Nordic Walking News

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Finally, the opportunity that over the years I had long been waiting for was soon to become a reality. I was about to meet up with and walk “In the Footsteps” of a man who is the “Real-Deal”!

Way back in 1985 he was the first person to bring the concept of “Walking with Poles” (Nordic Walking) to urban pathways and suburban parklands. It all happened in a quiet little back street in Wisconsin, USA. He is the ‘Original’; the ‘Modern Day Pioneer’; a ‘Nordic Walking Legend’ – His name is “Tom Rutlin”.

After a 14 hour non-stop flight across the Pacific from Australia to California and suffering the effects of jetlag, I arrived at the hotel to meet-up with this living legend and Nordic Walking giant. As I entered the lobby I was approached by a quietly spoken gentleman with a trim, toned physique. At 61 years of age, if this is what 24 years of walking with poles does for ones aging process, then you can forget the ‘anti aging creams’ and ‘magic pills’. Tom Rutlin has re-defined the medical journals, which should now read “Get on Poles not Pills.” Fair dinkum, this guy is in great shape for his age!

Straight away we broke into intense discussions that would extend over the 4 days. I was so privileged and honoured to be in the presence of this very modest & humble man. Not a moment was wasted by me to listen and learn from this inspirational human being, about the amazing wealth of knowledge and understanding that he, Tom Rutlin, has extracted, researched and developed about walking with poles. He has spent the past 24 years tirelessly & unselfishly singing the praises of the “power of the poles” to all who would listen across the global community.

One thing that really shone out “like a beacon of light” from Tom Rutlin, over the days I got to know him; is something I have only ever personally witnessed, with the same level of intensity and belief, from one other person, another legend of our movement – “Marko Kantaneva”. In 1993 (some 8 years after Tom’s founding work in the USA), Marko pioneered the “Pole Walking movement in Europe”. What both of these pioneers realized, independently of each other and what they have both been selflessly promoting ever since, is that this is a “Physical Activity for All”! Essentially it should be about “inclusiveness”! It should be about encouraging people in our communities onto poles! The focus should NOT be about “pole products” and “self interests”! The focus should be ‘the people”!

On behalf of the few of us who have been so lucky to have met you and to the many who have yet to meet you: To you “Tom Rutlin”, from all of us in the “World of Walking with Poles (Nordic Walking)”, we stand & salute you for your 24 years of tireless “service”, “energy” and “effort”, for which you have been so “visionary” and “innovative”; daring to dare where before you no one else would go.

You are truly an amazing human being which this wonderful physical activity can not yet do without. And if the decision were left to this Aussie, I would Knight you “Sir Tom Rutlin”, in recognition for all your many “Behind the Scenes Achievements” that so many know little, if anything about. However, at this time the only privilege & power that I can bestow onto you is to be able to call you an “All Time Great Nordic Walking Mate”!

Warmest Regards
Mike “Walking Wizard” Gates
http://www.poleabout.com.au

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Nesselwang, Bavaria, Germany is the location for the 2009 INWA (International Nordic Walking Association) Convention from Friday October 15th until Sunday October 18th. The event is open to all INWA qualified instructors to attend.

This annual 4 day conference is a great opportunity for instructors to learn new skills, share ideas with fellow instructors and enjoy some social nordic walking activities such as the Biathlon (Nordic Walking & shooting!) & BBQ on the Friday night.

Any INWA instructors who would be interested in attending should contact the INWA representatives in their own country.

This notice has been provided by INWA's UK Representative organisation "British Nordic Walking" (BNW) who can be contacted via:

www.britishnordicwalking.org.uk
info@britishnordicwalking.org.uk

Labels: INWA; International Nordic Walking Association; Nordic Walking; INWA qualified instructors; British Nordic Walking (BNW)

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Thank you to Tom Rutlin, Nordic Walking Pioneer & Ambassador, Founder of Exerstrider Nordic Walking www.exerstrider.com for this review of the recent ground breaking Santa Monica, California event.

Here's Tom...

I wanted to finally report to you (from my perspective) on what I believe will go down in Nordic walking history as a watershed event. The two events actually -- which took place on the 30th and 31st of May in Santa Monica, California.

Both of these events were organized by Nordic Walking North America (NWNA) under the leadership of Malin Svensson and Gary Johnson with the cooperation of Suzanne Nottingham of Nordic Walk Now, me representing Exerstride Method Nordic Walking and many others in the North American Nordic walking community. It is especially noteworthy that NWNA is a member affiliate of the "new" INWA organization.

On Saturday the 30th there was an event near the Pacific shore in Santa Monica billed as the "Walking and Nordic Walking Health Expo. The event was free and open to the public. There were representatives of most prominent Nordic walking pole manufacturers, free ongoing instruction by instructors from a number of participating organizations, and 30 minute lectures and 30 minute instructional classes offered by Malin Svensson, Suzanne Nottingham and me.

This event was followed by a "Nordic Walking Summit - Part I" a "agree to disagree" discussion and dinner. On Sunday from early morning until noon was a "Meet the top Nordic Walking Educators" (in North America) which was attended by a number of Nordic walking instructors from the U.S. and Canada, Claire Walter of the Nordic Walking USA blog and a guest from "down under",Michael "Walking Wizard" Gates.

At that event, I, Malin and Suzanne all gave a brief history of our involvement in Nordic walking and then offered either a lecture or demonstration to all of the attendees.

Following lunch we had a "nuts and bolts" discussion in which webrainstormed expanded definitions of Nordic walking and Nordic walking poles and discussed ways of working together to further a single goal that everyone in attendance shared...to increase awareness of and participation in Nordic walking all across North America.

As anyone who has ever read my "Open Letter to the Nordic Walking Community" from 2003 knows, I have been urging cooperation by those passionately involved in Nordic walking all around the globe since right after ISPO 2003 where my efforts to promote such cooperation with other pole manufacturers and INWA had met with a resounding "no thanks". So the promise of finally beginning a new era of cooperation among leading figures in at least the North American Nordic walking community brought me to the event with the hope and an optimism which has sustained me for many year now.

Although I had over time had numerous conversations with Malin Svensson and Gary Johnson as well as with Suzanne Nottingham, and had on other occasions met many of the representatives of other Nordic walking equipment manufacturers, this was the first time we had ever come together with a shared goal.

It became immediately clear to all of us during the Nordic Walking Health Expo that there was far more that we had in common than the differences that had to that point too often divided us. It seemed to most of us that at least 90% of what we are all promoting was the same and that the 10% that constituted our differences was what I like to think of as "different flavors" of Nordic walking. As all of us within the North American Nordic walking community sampled each other's flavors, the tastes were clearly different in some ways but everyone I spoke with agreed that everything on the menu was "tasty and sweet" none the less.

During a 2007 trip to the Netherlands and Germany I offered up the notion of "expanding the Nordic walking menu" to present those already within the movement, and those of all ages, abilities and goals wishing to sample it for entry, a greater range of menu options. At this event the image of an ice cream shop came to me, so I began to offer up the proposal that as we begin opening our Nordic walking "ice cream" shops across North America (and around the globe) it would be in the interest of all of us already so invested in building the movement to agree that it would offer greater appeal and promote faster growth if we were to offer more flavors on a
single expanded Nordic walking menu.

All of us who have "tasted" Nordic walking in any of its flavors have discovered just how delicious and addicting it can be. It's high time for all of us to give up the notion that all Nordic walking should be one flavor. Whether we facilitate the process of not, people will over time taste test every flavor available.

The very good new in my opinion is that everyone who was a part of this important North American Nordic walking event demonstrated both a mutual respect and spirit of cooperation which I hope can begin to set a new tone all around the globe.

In the early spring of 2009 I composed a second "Open Letter to the Nordic Walking Community) as a follow-up to my 2003 open letter. When I learned about this North American event, I decided to hold off on issuing my new open letter until after the event. I am very happy to report that this North American Summit group seems to have already answered a call for unity and cooperation which was contained in my new open letter.

I hope that our cooperative efforts will prove to the rest of the global Nordic walkingcommunity the wisdom of cooperating to promote the intrinsic health and fitness benefits that fitness walking (in any of a variety of techniques) with poles (of any quality design) offers, rather than continuing to follow the failing model of putting the self-interests of manufacturers and established organizations ahead of a new focus on service to the Nordic walking community.

