Nordic Walking News

Euro Alps Nordic Walking Tour 2012

2011-09-23T01:30:00.002-08:00

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In June this year Maree & Patrick of Nordic Academy (Australia) took two groups of enthusiastic Nordic Walkers to Europe, for a Nordic Walking holiday in the Austrian Alps. Everyone had a fantastic time so they are going to do it all over again in 2012.

If you would like to join Maree & Patrick you have the option of two dates:

22nd June – 1st July 2012
6th July – 15th July 2012

Whether you are already a Nordic Walker or whether you're just about to start enjoying Nordic Walking, this tour might just be `the thing' for you.

For more info visit: http://bit.ly/euroalpstour

David Downer

5km Nordic Walk for Children in Need

2011-09-23T01:22:00.001-08:00

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If you are within easy reach of London UK: On Sunday 2nd of October there is a 5km Nordic Walk at Hyde Park organised by the team from British Nordic Walking (INWA).

The 5km Nordic Walk for Children in Need is a fun challenge for everyone and all ages taking place in Hyde Park, London. All Nordic Walkers are welcome to come along and raise money for "Children in Need."

To register go here: http://bit.ly/hydeparknordicwalk

Just for the record and for members outside of the UK: Children in Need is a huge national fund raising event for (you've guessed it) - children in need. Although fundraising events take place all over the Britain, the really big night is a television extraveganzer on the BBC, where the whole evening is dedicated to one thing "Children in Need" and millions and millions of GB Pounds are pledged by phone by the great British public for the charity.

One of the amazing things is that despite the dire economy we have suffered in recent years and it's getting worse all the time, the British public still donate record sums of money each year!

Please promote this on your social media pages e.g. facebook / twitter etc.

WHAT: 5Km Nordic Walk for Children in Need
WHEN: Sunday 2nd October 2011
WHERE: Hyde Park, London, UK
TIME: 9am Start
DISTANCE: 5 Km
COST: £10

To register go here: http://bit.ly/hydeparknordicwalk

David Downer
Blog Owner
Author: Nordic Walking step by Step

Robin Hood Half Marathon Welcomes Nordic Walkers

2011-07-25T16:45:00.002-08:00

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Not everyone lining up at the start of the UK based Robin Hood half marathon this year will be planning to run the event on 11th September 2011.

Along with the thousands of runners who will be taking part in this year's iconic Nottingham race, a record number of Nordic Walkers will be planning to swing their poles around it too.

The Nordic Walkers will be travelling from far and wide to get to Nottingham to see if they can beat the current course record for a Nordic Walker of two hours 54 minutes –a time set last year by Bronya Glet, a GP practice manager from Boston, Lincolnshire. This year, her record may come under threat from local Nordic Walkers, as well as a team from south Wales who are coming to the city in a bid to get one over on their English cousins...

They will also be joined by two walkers from the south west, a couple of London-based Brazilians, and two Nordic Walkers who are coming all the way from New Zealand specially to take part.

The Robin Hood half marathon is one of the few big UK events that allows Nordic Walkers to compete alongside runners. Nottingham-based Catherine Hughes, director of British Nordic Walking, arranged back in 2006 for walkers to be able to take part.

She says: “Nordic Walkers start right at the back of the pack, then gradually overtake the tail-end runners. They are particularly fast going up the hills on the course where the slower runners walk."

The first Nordic Walker has so far always been a woman, so as well as the Welsh versus English battle, there is also a chance for a man to claim the title for the first time.

British Nordic Walking will be offering Nordic walkers a free technical t-shirt if they enter and notify them 4 weeks before the event.

To enter go to www.experianfestivalofrunning.co.uk

Thank you

Catherine Hughes

Director
British Nordic Walking Ltd
www.britishnordicwalking.org.uk

Promote Forthcoming Nordic Walks on the Nordic Walking eCommunity Forum

2011-06-27T04:39:00.004-08:00

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Are you organising or taking part in a forthcoming public Nordic Walking session / walk / event? If so (regardless of where in the world you live) feel free to post brief details on our sister forum at http://www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com

Our Yahoo Groups Nordic Walking eCommunity Forum (founded Jan. 2006), is where Nordic Walking enthusiasts across the world meet online, to communicate and have their Nordic Walking related questions answered.

