The success and rapid growth of Nordic walking is based purely on its simplicity and effectiveness and not the latest equipment or trend. Few other exercise sessions appeal to so many markets, can be taken to the consumer and can deliver impressive results in such a short space of time. Based on a sports coaching technique for cross country skiers and now adapted to be delivered at any level, anywhere, it is increasingly being used by personal trainers, PCTs, local authorities and health clubs who are looking to engage with those who do not respond to traditional ‘exercise’ sessions.

Public demand for Nordic walking has surged in 2009 following recent exposure on the BBC and national newspapers. It has attracted successful partnerships with Weightwatchers, ASDA, Debenhams, Diabetes UK and Age Concern and a future fund raising event in conjunction with the British Heart Foundation.

More than just walking with poles To understand the rise in uptake of Nordic walking it is important to appreciate that it is not just walking with poles but is a structured, progressive exercise concept that can be (and needs to be) tailored to each individual taking into account their preferred learning strategies, skill acquisition abilities and ultimately their spoken and subconscious goals. Nordic walking is almost unique in that these factors can be considered and implemented on an individual basis within a group setting. This becomes personal training made affordable with

Why nordic walking is unlikely to be just another fad

Martin Christie of Nordic Walking UK explores why Nordic walking is set to become as popular in the UK as it is in mainland Europe. the added benefit of group dynamics.

Nordic walking is physically and psychologically acceptable to an extremely wide range of the population. Nordic Walking UK has helped over 40 Local Authorities and a number of outdoor activity centres to encourage physical activity for all levels.

Total body workout Nordic walking is a lower intensity option to running and so attracts those looking for health gains or weight loss (the average client age is 30-60 years). With involvement of up to 90% of skeletal muscles in Nordic walking propulsion, numerous studies indicate elevated oxygen consumption and calorific expenditure over ordinary walking when using poles. Church and his team. (1) reported an

“Nordic walking is a lower intensity option to running and so attracts those looking for health gains or weight loss”

18% increase in energy expenditure in women, and 21% increase in men, when Nordic walking compared with walking at the same speed. Unlike other forms of fitness walking, the upper body muscular involvement in using the poles directly contributes to forward propulsion. With the effort of movement spread across a greater muscle area, virtually all clients in a normal Nordic walking class situation report that they walk faster than they normally would yet claim that the perceived effort is lower than were they to be walking without poles. The Church (1) study showed the increased energy expenditure comes without a significant increase in perceived exertion (RPE). Noting this lowered RPE in Nordic walking, another research team (2) instructed subjects to walk and Nordic walk at a consistent pace comparative to an aerobic workout. Although subjective, in this more practical setting subjects travelled 16% faster with poles than without, resulting in a whopping 64% increase in energy expenditure.

These specific cardiovascular benefits are extremely attractive to the fitness enthusiast and more conditioned athlete either for effective and well-balanced cross training or to incorporate Nordic walking within lower limb rehabilitation. Sports physiotherapists and experienced personal trainers have quickly recognised that the cross-body action of Nordic walking applies tension through the fascial sling passing from the latissimus muscle on one side, across the thoracolumbar fascia, to the gluteals on the other, and hence aids lumbar stability. Dr Richard Steadman, the US knee surgeon credited with saving Alan

18 The REPS Journal 2009;14(Sept):18-19