I now offer my second open letter (see June 11th 2009 posting) to those in Nordic walking community who have yet to see the merits of cooperating to harmoniously sing the praises of Nordic walking to an "outside world" so much in need of both its many health and fitness benefits -- and the enjoyment it can add to any walk. I sincerely hope that the days of focusing on exploiting the market finally give way to a new focus on cooperatively serving and growing the Nordic walking community to its fullest potential. Given what I experienced in Santa Monica recently, that paradigm shift is well underway in North America.

Stay well,

Tom Rutlin
www.exerstrider.com

Labels: Tom Rutlin; Exerstrider Nordic Walking; Nordic Walking; Santa Monica Nordic Walking Event

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Thank you to Mike "Walking Wizard" Gates for this 'Report' from the recent ground breaking "Santa Monica, California, USA, Nordic Walking Expo and Conference". The first event of it's kind in an English (as a first language) speaking country.

Mike Gates is a World reknown Nordic (Pole) Walking Pioneer & Ambassador who lives in New South Wales, Australia. He is the Managing Director of the Australian branch of www.PoleAbout.com.au an organisation headed in Europe by Finland's original Nordic 'Pole' Walking Pioneer, Marko Kantaneva. Mike is a legend in the 'Ultra Distance' Nordic Walking field; he currently holds the 'World Distance' records for both "24 hours" and "36 hours" of non-stop Nordic Walking.

"At the recent Nordic Walking Expo and Conference in Santa Monica, California, it was nothing short of sensational to be able to experience & witness with my own eyes & ears, one of the memorable moments in modern times within the activity of Nordic Walking. Just to witness the dismantling of the staunch exclusion barriers that stood individual organisation in direct competition with another individual organisation, which has stunted and confused potential participants throughout the years, was worth my journey from Australia.

Now to see the ‘exclusiveness’ make way for the coming together of Open Minds & Attitudes, that focused on ‘inclusiveness’ for all those who represented the ‘different flavours’ of Nordic Walking within North America, was nothing short of awesome. Plus to observe them all side by side, walking, talking and teaching each other and individual members of the public about their Nordic Walking techniques, methods and pole products, over the few days of the expo / conference, was shear brilliance!

It has been seen as a tremendous common advantage for all involved with Nordic Walking to be able to grow this great activity to its vast potential, within the least amount of time, for maximum community participation and uptake and to now unite on an inclusive front for Nordic Walking in North America; it is such a success for cause.

A - HUGE - Congratulations must go to the Nordic Walking Gurus of North America; “Malin Svensson”, “Suzanne Nottingham” and “Tom Rutlin” and for all other coaches and professionals that participated - “ALL YOU GUYS ROCK” for putting, above all, the interests of the Nordic Walking movement first before any of their own self interests, as these are the signs of “true sportsmanship” & “fair play”.

A special mention must go again to Malin Svensson and Gary Johnson of Nordic Walking North America (NWNA) for having the courage, vision and commitment in taking the first steps in reaching out to these other Nordic Walking experts within North America, to negotiate cooperation within the Nordic Walking movement to become ‘inclusive’ instead of ‘exclusive’ for the benefit of all.

So the pace has now been set by these “passionate leaders” to allow Nordic Walking to stride freely and unencumbered in North America. I wonder if other Leaders around the globe, that hold the power balance of Nordic Walking in other countries, will have similar courage & conviction to follow in the footsteps of our Nordic Walking Brothers & Sisters of North America, in the best possible interests of the community and Nordic Walking, before their own personal interests? Hmmm…..

It’s time to seriously consider the future of Nordic Walking - Do we globally let it freely stride out or do some amongst us still try and hold tight and end up strangling it, as in recent past years?

Warmest Regards from Down Under (Australia)

Mike “Walking Wizard” Gates
www.poleabout.com.au

Labels: Nordic Walking; Mike "Walking Wizard" Gates; Nordic Walking Expo and Conference in Santa Monica; Marko Kantaneva; Malin Svensson; Gary Johnson; Tom Rutlin; Suzanne Nottingham

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In 2003 Nordic Walking Pioneer (since 1985) and Founder of Exerstride Nordic Walking 'Tom Rutlin' posted (online) an 'Open Letter' to the worldwide Nordic Walking community.

That letter can be read here:

http://walkingpoles.com/templates/home_page/images/openletter.pdf .

I recommend that you read the 2003 Open Letter first before you read his follow up "Open Letter" (spring 2009) below.

I first read that letter when I entered the industry in early 2005. I was shocked at the attitude displayed by certain members of the International Nordic Walking community. I had already been communicating with Tom Rutlin and I was so impressed by the passion and integrity of the man, that he played a significant role in my decision to pursue, what at the time was my 'fledgling interest' in Nordic Walking. My respect for and appreciation of Tom Rutlin has not diminished since that time, infact it has continued to grow.

Please note: Tom wrote the 'spring 2009' 'Open Letter' prior to the recent
highly succesful ground breaking 'Santa Monica' Nordic Walking Expo, to which he
and others leaders in the North American Nordic Walking industry made significant contributions. The event was organised and co-ordinated by INWA's representatives in North America - NWNA (Nordic Walking North America).

David Downer
Owner - Nordic Walking News
Author: www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com

"On Bringing Nordic Walking to Its Full Potential – A Call for Unity: Tom Rutlin's second "open letter" to the Nordic Walking community)".

"In the early part of the first decade of the new millennium, it looked as
though Nordic walking was destined to dwarf like a tsunami the "running/fitness
boom" that took place in the last decades of the twentieth century. I still
happen to think that it will happen, but right now much of the wind seems to
have gone out of the Nordic walking movement's sails.

Fortunately, the intrinsic value of fitness walking with poles is so tremendous
that the sudden doldrums in which the movement seems to be at least somewhat
stalled will most certainly be temporary. How long it will take for the winds
to pick up so that Nordic walking can continue a full speed sail toward its full
potential is, in my opinion, greatly dependent on all those within the movement
beginning, for the first time, to work together on a shared message of promoting
Nordic walking to the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, the Nordic walking (NW) movement has, to this point, fallen
victim to far too much internal division and pulling in too often self-serving
directions. Instead of all involved forming any real "association" or union
from the beginning to work together to promote the incredible health and fitness
benefits of walking with poles (of almost any design and utilizing any
reasonable, proven technique), the movement has, it seems, at least seriously
wounded the goose that was laying the NW golden eggs in a foolish attempt to
make the goose lay more eggs in one manufacturer's or organization's nest than
in any others.

You'll notice I didn't say that the movement has "killed the goose that laid the
golden egg" (I believe people all around the NW globe are familiar with the
fable of the goose that laid the golden egg. In the English language, "Killing
the golden goose" has become a metaphor for any short-sighted action that may
bring an immediate reward, but will ultimately prove disastrous.) I remain very
optimistic about the future of fitness walking with poles. I also happen to
believe that "Nordic walking" is the term that holds the most promise for
helping the movement finally unite behind -- and begin working together -- to
reach its fullest potential.

That may seem surprising coming from someone who has all too often been said to
be promoting something that is "not even Nordic walking", but by INWA's own
definition of Nordic walking as "fitness walking with specially designed poles",
my "Exerstriding" (a word I coined for an activity with no other existing name
back in mid 80s) and Marko Kantaneva's "pole walking" or "Sauvakevely" (which
preceded Exel's coining of the term "Nordic walking" by about three years) are
indeed Nordic walking -- and so are any other techniques of fitness walking with
specially designed poles that people may now be promoting (or any that may be
legitimately promoted in the future).

The divisions that have characterized the NW movement to date have caused
confusion among the non Nordic walking public, as well as large numbers of
current Nordic walkers and the media -- both of whom will play a crucial role in
eventually informing the masses around the globe of the huge potential fitness
walking with poles has for their health, well being, and -- I suggest of equal
importance -- the enjoyment of the exercise.

It's time for those of us within the movement to put a halt to the squabbling
and scrambling for the largest share of the few dozen golden eggs the NW
movement has so far produced, and realize that if we can unite and begin to work
together to build the movement to its fullest potential, there will soon be a
giant pile of golden eggs, as well as countless millions more people around the
globe benefiting from this exercise form.