Members range across the board from complete beginners to some of the "leading innovators and educators" in the world of Nordic Walking. Everyone is very welcome (whether you wish to actively participate or remain in the background)

Simply sign up for FREE access via the "New Member Sign Up" link in the top left corner of the home page at http://www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com

Note: Sorry but no posts are allowed if intended for commercial gain (unless under certain circumstances with my prior approval). However if you are involved commercially in Nordic Walking, then when you post in our forum you are welcome to include your website link in your signature, at the end of any post you make.

David Downer
Blog Owner
Author: Nordic Walking Step by Step
http://www.cafepress.com/nordicwalking.77225884

New INWA Nordic Walking Countries Wanted!

2011-06-27T04:27:00.002-08:00

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Re: INWA (International Nordic Walking Association)

I was recently contacted by Marti Soosaar. Marti is from Estonia and is responsible for finding new countries for INWA (International Nordic Walking Association) to expand into.

Marti is therefore interested in making new Nordic Walking contacts in non-INWA countries, with the view to establishing an INWA presence. If anyone can help, Marti can be contacted via:

Email: marti @ firmsport.ee

David Downer
Blog Owner
Author: Nordic Walking Step by Step
http://www.cafepress.com/nordicwalking.77225884

World Nordic Walking Day - Update

2011-05-22T08:28:00.007-08:00

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Following a very pleasant lunch out with our family in celebration of my mum's 91st Birthday, I went for a quick blast with my poles along the sea front at Sandbanks, Poole (south coast UK) as my contribution to World Nordic Walking Day...

Enjoyed the wonderful sights of Poole Bay and in the far distance the Purbeck Hills and the famous landmark - "Old Harry Rocks".

Walked as far as the Haven Hotel at Haven Point (the entrance to Poole Harbour - World's second largest natural harbour, after Sydney Australia)...

Note: One of the Hotel's claims to fame (there's a plaque on the side gate) is that Guglielmo Marconi established a wireless transmitter at the Haven in 1899, and carried out some of his first wireless telegraphy experiments from the hotel.

Haven't used my Exerstrider Nordic Walking poles for a while now but today I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. As someone who has usually opted for strapped poles, it feels a little strange to start with not having the straps but I soon got into my stride and enjoyed the experience. Great quality poles.

My walk lasted almost an hour. Not so many people on the beach front today - turned out slightly overcast and blustery. But it certainly blew out the cobwebs after quite a filling lunch.

David Downer
Author: Nordic Walking Step By Step
http://www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com

** Check out our Yahoo Groups Nordic Walking eCommunity Forum "Here" and check out what other Nordic Walkers did to celebrate World Nordic Walking Day.

Ministry Of Silly Nordic Walks

2011-05-17T13:29:00.009-08:00

Sorry Marko - Couldn't resist this one....

Original European Pole Walking pioneer Marko Kantaneva (originally from Finland, now residing in Estonia, demonstrating a very unusual Nordic Walking technique.

David Downer
Blog Owner
Author: www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com

World Nordic Walking Day 2011

2011-05-17T12:56:00.007-08:00

World Nordic Walking Day - What a shame this INWA organised event on Sunday (22nd May) isn't better promoted. I wonder what the big secret is? Same happened last year - we found out about it at the last minute...

Anyway - Look - It's World Nordic Walking Day on Sunday (22nd May)! Here is the official INWA website announcement:

http://tiny.cc/jqh6m

If you are interested contact INWA in your country and find out where your nearest organised event is. Failing that why not just go out there with your poles on Sunday and have a Nordic Walk in recognition of World Nordic Walking Day (regardless of your Nordic Walking affiliations.... or not)

Also pop over to our Forum at www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com and let us know what you are going to do to celebrate World Nordic Walking Day and then report back after the event to let us know how you got on!

