Nordic Walking

[Thelmarina]

People have mentioned Nordic walking, about which I know little. Do I need classes to learn how to do it, and are their poles you would recommend? I checked out a site and got bogged down with the variety!

[Hidden]

HeronNS is very knowledgeable on this subject & did a post recently, she won’t be online until later as she lives in Canada.

I’ll see if l can find her link & send it to you.

MrsN

PS l can’t find it sorry but l’m certain she will respond to your message.

[Thelmarina in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for trying 😘

[Hidden in reply to Thelmarina]

I’ll tag Heron into this Post so you’ll get a reply later in the day. It included a very useful Video too on how to use the poles. I’m frustrated l can’t locate it! 🙃

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you google it and video you will find all sorts that show you how. There are local classes in a lot of places. AgeUK used to do them for older participants. Several people I know found such groups to learn and then continued and found it helped a llot. It does need to be a group of similar fitness though!

[Thelmarina in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. Curious but not sure I’m up to it yet!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Thelmarina]

If you just walk with the poles on your own you will still get the benefit

[HeronNS]

Just getting up so not staying on long but saw this post. Will look for the specific video later, but this may get you started:

nordicwalkingnovascotia.ca/...

It's really easy to do once you have a set of poles in your hands. You need to have them sized for your own height, and the poles actually are moved beside you, not in front of you, as you walk. It takes a few minutes to get the hang of it and then suddenly it's easy!

[Hidden in reply to HeronNS]

Thanks Heron x

[Thelmarina]

Thanks very much - sleep well 😀

[HeronNS in reply to Thelmarina]

FYI I'm in the Atlantic time zone, so four hours earlier than the UK!

[Thelmarina in reply to HeronNS]

Time to get up! 😂 - Oh you are! 😂😂

[HeronNS]

I really can't remember the video I posted before, but this looks rather good. She does seem to expect a bit more athleticism than you really need. Don't worry about the increased stride (that will come naturally as you use the poles) nor about pushing off with the poles (again, that will come naturally and I don't think we PMR people should deliberately be doing more than simply walking and placing the poles correctly) :

youtube.com/watch?v=Yg3QMD4...(Not working as expected?)

[Thelmarina in reply to HeronNS]

Thanks. Do you have recommendations about what poles to use? There seem a lot of different kinds

[HeronNS in reply to Thelmarina]

I only know the ones my instructor was selling. I wouldn't order them on line if I could help it though. I'd try them out in a store or, preferably, in a class. The ones I got happen to be Nordixx brand. If you can find a class near you that would be best because you'll get all the guidance you need. In my case it was as simple as a two hour workshop, although they do have a Nordic walking group which meets up regularly (I haven't joined them).

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Thelmarina]

Nordic poles - they have a hand bit so the poles don't fall as you release your grip on them, which is part of the technique.

Go to a good outdoors or sports shop - an independent if there is one near you. They should know enough to advise you.

[Hidden]

I have seen lots of older people using them recently. Used to use them years ago when I walked regularly. You should get advice, I see people with them up in front of them with a long setting. My arms would hurt if I set them that height, I like my blood to reach my hands!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Lots of older people here use ordinary walking poles rather than Nordic poles. Must stem from a lifetime of using them sking in the winter and walking up and down mountains in the summer

They certainly help balance - and you rarely see someone with a walking stick, they are obviously encouraged to use a rollator - and boy do they go!