Many in the "industry" have to this point spent far too much time and energy
trying to disparage other people's offerings to convince just a few million
NWers to buy their brand or service, and not another. And NW associations have
too often spent their limited resources seeking to carve out the largest piece
of a small NW community pie rather than working to grow the community that can
ever-expand the NW pie.

NW manufacturers and organizations have tried to convince people that only
equipment of a certain design, with certain features and the technique they
align themselves with, can make NW a fulfilling and beneficial experience. This
has severely limited the growth of the movement. Rather than competing for the
largest piece of a 10+ million participant Nordic walking pie, we might all have
been far better off had we been working together to grow the pie to what could
have easily have been well over 100 million participants by now.

The truth is that walking with quality poles of just about any design, and
utilizing any of the well thought out and tested techniques being offered, can
make a NW experience both greatly beneficial and highly addicting. The passion
that currently exists within the NW community is not the product of any certain
kind of poles and of following any one regimented technique. There should be
within the NW world different strokes (poles and equipment) for different folks!

The differences of opinion that exist within the NW community on issues of
equipment and technique should be what make the movement vital and interesting
to those within the movement rather than being the fulcrum that has tended to
tear the movement apart. And the exciting choices among the many "cool"
equipment designs and features and different techniques offering different
benefits and experiences should be the sources of energy and excitement that
draw both the media and the rest of the world toward this wonderful
life-changing activity!

Manufacturers must not be afraid to let the growing NW community make their own
choices from a full menu of pole designs and features based upon their various
and intrinsic merits. (If "your" poles really are better, they will outsell
others in an ever expanding marketplace.). And the NW organizations would
benefit themselves and those they seek to bring into the NW movement by
replacing their limited menu of technique offerings with a full menu of
intelligent technique and equipment options from which "newbies" can choose what
resonates best with each of them, and those which best help them meet their
goals of seeking maximum fitness results and a positive, addicting NW
experience.

It is past time that the Nordic walking establishment stop attempting to simply
exploit the market, and instead begin focusing on cooperatively serving and
expanding the Nordic walking community. The eventual outcome of Exel's history
of control and exclusion, as well as attempting to stifle rather than allow an
inevitable evolution of the activity, should serve as a warning to the movement
of the long term downside of exploiting and attempting to "control" the market
rather than attempting to actually serve the movement.

There is an old saying that "a rising tide will lift all boats". Well, it seems
the tide has sort of gone out (or at the very least receded) on the NW movement
for the moment. It's time we stop trying to sink the other guy's boat, and
begin concentrating our efforts on creating a critical NW mass that will cause
an ever-rising tide. It's time to unite and create a critical NW mass that can
create not only a rising tide, but an inevitable tsunami of NW growth all around
the globe.

I am convinced that as NW organizations finally begin "expanding their menus"
they will prove to have a great advantage over those organizations which choose
to remain mired in the kind of "right and wrong", "black and white" "us vs.
them" ways of thinking that have bogged down the movement. People within the NW
community as well as those wishing to explore NW will be much more attracted by
any organization of experts who can serve them better by introducing them to a
variety of beneficial technique options. A majority of people within the NW
movement as well as those who will over time be attracted to it just want to
look, feel and function better -- and enjoy the act of achieving those goals.

There should be numerous techniques and equipment designs offered which will
give people of all ages, abilities and goals more options from which to choose.
I have always maintained that there is no "right" and "wrong" way of Nordic
walking, only different ways of walking with poles that offer different sets of
results and experiences. The wind will begin to fill the sails of the NW
movement again as soon as those of us already in the Nordic walking movement
begin to focus on better serving the community whose passion will make the
movement grow -- by opening their minds, expanding their knowledge base and
widening their NW menu options.

It is my hope that discussion within the community of existing passionate Nordic
walkers will soon shift from those which focus on minutia regarding which
techniques, equipment and philosophy of Nordic walking should reign supreme, to
ways in which we can all begin to come together to urge any person who wishes to
enjoy the maximum health and fitness benefits of walking to explore how Nordic
walking (in any accepted form) can greatly enhance everything about the
experience.

I do think it is healthy for all involved inside and outside the movement to
join in warning "newbies" against buying cheap, potentially dangerous
exploitation poles from mass marketers who want nothing but to profit from the
Nordic walking movement (an experience with poorly designed equipment will only
serve to damage the reputation of the activity), as well as to encourage those
who come to the activity to seek instruction from any of many qualified sources.

But let's all put aside the ongoing divisive debates about the fine details of
Nordic walking in favor of joining together in a united singing of the praises
of the intrinsic value of the exercise form. I believe that when the Nordic
walking community does that, the sails of Nordic walking will once again fill
and it will very rapidly become the hottest fitness trend globally-- as well as
finally begin to make a very important impact on hundreds of millions of lives
all around the world!"

Stay well,

Tom Rutlin
www.exerstrider.com
Spring 2009

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Here is the program of activities for this coming Saturday's ground breaking Nordic Walking event in Santa Monica, California...

Featuring leading industry Experts: Dan Barrett; Suzanne Nottingham; Malin Svensson; Tom Rutlin.

The PROGRAM:

Are you a beginner?

Then try the FREE Nordic Walking demos all through the day.

Do you already know the basics of Nordic Walking? Then join the FREE four different 30 minute Nordic Walking classes.

9am: Nordic Walking Class 1: Dan Barrett - "Nordic Sand Walking"

11am: Nordic Walking Class 2: Suzanne Nottingham - "Less Talk More Walk"

1pm: Nordic Walking Class 3: Malin Svensson: - "Nordic Walking Circuit"

3pm: Nordic Walking Class 4: Tom Rutlin - "A Perfect Fit ~ Nordic Walking techniques for any age, ability and goals"

Want to listen to some inspirational lectures?

There are three 30 minute lectures with hot topics about weight loss, getting in shape and staying injured free.

10am: Lecture 1. Malin Svensson: "Burn More Calories with Less Effort"

12pm: Lecture 2. Tom Rutlin: "Transform Walking into a No Pain, Total Body Fitness Solution".

2pm: Lecture 3: Suzanne Nottingham "Injury Prevention for Nordic Walkers"

Book signing by Malin Svensson 10:30am, 12:30pm; 2:30pm

There is only one place to be for North American based Nordic Walking enthusiasts (both participants and industry professionals) this coming Saturday. For the first time ever, key leaders in the North American industry are coming together in the spirit of co-operation for the "betterment of the industry" in this ground breaking event... And every credit to everyone involved!

Venue & Time:

Santa Monica Beach
2600 Barnard Way
Santa Monica, California 90405
Saturday May 30, 2009
8:00AM - 4:00PM

For further details email:

info(at)nordicwalkingusa(dot)com

I recognise that for some Nordic Walking is little more than a commodity; a means of adding further income stream. However, I believe strongly that above all else Nordic Walking has the potential to provide millions with the opportunity to enhance the quality of life, help to maintain physical independence and to lead a more sustainable existence. To do this, the movement has to extend much further than its current reach, as thus far, the promotion of this great fitness activity has been largely on a cottage industry scale. I believe that an overarching International Nordic Walking Federation could and should become a great force.

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Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walking Leeds UK

# posted by Malcolm Jarvis @ 12:33 AM 0 comments

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Here at Nordic Walking News and over at our sister publication Nordic Walking eCommunity (www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com), we have in recent months reported on the positive restructuring at INWA (International Nordic Walking Association). Nordic Walking News is therefore delighted to have secured an 'exclusive' interview with INWA’s North American Representative Association which is publised here.

In the interview David Downer is asking the questions on behalf of Nordic Walking News and Gary Johnson representing NWNA (Nordic Walking North America) is providing the answers.

The Interview:

David: "Hello Gary, it’s great to talk to you and thank you for agreeing to this interview".

Gary: "My pleasure David and thank you for giving me the opportunity to showcase INWA's North American organization to your readers".

David: "So Gary, who or what is Nordic Walking North America"?

Gary: "Nordic Walking North America is the INWA representative in North America ( USA & Canada ) and we offer full INWA certifications to instructors".

David: "Why INWA"?