OK - To get the ball rolling - I will do one of my regular Nordic Walks - along the sea front in my home town of Poole on the south coast of UK. It will probably be a 4 miler. Haven't got time to do more as we have a busy family day on Sunday - We are out and about celebrating my mother's 91st birthday.

David Downer
Forum Owner
Author: http://www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com

2nd International Nordic Walking Conference (Mallorca, Spain)

2011-03-17T07:56:00.004-08:00

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Here is a little more information regarding the 2nd International Nordic Walking Conference to be held in Mallorca, Spain on April 29, 30 and May 1^st.

I now have a website address for the event: www.nordicwalkingoriginal.com/inicio.php?la=es Unfortunately it is in Spanish. Great if you speak the language, not so good if you don't. You may be able to do a Google translation to get more of an idea of what's happening. Apparently there will be people at the conference from a variety of countries, so this is not just a Spanish event.

Alternatively contact the event organiser: José Manuel Fernández email: info@nordicwalkingoriginal.com or contact José via facebook: José Manuel Fernández Molina.

I already mentioned (in the update below) that Tom Rutlin (founder of Exerstride Method Nordic Walking) will be traveling from the US to particiapate. Tom will be running an Exerstride Method Nordic Walking instructional workshop at the event.

Happy Nordic Walking...

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

Nordic Walking News (Update)!

2011-03-16T14:54:00.008-08:00

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Our Sponsors...

This Edition of Nordic Walking News (Update) is Sponsored by "Nordic Walking Step By
Step"!

Written by David Downer this ever popular book has sold in over 60 countries and territories across the world. To find out more and to download the first 4 chapters for Free visit: www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com Nordic Walking Steop By Step is available as a paper back or as downloadable eBook.

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Happy Sixth Birthday!

It's six years ago this month (March 2005) that I launched my very first Nordic Walking publication. It was called Nordic Walking News and it was the forerunner to this Blog.

The original Nordic Walking News was a monthly web based newsletter.

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A Recipe For Nordic Walkers

One of the popular features of the original Nordic Walking News was the recipe of the month (called Josette's Kitchen. It's been a long time but I thought I do another recipe. The difference today however, is that I now have the technology to offer up a video, which makes it a lot more fun.

So check out the video of me preparing and cooking a delicious Greek dish called "Skordalia" - Potato & Garlic Mash (accompanied by Pan-Fried Salmon & a Greek Salad).

I hope that Nordic Walkers everywhere (particularly on this forum) will give this dish a try... Enjoy!

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Exerstride Nordic Walking Win UK Deal!

I was delighted to hear the news that Nordic Walking UK (NWUK) are to become the official UK stockist for Tom Rutlin's strapless Exerstrider Nordic Walking poles. Tom is soon to visiting the UK to deliver training in his Exerstride Nordic Walking technique to Nordic Walking UK instructors.

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Nordic Walking Holiday in the Alps

Our friends Patrick & Maree from Nordic Academy in Australia have contacted me to let me know that they still have a couple of places available, on what I am sure is going to be another fantastic Nordic Walking holiday in Europe this coming June.

The 10 day holiday will include walks in Austria, Switzerland, Germany and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

For Details: http://tiny.cc/5m5ty

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Kidney Research Walk On Sunday (Next) 20th March (UK)

UK based Nordic Walkers within traveling distance of Peterborough, may be interested in this charity Nordic Walking event in aid of Kidney Research which takes place next Sunday:

Date: Sunday 20th March 2011

Time: 10:00

Location: Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough

http://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/events/detail/walking/1136/nordic-walking

Thanks to Sue Burnett from the British Nordic Walking Federation Steering Group for this information.

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UK & European Based Nordic Walking Challenges (Races)

Thanks to Nordic Walking eCommunity Forum Co-Moderator Ian Holloway for the following information.

The Lakeland Trail Events welcome Nordic Walkers as part of the "Challenge Races" and these are fantastic events with superb organisation and a great atmosphere. See www.lakelandtrails.org for details.

