Ya gotta have a little fun along the way.

Webmaster Note: After this great event with Linda Lemke, the Nordic walkers decided to start a Nordic walking meetup on Saturday mornings at 8:00. Check the Upcoming Events page for more details on the weekly Nordic walking meetups.

We’re walking en masse down the alley by Stone Harbor and folks are staring.  I presume it’s because we’re walking with sticks (poles really), although realistically, it could simply be that we are a vision of health and wellness, striding our way to increased upper body strength.  And we’re smiling while doing it!

As a newbie to the Nordic Walking world, I was excited and intrigued to learn about and try a physical activity which raises my heart rate, is easy on the joints, and can be done outdoors.  I’ve known Linda Lemke (aka Nordic Walking Queen) for several years but today was the first time I’ve walked this way.  And, I am here to say, I am very glad I walked that way.

Sure, Nordic walking is great exercise, but even better,
it’s a fantastic way to spend time with friends.

Nordic walking poles are not trekking poles. They are not XC ski poles. They are not Alpine ski poles. Can you use those sorts of poles to Nordic walk? Sure, just like you could pay for a lift ticket and use your XC ski equipment to go downhill skiing. You can do it, but that equipment isn’t designed for Nordic walking, so it won’t provide a great experience.

Leki is the pole brand of choice for Nordic walking, as they are the only company that designs poles specifically for this activity. They have an adjustable, super comfy wrist strap which is left and right specific. On the strap is a loop which attaches the wrist strap to the pole with the ability to let loose, if need be. That feature is what makes a Nordic walking pole a Nordic walking pole and not a ski pole trying to be a Nordic walking pole. Combine that with the absence of a large “handle” and add the angled rubber bumper bottom to the pole and now you’re talking – er, walking. Nordic style.

Next we begin walking without actually planting the poles. We have them in our hands but we’re simply trying to get our arms swinging in the proper direction.  No “ape walking” allowed; our arms must swing opposite to our feet. Once that’s mastered (which happens naturally, if we don’t think about it), we bring poles into the mix and away we go.

Once our arms are engaged, we have added 30% more muscle use while walking – that’s a big reward for such a simple act. There is no stabbing or jabbing allowed. This is a kind and gentle sport. We are not jabbing the pole into the ground we are gently laying the tip of the pole on the ground and walking to it. Ta-da!

Then we add the fancy steps like crunches, munchkins and paddling to increase and differentiate the numbers and types of muscles we want to work.  Yes, at one point we are even skipping along gleefully playing while lightly panting. This is good for body and spirit.

I can only aspire to the Queen’s expertise.  For now I am barely a Princess, or maybe even a Gal in Waiting.