Gary: "INWA is the International Nordic Walking Association, they are one of the oldest and largest Nordic Walking associations around and have played a key role in moving the activity of Nordic Walking forward on the worldwide stage. They are a non profit organization and have now re-dedicated themselves to be an ‘Educational Association’".

David: "That’s interesting; you say that INWA is non-profit"?

Gary: "Yes and I have been surprised by how many people didn’t know this. They did have a title sponsor for a long time in Exel, and Exel breathed life into the association in the beginning, so I think a lot of the confusion comes from that early and very tight association. Now times have changed, Nordic Walking is now a full-blown activity that can stand on its own two feet and Exel no longer needs to chaperone INWA. INWA is now ready to move on to being a truly educational association for the furtherment of the Nordic Walking activity".

David: "So who is actually behind Nordic Walking North America"?

Gary: "The President of Nordic Walking North America is Malin Svensson and I am the Vice President. Malin participated in the very first INWA convention in 2002 and is one of only four International Coaches for INWA and was instrumental in re-structuring INWA. She has written books on Nordic Walking and has been the International Coach in setting up Nordic Walking Programs in several other countries. I was a Reebok Master Trainer for 10 years and I am the owner of Kneedspeed the company that brought lateral movement training to the masses back in the early 90’s. Lateral movement training was sold to Reebok as Slide Reebok".

David: "That’s quite a pedigree. You mention that INWA has been re-structured, so how is INWA organized now"?

Gary: "All on INWA’s boards including the directors are made up of and voted on by the member organizations such as Nordic Waking North America. With the recent changes at INWA’s the length of time served by each position on the board has gone down and there is a rotation program in place. I think you will see some of the new blood flowing into INWA".

David: "How is Nordic Walking North America organized"?

Gary: "We will have several boards including Education, PR, Convention and others. These will be made up of members of NWNA and there will be certain seats that are reserved for ‘special members’ of the Nordic Walking community. NWNA can therefore reflect the full breadth of Nordic Walking throughout North America".

David: "How about education throughout North America; how will that be organized"?

Gary: "Both Canada and the United States will be split into regions with at least 2 National Coaches per region, and then eventually we will have designated National Coaches per population region. As an example California is a large and densely enough populated state that it may eventually house 4 National Coaches. In the certified ranks below the National Coaches will be the Master Trainers, then Master Instructors, followed by Instructors".

David: "What certification opportunities are being offered by NWNA and how is your training program structured"?

Gary: "National Coaches are invited and have to complete two 2½ day trainings and pass a written and practical test. Certification will last two years and will be renewed by ‘continuing education’ or ‘re-certification’. Master Trainer will complete one 2½ day training. Master Instructor’s one 2 day training and Instructors one 2 day training. All certifications last for two years and can be renewed by ‘continuing education’ or by ‘re-certification’. Additionally all the certifications require the successful completion of both written and practical tests".

David: "Do you offer a membership scheme for members of the public"?

Gary: "INWA only includes its member organizations but NWNA will have a component for ‘individuals’ to be members of NWNA".

David: "Who is NWNA intended for"?

Gary: "Nordic Walking North America is for all instructors or individuals regardless of what trainings they have had in the past or what poles they’re working with. NWNA is a pole neutral educational organization. In our first National Coach training we had participants from several other organizations and we presented information on and had candidates try several different brands of Nordic Walking poles".

David: "Can you clarify what you mean by ‘NWNA is Pole Neutral’"?

Gary: "Nordic Walking North America is pole neutral since it does not recommend or promote any one brand of Nordic Walking pole. This is confusing for some since INWA was so closely associated with Exel but INWA’s recent turn to an ‘educational association’ has freed the member countries to use whatever poles they prefer. Exel is a great manufacturer of poles and there are several great manufacturers of poles. NWNA will educate on the usage of a variety of poles but will not single one brand out as THE Nordic Walking Pole".

David:"So what are the Goals for NWNA"?

Gary: "In North America , Nordic Walking is still a relatively new activity but to date the trend has been for each manufacture to either endorse or develop one training organization, creating a bunch of fragmented organizations trying to promote the activity of Nordic Walking to North America . At the same time they are each trying to promote their particular brand of poles".

"The first goal of NWNA is to represent Nordic Walking as an activity and be an educational organization promoting the safe and effective activity of Nordic Walking. It is our hope to work in co-operation with the existing Nordic Walking organizations to promote Nordic Walking but add credibility to that goal by not being seen as a defacto marketing arm for any one manufacturer. Also by having other organizations become part of NWNA we hope to add creditability to their existing training programs. If we all work together and move as one strong force we can get Nordic Walking to be the fitness activity here in North America that those of us in the Nordic Walking community know it can be".

David: "How do you hope to achieve this cooperation between organizations"?

Gary: "We are already well on our way. As I mentioned earlier we already had representation from several different organizations at our first National Coach training. For our large second half to the National Coach training we have invited several different organizations and brands to present to our candidates and also to members and the general public, since we will open up one day of presentations to the general public. And of course any organization that is interested in looking for ways for us to work together would be very welcome to contact me directly".

David: "Why NWNA as the co-operating organization"?

Gary: "We have two strengths to help achieve this goal, we have great history through INWA and we are a new organization here in North America . So we get to start with a clean slate. I don’t see NWNA replacing any organization but being the collection point for all the Nordic Walking energy and add some understanding to the different forms of Nordic Walking and promote the simple and safe forms along with the specialized forms of Nordic Walking".

David: "I’ve been saying publicly for 4 years, that a re-structured INWA together with co-operation between the major players in our industry is ‘essential’ if Nordic Walking is going to begin to achieve its potential. I am really encouraged by what I have heard today Gary and I feel that this is a great opportunity. If you achieve the support that this initiative deserves this really could be the dawn of an exciting new era of ‘industry co-operation’ in North America and one where everyone is a winner. It could also lead to North America setting a new standard that the rest of the Nordic Walking world will be eager to follow. Thank you Gary for all your hard work and I really do wish you and Malin every success with NWNA - You’ve definitely got my support".

Gary: "I’ve enjoyed it David and thank you for the work you have done over the years, which has been instrumental in how all this is coming together".

Note:

If you head up an existing Nordic Walking Organization; or you are a manufacturer; an instructor, an enthusiast or you have any other interest in Nordic Walking in North America and you’d like to contact Gary and Nordic Walking North America; here's how you can do it:

Via Website: www.nordicwalkingna.com
Via Email: email: info(at)nordicwalkingusa(dot)com

Note: Replace (at) with @ and (dot) with .

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For the "first time ever" the leaders players (both individuals & companies) in the North American Nordic Walking Industry, are coming together for a ground breaking 'public' event, to teach "YOU"!

In recent months behind the scenes negotiations lead by NWNA (Nordic Walking North America) the North American INWA Representatives, has resulting in the leading players in the North American Nordic Walking Industry coming together to co-operate, in promoting and participating in this 'first ever' joint event.

Confirmed participants include:

TOM RUTLIN, MALIN SVENSSON, DAN BARRETT, SUZANNE NOTTINGHAM, LEKI, EXEL, SWIX, FITTREK, EXERSTRIDER.

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PRESS RELEASE FROM INWA

INWA has decided to officially change its English name to ”Federation” in the beginning of 2009, because this definition better describes INWA’s position and role as the official worldwide Nordic Walking organisation.

International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA) is represented at the moment in more than 40 nations with 20 national member organizations.

INWA is also a member of TAFISA which currently operates in 132 countries worldwide and is a partner of WHO (World Health Organization), IOC (International Olympic Committee) UNESCO (United Nations Educational and scientific and Cultural Organization) and ICSSPE (International Council of Sports Science and Physical Education). Co-operation and networking with TAFISA also supports the overall promotion of Nordic Walking.

INWA, representing Nordic Walking as its official and recognised World Federation, offers many practical opportunities to develop this natural, safe, efficient and suitable-for-all form of physical activity around the world. It creates projects with international and national health and sports organisations, government bodies, public health authorities, ministries and school organisations both directly and through its member organisations in countries all over the world.

INWA has just updated its website, which now better reflects the development of Nordic Walk

www.inwa-nordicwalking.com

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Of course, the process was not scientific and my musings can only be viewed as anecdotal. Furthermore, during a long day in the hills poles get used in a whole manner of ways – from actual Nordic Walking; to simply aiding balance; to assist in braking; to help in stream crossings or simply something to lean on when your lungs are bursting!