Jon Monks of Shepherds Walks, in the North of England, are offering two Marathons this year. The first is a Coastal Walk and the second is around the Kielder Reservoir. Neither are out and out races but you know what happens when a couple of competitors meet up! See: www.shepherdswalks.co.uk

If you really want to test your poles then have a look at the Lochalsh Dirty 30 website. Again, this is not billed as a race but walkers, runners and polersv really "go for it". See: www.lochalsh-trails.co.uk

Europe seems to have many International Races ranging from distance events, hill climbs and winter events. "Google" Martin Epp(s) to see him in action on the Austrian Championship Race and on hill climbs.

Note From The Editor: The Spanish Island of Mallorca is the venue April 29 & 30 and May (1st) for the 2nd International Nordic Walking Conference. If you are interested in finding out more contact José Manuel Fernández info@nordicwalkingoriginal.com or contact José via facebook:
José Manuel Fernández Molina. Tom Rutlin & Marko Kantaneva are scheduled to attend this event.

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Nordic Walking eCommunity (Forum)

Have you visited our forum recently? If not (or you have yet to join), visit: www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com The eCommunity Forum was founded in January 2006 and has a membership of over 900 Nordic Walking enthusiasts.

Happy Nordic Walking

David Downer
Editor

Skordalia - Potato and Garlic Mash

2011-03-08T13:33:00.004-08:00

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It's six years ago this month (March 2005) that I launched my very first Nordic Walking publication. It was called Nordic Walking News and it was the forerunner to this Blog.

The original Nordic Walking News was a monthly web based newsletter. One of the popular features was the recipe of the month.

Well it's been a long time but I thought I do another recipe. The difference today however, is that I now have the technology to offer up a video, which makes it a lot more fun.

So here we go with a video of me preparing and cooking a delicious Greek dish called "Skordalia" - Potato & Garlic Mash (accompanied by Pan-Fried Salmon & a Greek Salad).

I hope that Nordic Walkers everywhere will like to give this dish a try... Enjoy!

David Downer
Blog Owner

Ice Treads - Ice Grips For Shoes

2011-02-02T11:41:00.011-08:00

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Ice Treads - Ice Grips For Shoes

I have a product recommendation for you today...

Ice Treads - Ice Grips For Shoes fit over your outdoor shoes so that you have significantly more grip when Nordic Walking or just plain ordinary walking on icy roads, pavements and paths.

See: http://www.ice-gripsforshoes.co.uk

This terrific little product has sold extensively in the UK during the recent severe weather conditions.

Ice Treads - Ice Grips For Shoes are available for just 12.50 GBP a pair (including postage) within the UK. For overseas enquiries email: admin @ www.ice-gripsforshoes.co.uk

Ice Treads - Ice Grips For Shoes come in two sizes, to fit UK shoe sizes 2 - 6 and 7 - 11 (for overseas shoe size comparisons "Click Here"

Note: Ice Treads - Ice Grips For Shoes have sold on QVC Shopping Channel for 19 GBP a pair. Another shopping channel sold out of Ice Treads during a recent broadcast at an amazing 29 GBP a pair! 19.00 GBP a pair versus 12.50 (including UK postage and packing). Or 29.00 GBP a pair versus 12.50 (including UK postage and packing). Which would you prefer?

Don't forget we had tretcherous weather conditions throughout the UK last February and February is nearly upon us again! As I write I have just received a telephone call telling me that snow is again falling in the North of Scotland! So will the rest of the UK be badly hit again with snow and ice like we were last February? I'm glad I've got my Ice Treads - Just in case!

Ice Treads are one of those products that you may only need very occasionally e.g once or twice a year but when you do need them, they are invaluable - If you don't have Ice Treads when the snow and ice comes "Murphy" is probably going to conspire against you being able to buy a pair in time, when you need them most!

