You will have seen them walking the streets with ski-like poles even in summer. They seem to be doing cross-country skiing without a single snowflake! What are they actually doing and how can you have fun with them?
Steps
Step 1. Get a good quality set of Nordic walking poles in a size that fits your height
The ideal sticks for Nordic walking have hand loops.
Step 2. Before starting your first session, go outside
Step 3. Insert your left hand into the loop of the left stick and squeeze the loop tightly with your right hand
Then put your right hand through the loop of the right stick and squeeze the loop tightly.
Step 4. At first, walk normally without using sticks
Just let them hang from your hands as you walk, so that you have a first sense of walking.
Step 5. Imagine a line on the ground perpendicular to your chest
Step 6. Grab the sticks and step with your right foot along this imaginary line you have drawn
At the same time, place the left stick on the same imaginary line. The left stick must touch the ground at the same time as your right foot. Then push it down and back as you take the step.
Step 7. When you are done, take a step with your left foot
Step 8. Rest the right stick as you put your foot down
Once again the stick and the foot must touch the ground at the same time and on a new imaginary line on the ground perpendicular to your chest.
Step 9. Practice this way for about thirty steps and you will probably be able to pick up a good rhythm
Advice
- Nordic walking specific poles work better than ski poles.
- A bespoke, one-piece pair of Nordic walking poles are safer, lighter and more durable than telescopic ones.