Technique is very dependent on the context and also the terrain. Steps or even slope - grade and duration of climb/descent - firm or loose ground - wet or dry underfoot - windy or calm conditions.

On two of my outings I did encounter a section of steep ground which was about 300 metres long and made up of an even grass covered surface (kept neatly trimmed by hill sheep). The average gradient was about 1 in 4 (worked out subsequently from the 1:25000 Ordnance Survey map) and this afforded a good section for experimentation.

Ascending

As walking is sometimes described as “controlled falling,” then uphill walking can be said to be like falling “into the hill”. In tackling hills we are generally advised to adopt a “forward lean” which is to do with maintaining momentum as the legs are tasked to push you up the slope rather than just supporting the body. However such a forward lean should not be of a magnitude which puts the lower back into periods of flexion. In other words, the lean should not become a stoop, which, apart from anything else, will compromise your breathing.

I have seen hill runners with an exaggerated lean as they scuttle up very steep uphill sections, but such persons are usually very fit and strong individuals who regularly train on steep terrain. On uphill sections which have to be walked it is quite usual for them to press down on the knee in order to take some of the strain away from the legs. You might say that they use the tibia/fibula combination as a walking pole!

The lean should come from the ankles which, on non-stepped terrain, will be in flexion. In any event, it is good practice to slightly engage the core, in an effort to maintain neutral, and I believe that this is a good habit which needs to be cultivated generally.

You can describe that a suitable posture for ascending a non-stepped slope is to have the “downhill” leg, spine and neck more or less aligned (as David has previously outlined). On my outings I found this a comfortable approach. Of course, if the hillside is stepped then the posture will be similar to that adopted moving up a staircase, i.e. the body is more or less upright.

My preferred pole technique on steep ground is double pole. I find it helpful to plant the poles alongside the lead foot and then walk “through the gate,” finishing with an assertive push and release in a full blown European style. This is almost as good as having handrails to pull on and takes much of the load away from the lower body. Furthermore, it affords a great opportunity to work the shoulder blades and also to keep them well down the back.

Double poling is also a good way to morph Exerstriding ® with the Euro Technique as you can readily deploy the handshake/pump-handle regime combined with pushing past the hip, simply because you have plenty of time! Of course, the magnitude of push will be a product of your condition and your aims of the outing. If it’s largely meant to be a long enjoyable day in the hills then you will not want to over work but just take advantage of spreading the effort around the body. If however, it’s part of an intensive one hour workout then this is a great way to “up the ante”.

A further tip on longer uphill sections is to place the poles a little more out to the side than is usual in order to allow the ribcage to expand which aids breathing (or gasping!). It seems to have a similar outcome as tucking the thumbs under the rucksack shoulder straps, a technique often employed by hill walkers.

Descending

Speak to many hill walkers and they will probably tell you that coming down is harder than going up. Of course the latter can be strenuous aerobically and can have a heart rate monitor going into meltdown! However, coming down long descents can cause considerable fatigue to the quads followed by a day’s worth of DOMS owing to long periods of eccentric muscle contractions.

Needless to say, poles help.

However, to generalise, walking downhill is more of a conscious process and on a steep slope having an unbroken surface I found that the most viable technique involved:

a) reducing speed (otherwise “runaway” is quite possible)
b) shorten stride length
c) maintaining a slightly bent knee for shock absorbing purposes and fluidity of movement
d) maintaining a “relaxed approach” generally
e) keep some engagement of the core
f) plant the foot in a plantar flexed position so that traction is maintained
g) plant the poles more or less perpendicular to the slope face (see below)

I tried the knee bent/sitting posture which has been recommended by the INWA but I found it tiring, not entirely stable and somewhat “unnatural”. Furthermore, I can also see that for someone with ailing knees it could be very stressful.

Up to the point where the ground became very steep (say steeper than 1 in 4) I was happier placing my poles more or less at right angles to the slope itself and engaging the pole moderately. This gave me a feeling of considerable security and allowed me to still focus on things like maintaining good posture.

However, as the grade grew steeper I found it better to allow the pole plant to migrate forward in order to help with braking and balance. This latter situation does have risks though and a poorly placed or skidding pole can be unnerving. My own poles (Komperdell) have short, sharp blade type spikes and these bite well. I would not be quite so confident about the pencil type tip. Rocky surfaces are another matter and the use of poles has to be in question.

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Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walking Leeds UK

# posted by Malcolm Jarvis @ 7:13 AM 1 comments

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Following Paul Chesmore's excellent article; "Is Nordic Walking a Sport", which he wrote as a follow up to Malcolm Jarvis's excellent original article of the same title, I thought I'd offer my contributions to this interesting debate.

The idea that Paul offers, that above all Nordic Walking is a 'recreation activity', sits well with me. That Nordic Walking is a sport can certainly be contested but I don't think it can be denied that Nordic Walking is most definately a 'recreational activity' . If we are looking for an 'umbrella' definition, I think we are going to be hard pressed to better it.

Note: Like Paul, my personal preference is the word 'recreational' versus 'leisure'!

The argument as to weather certain recreational activities are sports, or not, will always be debated. To spread some more light on our debate, I thought I'd take a look at some dictionary definitions of the word 'sport'. Here is what I found out...

1) Dictionary.com states:

Sport is: An athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc.

2) Cambridge Dictionary of American English

Sport is: A game, competition, or similar activity, done for enjoyment or as a job, that takes physical effort and skill and is played or done by following particular rules

3) Longman's Dictionary of Contemporary English (2003 edition) states:

Sport is: A physical activity where people compete against each other.

4) Collins Gem English Dictionary (1989 edition) states:

Sport is: A game, activity for pleasure, competition, exercise.

5) AskOxford.com

Sport is: An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others.

Based on the opinions of these respected fountains of knowledge, Nordic Walking does appear to fit into the definition of a sport, at least under certain circumstances. In English speaking countries such as USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Nordic Walking competitions are few and far between (although there are more than there used to be). Not so in Mainland Europe! Germany (for example) has many Nordic Walking competitions, with competitions often attracting thousands of participants / competitors!

So, where does this leave our debate. Well; individuals will clearly make up their own mind. However, personally, for now at least, I'm going to take the following stance...

At it's current point in the evolutionary process:

"Nordic Walking is primarily a recreational activity, that can, when a competitive element is introduced, be classified as a sport".

So, straight answer to a straight question. Is not walking a sport?

...It can be ! :-)

David Downer
Owner - NordicWalking News / Nordic Walking eCommunty
Author - www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com

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Introduction
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Announcing 3 new and exciting Nordic Walking challenge events for 2009 in the beautiful surroundings of Anglian Waters’s reservoirs in Leicestershire, England, on a mixture of tarmac & rolling shale footpaths.

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THE HAMBLETON HIKE: 10 or 13 miles of rural rutland water as you circumnavigate the wonderful Hambleton Peninsula. Complete this & you’re on your way to the Grafham Gateway.

7^th Feb 2009, 10:00am

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GRAFHAM GATEWAY: 9 miles of easy going tracks around this delightful reservoir just 2 miles off the A1. Once through the gateway, you are on your way to the jewel in the crown- Rutland Water - 14^th March 2009, 10:00am

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THE RUTLAND ROUND: 17 miles of rolling paths around this man made wonder, take in sounds & breath taking scenery as you embark on the final leg of your journey - 10^th oct 2009, 9.30am

ENTER ALL 3 EVENTS FOR JUST £24. PRE-BOOK £9 PER EVENT, OR £10 ON THE DAY

• Spot prizes
• Goody bags (including discount vouchers for top outdoor stores)
• £1 of every entry goes to the Britsh Heart Foundation
• After race refreshments (included in entry fee)
  
• Poles available for hire (please pre-book)

Nordic walking taster sessions available

For more information & an entry form contact ANDY POLLARD on nordiclakesidewalks@hotmail.co.uk or call 07790226115

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New to Nordic walking? Here’s some basic information intended to allow you to lay an informed, balanced base of knowledge on which to build your Nordic walking experience.