Order your Ice Treads - Ice Grips For Shoes today (while stocks last) at: www.ice-gripsforshoes.co.uk

David Downer
Blog Owner
Author: http://www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com

Nordic Walking and sport

2010-10-23T05:27:00.004-08:00

Preamble

This particular article appeared previously in Nordic Walking News but I have re-published as this question may well be topical once again. Readers should be aware that this is very much a personal view. Some of the links are now out of date and certain Nordic Walking organisations may well have shifted their educational policy. However, I still stand by the thrust of what I have written.

Nordic Walking and sport

I pose two questions:

Question 1: Is Nordic Walking a sport?
Question 2: Is question one relevant?

My answer to the first is no! and my answer to the second is yes!

Nordic Walking expressed as a sport

Examination of a number of the Nordic Walking “establishment” websites reveals terminology such as “Nordic Walking belongs to a wider concept called Nordic Fitness Sports”(1) and “Nordic walking is primarily an endurance sport”(2). I have also encountered the terms “open-air leisure sport”, “wellness sport” and “health sport” during my research for this article. (my italics)

On the one hand, I suspect that organisations use the word sport in order to imbue the activity with a degree of charisma, a sense of allure and an association with athleticism. In much the same way, a sports car is seen as being more dynamic and attractive than a humble family hatchback (even though there is no gain in its function as a vehicle). I believe it is do with image, a matter of “spin”.

On the other hand, I suspect that the word sport is used as a convenient handle for virtually any activity that involves purposeful human movement. As such, it’s a collective noun which is used in a very laissez faire manner.

Whichever condition prevails, I believe that the use of the word, and the image it conjures, is detrimental to the further mass popularisation of Nordic Walking.

A categorical perspective

Without doubt, the concept of sport is hard to define and it is not my intention to stray far into that territory here. However, examination of some of the literature reveals a number of common characteristics of the enterprise known as sport: it is governed by rules, is practised formally and, most importantly, is competitive. Intrinsically, Nordic Walking does not fit any of these criteria.

Of course, Nordic Walking, as with any other form of human propulsion, can be practised in a “sporting context” and thus becomes sport owing to context and intent. A similar thing happens with running. Running, in itself, is not a sport. It can be said that there is a continuum, where at one end running is simply a means of human locomotion whilst at the other end, where running takes place competitively on an athletics track, it takes on the mantel of sport. (Interestingly, there are some sociologists who maintain that athletics is distinct from sport, but we shall not enter that labyrinth here!)

If not a sport, then what……?

By way of a definition, I would contend that Nordic Walking is a form of active recreation – specifically, a form of exercise. It requires no further elaboration.

But, surely, it’s just a harmless word?

Above I suggested that the use of the word sport, with its associations of “high performance”, may hamper progress of the widespread adoption of Nordic Walking, especially in the quest to reach the least active. I draw many of my conclusions from guidance and data obtained from various reports published by the UK government agency, Sport England . (3) Whilst the statistics pertain only to England (not the whole of the UK) I think that it is reasonable to suggest that the trend illustrated applies to most industrialised nations.

As part of the “Active People Survey”(4) conducted in 2005/06 it was recorded that only 21 % of the adult population aged 16 and over (8.5 million) take part regularly in sport and active recreation. Of course, we would more than welcome this segment to take part in Nordic Walking, but from a purely national health perspective these people are already part of the solution and not part of the problem.

28.4% of adults (11.5 million) have built some exercise into their lives, but accept could do more.

However, most critically 50.6% of adults (20.6 million) do not regularly take part in any moderate intensity sport or active recreation. Sport England points out that many health care professionals take the view that the very word “sport” and all its associations may be a deterrent to many in this category.(5)

Furthermore, another feature of the UK (and probably most other developed nations) is its ageing population. It is estimated that by 2020 almost half of the UK population will be over 50 years old. Though chronologically older, attitudinally many older people “act young”. (Be mindful that Mick Jagger recently celebrated his 65th birthday!) The implications for participation in physical activity for this group are enormous. As part of its policy, Sport England expressly recommends avoiding using the word “sport” in connection with this particular segment.(6)

Whilst many Nordic Walking organisations claim that the activity is “for everyone”, they then proceed to put up barriers to those who would benefit most from taking part. Of course, whilst the removal of those barriers will not in itself open the flood gates to mass participation, I do believe it’s a necessary precondition.

