Nordic walking is not simply walking with ski poles. Nordic walking is a specific walking technique designed to engage all four limbs to provide a challenging workout. Nordic walking can be performed in any season and across different terrains. As you progress in your Nordic walking technique, you can advance your training to include jogging, running or jumping strides.
Step 1
Place your hands through the straps on your Nordic walking poles. Grasp a pole in each hand. Stand tall and keep the poles close to your body.
Step 2
Step forward with your right foot and land heel first. Place the bottom of your left pole onto the ground with your left arm slightly in front of your body. Bend your left elbow and angle the top of the pole slightly forward. Place your right hand slightly behind your body. Roll through the middle of your right foot toward the toes as you move forward.
Step 3
Step forward with your left foot as you roll onto the toes of your right foot. Land with your heel first. Place the bottom of your right pole onto the ground slightly in front of your body. Bend your right elbow and angle the top of the pole slightly forward. Position your left hand slightly behind your body and open your fingers to momentarily release your grip on the pole. Keep the pole as close as possible to your body.
Step 4
Shift your weight onto your left leg, grasp your left pole and as you roll through the toes of your left foot, pick up the right foot, and the left pole and place them both on the ground in front of you. As your right hand passes behind your body, release your grasp on the pole.
Step 5
Continue to alternate forward steps using a rolling motion, leaning slightly forward and grasping and releasing your poles.
Tips and Warnings
- Feel the resistance in your arms as you press your poles into the ground instead of resting them on the surface and carrying them for your workout. Keep your poles close to your body. Use alternating limbs as you walk. For example, right leg with left pole and left leg with right pole.
- Nordic walking is exercise, so speak with your doctor before beginning this workout.
Things You'll Need
- Nordic walking poles
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