“Nordic walking”, or fitness walking with specially designed poles, is becoming one of the fastest growing fitness trends all around the globe. In recent years it has taken much of Europe by storm and is now rapidly gaining legions of enthusiastic participants world-wide. If you are interested in giving this total body exercise version of walking a try there are a few things you need to know to make your entry into the Nordic walking community in an intelligent and informed way.

The History

Nordic skiers may have used their ski poles for off-season training perhaps as far back as the days when Nordic skiers, like hikers, used only a single pole. Ski-bounding or ski-striding with a pair of poles has certainly been an essential part of off-season training for any serious competitive Nordic skier for decades.

Although the European Nordic walking community generally asserts that fitness walking with poles as a unique exercise form began with its introduction in Finland in 1997, others credit an American pole walking innovator and creator of Exerstride Method Nordic walking - ‘Tom Rutlin’, with being the “founding father of Nordic walking”. David Downer, author of Nordic Walking Step By Step - www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com - asserts that...

"As a form of exercise in its own right and completely detached from skiing, hiking and trekking, the activity of fitness walking using specially designed poles was pioneered in the U.S. by cross-country skier and certified ski coach Tom Rutlin in 1985".

The undisputable fact is that this relatively new total body exercise hybrid of walking and cross-country or “Nordic” skiing is deeply rooted in an off-season ski training technique long practiced by Nordic skiers all around the globe.

How it Works (why more and more people are walking with poles)

It's much easier to understand why people so many people are adding poles to their fitness walking when you get a first-hand feel for how it works. It takes just a few seconds if you follow these four simple steps:

1. Sit in a chair facing a table or desk and extend both arms out as if offering them for a friendly handshake. (If you’re reading this while sitting at your computer, raise your hands off of your computer keyboard and mouse reach out on each side of your keyboard)

2. Make two fists and place them on the desk or table top with your thumbs up.

3. Finally, sit upright and alternately press one fist, then the other into the desk repeatedly.

4. Feel how a strong wave of muscle contractions goes through your abdominals as well as muscles in your back, arm, shoulder, chest, and important “core strength” muscles each time you push.

As you Nordic walk you’ll do approximately 2,000 similar contractions per mile of all these muscles against resistance as you apply a force to your poles, rather than a desktop, with each stride. Best of all, with Nordic walking, because the work is shared by so many major muscles, you can actually feel like you're working less while accomplishing much more, and with much less risk of injury. Now you may be beginning to understand why so many walkers are stepping up to Nordic walking!

The Benefits

In the same time you might otherwise just walk -- and with little or no additional perceived effort -- you can simultaneously…

* Strengthen abdominal, back, arm, shoulder, chest, leg and all “core” muscles (without separate weight or resistance training!)

* Burn 20-50% more calories

* Improve cardiovascular fitness

* Increase overall stamina and muscle endurance

* Improve lymph system function and boost your immune system

* Reduce pain and injury-causing stress on hips, knees and feet

* Help maintain overall bone density

* Maintain joint health and range of motion

* Improve both your posture and balance

* Enhance both your energy and mood

* Experience a safe, fun and convenient “good use” total body exercise

...(Hey, what’s not to like?)

The gear

To those new to the activity, Nordic walking poles look like nothing more than rubber tipped ski poles – and basically they’re correct. But in the long run it is important that the poles you use be of quality design, materials and features and of a proper length – 68-70% of your overall height is the recommended length of Nordic walking poles.

As with any sporting activity, there is vigorous debate about what type of pole design and what features are best. There are one-piece non-adjustable poles which come in various lengths and are designed to fit a range of user heights, and there are two-piece adjustable models which can be adjusted more precisely to the users’ heights (three-piece poles are designed for trekking and are not well suited for fitness walking for a number of reasons). The advantage of one-piece poles is that they are simple and have no moving parts. The advantage of quality two-piece telescoping adjustable poles is that they can be easily adjusted more precisely to your height and for varying use conditions, they can also be shared by users of different heights, they can “grow” along with growing users, and they are far more convenient for travel. There are high-quality top rated one and two-piece Nordic walking poles -- as well as poor quality poles of both kinds available in today’s marketplace. For a rare independent rating of top walking pole brands go to http://walking.about.com/od/poles/tp/nordicpoles.htm .

Nordic walking pole shafts should be lightweight, strong and stiff and be designed to effectively dampen vibration in order to provide quiet operation and prevent vibration-related injuries. Quality poles shafts may be made of aluminum alloys, carbon fiber, or composites of glass and carbon fibers. As with any exercise equipment, to a certain degree you get what you pay for. Beware of brand X, bargain basement or mass merchandiser offered walking poles (generally manufactured in China with very low performance standards) when it comes to quiet operation, vibration dampening, durability, strength, stiffness and overall quality. Buying poor quality poles can end up being very costly in the event of equipment related failure or injury.

Nordic walking poles all now come with rubber tips or “paws” which are designed to provide a soft, cushioned plant of the poles on any firm, stable, natural or urban paved surfaces. The rubber tips can be removed to expose hardened tungsten carbide steel tips which can be used whenever the rubber tips do not provide adequate traction, or anywhere the walking surface in the city or on the surfaces that are unstable or slippery.

European Nordic walking poles are generally manufactured by long established ski pole manufacturers, and thus include either simple ski pole-like straps or more elaborate strapping systems -- a kind of fingerless glove/strap combination, originally designed for Nordic ski poles. There are also Nordic walking poles with specially designed ergonomic strapless grips which were designed to eliminate the need for straps, the discomfort that straps may cause and to lessen the likelihood of an injury in the event of a fall.

There is vigorous debate on all issues of pole design and features, and the good news for the consumer is that numerous quality options offer you numerous quality choices.

The technique(s)

Again, to “newbie’s”, Nordic walking is obviously a pretty straightforward hybrid of fitness walking and cross-country or “Nordic” skiing. No matter how you use poles, people will ask you if you are training for skiing, have “forgotten your skis” or “are expecting snow”. Don’t worry if you know nothing about Nordic skiing, Nordic walking is not actually much more complicated than just walking. When one walks, the right arm naturally swings forward when the left leg steps forward and it’s the same whether you Nordic ski or Nordic walk. So the good news is that although balancing and gliding on two thin skis – Nordic skiing – can take years to master, if you can walk you can generally master at least the basics of Nordic walking in almost no time.

With a Nordic walking pole of the proper length in each hand (this is why poles of a proper length are essential) one simply swings both the arm and the pole-in-hand forward just as one does while walking. The poles in effect become another set of legs so you’ll need a bit of instruction on how to properly plant and use the poles in a manner that maximizes both the safety and the benefits of the activity. For knowledgeable, quality instruction look for a certified Nordic walking instructor in your area, or you can learn with the aid of the Exerstrider 5-star rated instructional DVD -- see: http://walking.about.com/cs/poles/gr/exerstridervid.htm.

European and American Nordic walking paradigms European Nordic walkers generally refer to the activity as a sport. This is likely because the European technique was designed to closely mimic Nordic skiing. Pole walking pioneer Marko Kantaneva of Finland, worked with Finnish ski pole manufacturer Exel, to develop their original Nordic Walker® (from which the generic term “Nordic walking” was derived) poles (introduced in 1997), as well as the original European technique and training programs which Exel’s International Nordic Walking Association (INWA) introduced to Finland and later much of Europe.

Marko’s original “Sauvakävely” (Finnish for pole walking) technique, which he developed while studying and working at the Finnish Sports Institute at Vierumaki (1994 –1997), involved planting each pole with the elbow in a right angle position. The elbow joint was then opened as force was applied to the poles and the straightened the arm then passed beyond the torso and the grip of the pole was released just as it would be in Nordic skiing. (It is for this reason that the Europeans assert that straps are an essential feature of Nordic walking poles.) True to its sporting genes, European Nordic walking promotes the notion of increasing tempo and stride length as a central means of increasing its exercise effects.

