From Fad to Fitness:
Nordic Walking Latest Trend

By Selena M. Moffitt

Have you ever noticed walkers stumping along, swinging what looks like ski poles? Did you wonder if they were confused about the weather?

What may look like a bizarre form of cross-country skiing to you is something called Nordic walking, and it is slowly becoming the hottest walking trend to take over city streets and hiking trails.

The idea originated from cross-country skiers in Finland looking for a way to train during the summer months. The Finnish company Exel Oyj is credited with inventing the sport in 1997, and since then Nordic walking has become hugely popular throughout Europe. Today, more than 3.5 million walkers in that country use poles to boost their walking workout.

The United States has been slow to embrace the sport. Here in Portland, OR, it is not unusual to see people Nordic walking, but they are the exception, not the rule.

Let’s take a look at who is Nordic walking in Portland, and why this exercise could boom from fitness fad to the next big thing.

What Is Nordic Walking?
Simply put, Nordic walking is an exercise modality that simulates cross country skiing on dry land by adding specially designed poles to your walking workout.

Why Nordic Walking?
By adding specially designed poles to your walk, you engage 90% of your skeletal muscles and decrease joint stress and tension. At the same time, Nordic walking increases lateral mobility in the neck and spine, boosts your heart rate by as much as 13%, and amps caloric burn from 20% to 46%.

Who Is Nordic Walking?
Five years ago, only hikers and a few fitness walkers were using poles. Today, this demographic is expanding. Baby Boomers are finding Nordic walking an ideal way to keep their heart rate up while saving wear and tear on their joints.

Kurt Doctor, owner of Foot Solutions in Tigard, OR, was a jogger plagued with aching knees. Stationary cycling proved to be a boring alternative. He turned to Nordic walking and discovered it’s “a much better workout than the bike, and I enjoy it more than jogging. In fact, it’s quickly become my favorite exercise.”

Wendy Bumgardner, walking guide for www.walking.about.com, complements her training program with Nordic walking because it “adds an upper body component to my workout.” The poling action also “helps me with my posture and knees.”

Even the “gym rat” can be coaxed outside. Tamara Sorenson, a client of mine, enjoys hiking, yet prefers the “tougher” workout she can get at her local gym. She tried Nordic walking during a session with a personal trainer. “To use the poles is to add the extra punch to make a walk worthwhile. My triceps feel it. My obliques feel it. I love to feel it,” she says.

As a new mom, I have found another reason to Nordic walk. Not only did it prove to be an effective, safe, and comfortable alternative to my high-impact routine, but I can also strap my newborn into a front pack and take him with me.

The Future of Nordic Walking
The time is right for Nordic walking to gain momentum and truly boom. Increasing promotion and visibility of this sport continues to spur new interest. Those who embrace the idea are taking this fitness fad and giving it staying power in our community.

Doctor continues to promote Nordic walking to the corporate and medical communities, and he sells the poles in his store.

Dave Sobolik, one of the owners of Fit Right Northwest, regularly hosts free Nordic walking lessons at his two stores; training classes are also offered by Wonders of Walking and at the Cascade Athletic Club in Gresham, OR.

One of the greatest endorsements the sport has received in the United States is its ongoing inclusion in the Portland Marathon. This will be third year the marathon has hosted the Nordic Walking World Championship Division. “The Portland Marathon sees Nordic walking as the next wave of fitness,” says Les Smith, race director of the Portland Marathon.

Selena M. Moffitt, ACE, AFAA, OREMT-P, is a personal trainer and group exercise instructor. She is a master trainer for Exel Nordic Walking and Gliding and is a member of Sunshine Fitness Resources. Moffitt can be reached at erjunkie2@hotmail.com or 503-618-4142.