At sport level

The INWA organises its teaching procedure around three “levels”, namely health, fitness and sport. (7) Furthermore, I have also seen an elaboration of this by a member association which incorporated the concept of “progression” between these levels. The implication that could be inferred here is that the individual moves from the “mere” health level, via “fitness” to eventually come to the excellence of “sport”. Whilst this may not be the intention behind this concept I suggest that many will interpret it as being so.

I take the view that the bedrock of Nordic Walking (in any of its guises) needs to be “functional fitness”. This can be defined as a common sense approach to exercise designed to foster and sustain lifelong wellness and to prolong physical independence.

Of course, everyone must begin by learning the basics of their chosen technique(s) simply to provide the tools of the trade. However, functional fitness does not need to be broken down into a hierarchy.

Needless to say, any individual who cultivates a high performance mindset and wishes to go beyond their “optimum” of functional fitness is free to do so. By the same token, any individual who wishes to use Nordic Walking as a means of training for a particular sport is also free to do so and is able to adopt some highly demanding procedures (Nordic Walking on hills, interval techniques, double poling, running with poles etc.). However, these developments are not part of some “essential continuum” but are simply adaptations or extensions of the core activity.

What about Volkssport?

Paradoxically, there is one particular instance where the usual associations inherent in sport are substantially absent, and that is Volkssport, or Peoples’ Sport. This concept, which has become popular in the US, embodies the concept of popular, non-competitive, but structured fitness activity. Thus far, the recognised disciplines include walking, swimming, cycling and Nordic skiing, all done in a friendly and enjoyable context. Nordic Walking could fit this practise, and indeed, many of the events held in Germany follow these lines.

Conclusion

Whilst I have urged dispensing with sporting allusions, Nordic Walking should not, however, be portrayed exclusively as a modality for the sedentary or the ageing population. This may only serve to defeat the “object of the exercise” by creating yet another barrier, only this time to those who are already fit.

As a form of accessible and inclusive recreational activity, Nordic Walking can be readily adapted to meet the needs of everyone, regardless of age, ability, social group, ethnicity or fitness level. In upholding as its core characteristic the concept of functional fitness, the enterprise can provide an enduring and sustainable exercise methodology.

References:

(1) The INWA website at http://nfis.verkkopolku.com
(2) The website of the German Nordic Walking Union at http://nwunion.de
(3) Sport England is the central government agency in the UK responsible for advising, investment and the promotion of community sport to create an active nation.
(4) The “Active People Survey” was carried out by Ipsos MORI on behalf of Sport England in 2005/06 and is claimed to be the largest such survey ever undertaken.
(5) From the Sport England report “Best Value through sport – The value of sport to the health of the nation”.
(6) From the Sport England publication “Understanding participation in Sport: What determines participation among recently retired people.
(7) The INWA website

Malcolm Jarvis

International Nordic Walking Social Club Event

2010-08-14T01:50:00.006-08:00

As Co- Editor I am delighted to confirm that Nordic Walking News supports the:
Nordic Walking Social Club

The club was established last year by UK resident, John Adler. Please visit John’s site at:

http://www.wix.com/adler30/nordic-walking-social-club

Latest News – posted on August 14th 2010

Following the success of the Chatsworth event in May, the next event will take place on Sunday 10 October 2010. The location will be somewhere scenic in central England. Details will be confirmed shortly. Start time is likely to be around 11am finish around 5pm with a pub lunch stop along the way. The event is free and open to both experienced walkers and those completely new to this activity.