Over the years since the introduction of Marko Kantaneva’s original “Sauvakävely” method of Nordic walking, something of a hybrid European technique which features an extended arm pole plant (likely influenced by Tom Rutlin’s extended “handshake” pole plant) has gained wide favor as many Nordic walkers have discovered that an extended arm pole plant more efficiently activates the core and other large upper body muscle than does the right angle pole plant. This hybridized European technique involves a resulting very long range of motion of the arms, as the arm is both extended in front of the body and still moves behind the torso as the grip of the pole is released at the end of the swing. This very long range of motion of the arms requires the correspondingly long stride that characterizes the Euro-hybrid version of Nordic walking. Because the biomechanics of both European methods of Nordic walking have more in common with Nordic skiing than they do with ordinary fitness walking it can, for many people, require an extended learning curve and instruction is generally offered in numerous sessions.

Tom Rutlin, developed his original “Exerstride Method” Nordic walking technique beginning in 1985, and he introduced the first specially designed poles with rubber tips for fitness walking in 1988 (before the term Nordic walking was coined to describe fitness walking with specially designed poles). His goal was to make fitness walking with poles as safe, simple and natural as walking while at the same time maximizing the health and fitness benefits of the upper body involvement through the poles. Rutlin does not refer to his version of Nordic walking as a “sport”, but rather as a “functional fitness-building activity”. His version emphasizes a comfortable, natural walking tempo and stride length aimed at preserving the natural and extremely safe nature of walking. Instead of increasing walking tempo and stride length in order to increase the exercise effects of his method of Nordic walking, his extended “handshake” pole plant was designed to bring about the involvement of the maximum amount of muscle mass, and the emphasis is on increasing the amount of force applied to the poles rather than the speed of walking in order to maximize the overall benefits. The shorter, more natural stride length accompanies a shorter range of motion of the arms, which do not pass behind the torso. Because the poles do not pass beyond the torso and the grips are not released, Rutlin’s poles feature an ergonomic strapless grip which is at this point unique to his Nordic walking poles.

The European method might be characterized as Nordic skiing minus skis, while Rutlin’s “Exerstride Method” Nordic walking version might be accurately characterized as fitness walking with the addition of poles designed especially for this new activity.

Which equipment design and technique is best?

There is no such thing as “best” in choosing techniques or equipment design for Nordic walking. Since Nordic walkers come in all ages, abilities and health and fitness goals, what is best for each given their ability, goals, attitude and approach to exercise is a matter that should be subject to individual choice. Now that you are armed with some knowledge about the options available to Nordic walkers it will be up to you to decide which of the available equipment and technique options will be best for you in achieving your health and fitness goals.

Any pair of quality Nordic walking poles can be used for any of the dominant Nordic walking techniques/paradigms, and any way you use poles after receiving instruction from a person qualified in either of the European or Exerstride method of Nordic walking, you’ll find walking will be a far more fun, interesting, motivating and health and fitness results-producing.

As a general rule, if you like to see yourself as an athlete in training, you might be more drawn to one of the European version of Nordic walking. If you’re simply more interested in improving your functional fitness and turning your walking workouts into a more motivating, effective and time-efficient total body exercise you may find Rutlin’s Exerstride method of Nordic walking more suited to you. A growing number of open minded members of the global Nordic walking community regularly draw from all versions of Nordic walking in order to both make their Nordic walking more interesting and to enjoy a full spectrum of benefits that may only be realized when one uses different methods to, in effect, “cross-train”.

Ask people all around the globe who are already Nordic walking and they will very likely agree on at least one thing for certain…If you haven’t tried Nordic walking yet you should give this new total body version of walking a try very soon!

Disclosure: This article is reproduced with the permission of www.exerstrider.com

Exerstrider wishes to be the first to fully acknowledge that despite their best attempt to be as fact-based and objective as possible in writing the piece -- it reflects both facts and what others will see as opinions offered through their own lens.

To this point there has been very little written aimed at providing this kind of comprehensive, useful introductory information on Nordic walking, intended to aid “newbie’s” and the curious in making their entrance into the community of Nordic walkers, in a way that even attempts to be objective.

If you feel that this piece does not serve potential newcomers to Nordic walking in a manner that is both informative and objective enough to suit you – We would welcome it if you were to offer up your own piece in the same spirit of being both informative and as objective as possible in service to others.

Labels: Nordic Walking; Exerstide; Exerstrider; Tom Rutlin; Marko Kantaneva; David Downer; Nordic Walking Step by Step'; Newbie's Guide to Nordic Walking

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Back in 1985 an American from Wisconsin, Tom Rutlin, began pioneering a concept that would eventually evolve into the physical activity that we know today as Nordic Walking (definition: Fitness walking with two specially designed poles'). In 1988 Tom launched the world's first fitness walking poles under the brand name 'Exerstrider'. In 1992 Tom released a training video demonstrating his Exerstride (Nordic Walking) technique. Today, 16 years on, Tom has just re-released that original (1992) training video on the popular internet video website - YouTube.

Tom hopes that his video will serve Nordic walkers around the globe as an introduction to his 'Exerstride' Nordic Walking technique.

Tom says...

"In 1992 I made my first instructional video to distribute along with each pair of poles I sold. From 1988 until that time, those new to Exerstriding had only my early printed instruction manual to use as a learning tool. Having struggled a great deal attempting to learn to Nordic ski with only the aid of a few illustrated books on the subject back in the 70s, as soon as I could afford to buy what was at the time a "high tech" video recorder, I enlisted the help of my brother-in-law (a photographer) and we put together this rather crudely produced video."

Tom goes on to say: "I think it holds up quite well for a 16 year old video. As you will see (if you are already familiar with Tom's method), very little has changed in terms of the technique I have advocated since 1988."

These are great videos both for their instructional and historical value. Tom has put the video up in two parts (because You Tube has a 10 minute limit).

Here are the all important links:

Part 1 can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWKqAYw2r0g

Part 2 at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idQ_Ioi1NVc

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Would you like to train as a Nordic Walking instructor or Nordic Walking Guide? Do you live in North America or are you prepared to travel there? Would you like to take in some wonderful California sunshine during the run up to Christmas? If your answers are yes to these questions then the following information may be of interest to you!

From Friday 5th - Sunday 7th December, in Los Angeles, California; ANWA (American Nordic Walking Association) are running what they are promoting as “the highlight of the 2008 Nordic Walking season” - A weekend that brings together, for the first time at one event, two ANWA Master Coaches - Gottfried Kürmer (flying from Austria exclusively for this event!) and ANWA Founder and Master Coach Bernd Zimmermann, in addition to a variety of specialized trainers.

The training opportunities on this weekend include:

ANWA "Get Started - Guide" Workshop Saturday, Dec. 6th from 9AM - 1PM.

ANWA Basic Instructor Certification Seminar Saturday, Dec. 6th from 9AM - 6PM.

ANWA Advanced Instructor Certification Seminar Saturday Dec. 6th from 2PM - 6PM + Sunday Dec. 7th from 9AM - 1PM.

ANWA Professional Instructor Certification Seminar Friday Dec. 5th from 2PM - 6PM + Saturday Dec. 6th from 9AM - 6PM + Sunday Dec. 7th from 9AM - 1PM.

To learn more about ANWA visit: http://anwa.us/ . To learn more about ANWA’s instructor training opportunities visit the ‘Become an Instructor’ page.

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“ I started Nordic Walking for an hour session on and along the beach twice a week with my instructor David Downer and a group of friends as more of a social activity than an exercise class. However I have only been doing the Nordic Walking sessions for 5 weeks and I have already lost a stone in weight and I have not changed my eating habits at all!

Having suffered Heart Surgery and a damaged neck and shoulder from a very young age, I have always been limited in the activities that I am able to do and have struggled with any form of cardio exercise. However I have found Nordic Walking both fun and easy to manage and am beginning to see the benefits.

I have even been out and bought my own set of poles! I would recommend Nordic Walking to anyone and everyone looking for a form of exercise that not only burns calories and tones your body but also get you outside in the fresh air and leaves you feeling invigorated at the end of the session.

David is a fantastic teacher who explains the techniques in a simple and user friendly way and also offer encouragement and support every step of the way. I intend to keep Nordic Walking – I hope you do too.”

Nicola Foote
Bournemouth
England

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Following much speculation about the state of play at INWA following the end of their commercial funding agreements with Exel & Polar and hot on the heels of the recent INWA International conference in the Netherlands comes the following INWA Press Release.

