied with both hard metal spike tips for soft surface such as grassland, sand or slippery surface and asphalt rubber tips for use on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.So Nordic Walking is great on your favorite beach, local park or even on suburban footpaths.

Why can’t I just use my hiking/trekking poles?

Trekking poles, as their name implies, have been designed for a specific purpose, just as Nordic Walking poles have their own purpose-built design.The Nordic Walking poles have a unique wrist strap system which allows the user to obtain maximum push off from the strap without having to grip the handle of the pole too firmly.The handle of the pole is more ergonomically designed to allow for greater ease of grip whilst pole walking. Plus the spike tip has been designed to allow maximum grip on soft and hard surfaces when  completing the pole push off at the end of the Nordic Walking action.The pole shafts are made of a very durable and lightweight composite material with good flexibility and shock absorbing capabilities for the repetitive motion of Nordic Walking.

What is the difference between Trekking and Nordic Walking?

Simply said, trekking is where you head off into the wilderness and create your own pathway through the various landscapes. You use a single pole or a pair of poles to support you and prevent you from falling or slipping, so basically trekking poles are to prevent unexpected movement. With Nordic Walking you must use an existing pathway, parkland or beach and a pair of poles that are specifically designed to enhance movement in a propelling forward motion while still enjoying improved stability. So simply put, trekking poles are designed to give you stability/support to prevent movement and Nordic Walking poles are designed to enhance movement in a forward propelling motion whilst providing stability and support.The straps, handles and spike tips define the pole design difference and thus their usage.

Nordic Walking looks simple. Does one really need a training course?

Yes it looks simple and it is easy to learn, but correct technique is vital to ensure you get all the fitness benefits.
We recommend an Introduction Class with a qualified trainer to learn this right from the start. The class will be approx 90 Min.
Pole length is tailored to your height  and pole rental is included in the course price. Important theoretical knowledge is gained and the proper Nordic Walking technique is passed on in a small class. Beside becoming familiar with the new technique, it’s great fun and an opportunity to socialize.

What outfit must I wear to do Nordic Walking?

To start off a good pair of walking, running or trekking shoes are enough.
Some easy fitting, breathable sports clothing and the right length of Nordic Walking poles and off you go.

Do you have a question not answered here?
Drop us a line now!