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release

International Nordic Walking Association (INWA) has now 22 country members INWA held its annual conference this year in Egmond aan Zee in Holland. The conference emphasized INWA’s key role in Nordic Walking education and promotion of Nordic Walking worldwide. Delegates from over 20 member countries recognized that Nordic Walking is poised for another significant development. Partnership was a key theme and topic of discussion as INWA recognizes the need to work with other organizations to take Nordic Walking to the next level. This was evident with presentations at the conference from educational leaders from other Nordic Walking associations.

Aki Karihtala, President of INWA, said; “INWA, the largest Nordic Walking Association in the world has now 22 country members and representatives in over 40 countries. The membership of INWA continues to grow. We are delighted to announce the inclusion of
North America and the return of the most active Nordic Walking country Germany, who are
both launching new INWA educational programs this year. In U.K. we restructured our
operations and the new developments are very good. Countries who also joined INWA
recently are Korea, New Zealand, Latvia and Andorra. We estimate that nowadays the
population of Nordic Walkers worldwide is around 8-9 million. Our near future activities
especially in North America, which represents the greatest growth potential for Nordic
Walking, may increase this number rapidly. This gives INWA and Nordic Walking a bright
and exciting future”

Nordic Walking spreads through the partnership of INWA and TAFISA

INWA used their annual convention in Holland also to deepen its partnership with TAFISA.
This partnership heralds a new era for Nordic Walking and INWA, and is a step closer to
INWA’s goal of making Nordic walking accessible for all. This co-operation gives INWA and
Nordic Walking international recognized status throughout the world. While this co-operation
promotes the great fitness activity of Nordic Walking as a sport for all, INWA will dedicate
itself to being a purely educational entity focusing on the furtherance of the Nordic Walking
technique, safety, variety, and specialty programs.

TAFISA operates in 132 countries worldwide and is a partner of of WHO (World Health
Organization), IOC (International Olympic Committee) UNESCO (United Nations Educational
and scientific and Cultural Organization) and ICSSPE (International Council of Sports Science
and Physical Education).

October 17th 2008
For further information please contact
info@inwa.nordicwalking.com

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NORDIC WALKING PROTOCOL

The Nordic Walking Protocol is constructed in two parts: Safety Rules/ Nordic Walking Etiquette and Guiding Principles.

Criteria concerning safety are given the status of rules, as safe walking must have primacy. However, how a competitor walks, and the technique he or she adopts is a matter of personal choice, and this is intentionally left open. The underlying ethos of these principles is to be inclusive and they are therefore designed to allow any viable form of “fitness walking with purpose made poles”.

Safety Rules and Nordic Walking Etiquette

1.Show consideration to your fellow competitors and act as ambassadors for Nordic Walking.
2.Poles should have purpose made rubber “asphalt paws” attached throughout the event and participants should carry a spare pair. (reason – to avoid injury and to aid walking on hard surfaces)
3.Please remember to keep your poles pointing downwards at all times.
4.Except in an emergency, please do not lay your poles on the ground during the event.
5.If there is a need to change or replace asphalt paws, please move to the side of the course, and take great care when working on your poles.
6.When taking fluids, or food, by all means free one pole but carry it close to the body.
7.Poles can be of any type or manufacture provided that they are fit for purpose, and may be of one piece, or adjustable design. Home made poles may not be safe, or effective, and are therefore not acceptable.

Guiding principles

1.WALKING This special event category is primarily a walking category, so each participant must maintain one foot in contact with the ground throughout. (reason – to prevent running)
2.WALKING This event category does not envisage the use of roller blades, as in Nordic Blading. (reason – it’s a walking event)
3.POLES Participants are expected to use two poles continuously throughout the event, except when taking fluids or refreshments or in an emergency. (reason – it’s a Nordic Walking event)
4.POLES Poles can either have demi gloves (straps) or be strapless (reason – to allow the adoption of any pole walking technique)
5.TECHNIQUE The competitor is asked to adopt a viable Nordic Walking style. However, there is NO control over the style actually adopted; wall call upon your sense of fairness!

FAQ

Q - I have a pair of poles where, by design, the end spike protrudes slightly through the asphalt paw. Is this acceptable?

A – Yes. However, modifying paws by inserting screws, studs or the like, is not acceptable.

Q - Race walking – is this an acceptable approach?

A – Yes, race walkers are welcome provided they use their poles as an integral and effective part of a viable Nordic Walking style.

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK in Collaboration with David Downer, owner of Nordic Walking News

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Further to the 'Big Story' post on Monday (July 28th). I now have further details from NWUK. My thanks to the management at NWUK for giving me permission to post this information on this Blog. Although I have been privy to it for a few days, it has been held back to allow NWUK instructors (to whom it is addressed) to have access to it first. Emails were sent out to NWUK instructors earlier this week.

The article was written by Martin Christie, NWUK's Head of Training & Education

Dear NWUK Instructor

For the past 18 months there has been a huge amount of work and effort that has been going on behind the scenes to prepare Nordic Walking UK for the next stage of developing Nordic walking in the UK. As a national training organisation we recognised the importance of making sure we stayed in line with the demanding standards within the UK. Learning from the experiences of the fitness industry over the past five years, understanding the diverse backgrounds from which our instructor came and the extensive markets to which Nordic walking was being adapted, Nordic Walking UK Ltd employed the highly experienced services of Santé Solutions to assist in the future development of the Nordic Walking Instructor training & support programme...

...We recognised that essential expertise required to take this next big step lay outside of the existing management team. From the outset, Santé Solutions shared a vision and mission to establish the most professional Nordic Walking training company in the world; together, we wanted to make sure there was clarity to both the instructors and the consumer, particularly as to qualifications within our UK industry.

As many of you will know, I spent a huge amount of time and effort establishing Nordic Walking UK as the only REPs (Register of Exercise Professionals) accredited Nordic Walking Instructor course, allowing those with fitness qualifications to attain 16 CPD points. Nordic Walking UK, under the new management of Santé Solutions, is now moving to another level again and with our combined expertise, is working with REPs to apply a much clearer structure of qualifications. This will not affect your existing accreditation or training and Nordic Walking UK has accommodated these to fit within the new structure.

Due to the requests from many instructors, PCTs, Local Authorities and health clubs requiring more support to help promote the benefits of Nordic walking, Santé Solutions, under the brand name of Nordic Walking UK, has developed a complete range of additional courses and support programmes. You will see on the new website, http://www.nordicwalking.co.uk/, how this will help instructors from all backgrounds access new and different markets. Nordic Walking UK has also established a voluntary Code of Practice to distinguish its instructors from others and the new marketing Tool Kit provides one the most advanced business support tools ever seen in the leisure industry.

Since launching Nordic walking in the UK in 2003, Nordic Walking UK has worked with INWA in the delivery of instructor training programmes. INWA provided the instructor manual while I then wrote and developed the programmes in the UK. With no developments from INWA on the manual or developmental courses since 2005, Nordic Walking UK with Santé Solutions has taken its own huge strides to ensure rising standards.

Nordic Walking UK has now, therefore, moved away from delivering the INWA course. With INWA also came the requirement to use Exel Nordic walking equipment. Without influence now from Europe, Nordic Walking UK is able to advise on a number of different manufacturers of poles and is even working with a new company to develop a completely new range. This doesn’t exclude Exel and, personally, I very much value the work done in the past by Exel and INWA. We can now, however, look forward and concentrate on the requirements of the UK and Nordic Walking UK Instructors.

Some of you may have received a communication from Karen Ingram or Catherine Hughes who delivered some of our instructor courses. Now that Nordic Walking UK has now moved away from delivering the INWA course, Karen and Catherine have taken over the mantel for INWA in the UK. Nordic Walking UK wishes them every success in their vision of not-for-profit Nordic walking activity promotion.

The changes occurring within Nordic Walking UK should only have positive results for Nordic walking instructors. If relevant for those looking to work abroad, however, previously gained INWA qualifications remain valid.

On a final note, and for those who know me personally, I am saddened that Francis, with whom I have worked for five years, has decided not to move forward with the new Nordic Walking UK. Francis will concentrate on his position as a board member of INWA and I very much wish him well in this international role.

Please do take time to explore all the benefits of the new website and the new Nordic Walking UK – this is just the beginning!

Kind regards

Martin Christie