Posted by Malcolm Jarvis, co-editor and Nordic Walker - August 14th 2010

What's In a Name - A Personal View

2010-08-09T03:29:00.004-08:00

Please note that this article currently connects to a discussion taking place over on the Nordic Walking eCommunity (as of 8/9 Aug 10). It was originally published on this blog on 23/06/08

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Thus far we have encountered Nordic walking, Nordic pole walking, Ski walking, Exerstride® Method™ Nordic walking, Dryland ski walking, Pole walking, European Method Nordic walking, the American Nordic Walking System and Uncle Tom Cobbly Nordic walking! (I will also add my own favourite sobriquet, namely, Finnish Nordic Walking).

It must surely be the case that many potential participants will be confused about what is on offer?

[For the purposes of this discussion I will continue to use the term Nordic Walking (NW) meaning simply “fitness walking with specially designed poles” and which includes all current variants. I will use the term European Method Nordic Walking for the model which is espoused by the INWA (on a personal note I will add that I find the term is misleading, but it seems to have gained currency). I exclude “trekking” with poles here as I would assert that as such it is not “fitness walking” but “economical walking”.]

A question:

Can the Nordic walking world settle on some simple definitions in order to make life less of a muddle?

If we want to agree that the term “Nordic walking” has now assumed generic status (which some now do) then the INWA would have to be persuaded to share that conclusion. However, the INWA will possibly say that its own founders (Exel Oyj) originally invented the term as a tag for a new commodity, namely a form of fitness walking with poles.

INWA’s initial working definition was “fitness walking with specially designed poles” and this has entered into Nordic walking lore (notwithstanding recent amendments made by the INWA, seemingly to parry a number of alleged “misuses” of its definition). At this point, can I refer you to previous articles written by David Downer on this weblog which explains the origins of Nordic walking (30 Sept 05 and 19 Nov 07).

I feel sure that the INWA will contend that only its model is Nordic walking, simply because its founders invented the term, and it is therefore exclusive. The logic only goes one way, they might say. In other words, Nordic walking is Nordic walking and everything else is everything else. Of course, I feel sure it would probably accept that, say, Exerstriding is most certainly a legitimate pole walking modality (and even the first ) but might go on to say that it does not, of itself, make it Nordic walking, although it is like Nordic walking. As an aside, Exel Oyj should have perhaps registered the name back in 1997 along with that of their poles, “Nordic Walker®”.

It strikes me that the term “Nordic walking” is itself going to sustain an irreconcilable and dysfunctional state of affairs, with no obvious way out – an impasse. Why would the INWA, or its new “partners,” freely abandon its “guardianship of the ideal” when it no doubt sees it as its “right”.

What might our options be?

Turbulent history notwithstanding, we need to move on. As a starter, can we consider that there are, in principle, two main variants of pole walking, i.e. the model as exemplified by the INWA (European Method NW), and Exerstriding? Can any other current styles be classified as being variants in their own right: - e.g. Ski walking or Fittrek, or are these hybrids or developments of one, or both, of the two main forms?

Firstly Exerstriding is a very specific form of pole walking, strongly underpinned by testing and experimentation and its presentation to the world has an almost “missionary” quality. It is winning many friends as it embodies a highly resolved ethos which is uncluttered, direct and honest. Of course, the name Exerstride® therefore needs to feature, unsullied, in any fresh definitions.

The creator of the European variant, Marko Kantaneva has reinvented his technique as “Nordic pole walking” in deference to its pre Exel manifestation, which he called sauvakävely (Finnish for pole walking). It is also verified by a large body of research and testing and a return to its “roots” gives it pristine condition.

Likewise, the owners of Ski walking and Fittrek would surely welcome inclusion in this scenario, along with any other variants currently on stage.

As a possible alternative, should we therefore consider “pole walking” as a generic term in place of “Nordic walking”? I know David Downer has alluded to this in the past. Would that fit everyone? This could lead us to:-

Exerstride® pole walking
Nordic pole walking.
Fittrek pole walking
Ski pole walking

Could INWA accommodate the term “Nordic pole walking”? At least it would “shake hands” with its creator with whom it collaborated very closely in the early days. It would still be upholding “le method” still much liked by many, albeit with a slight shift in title.

A glance at the current Exerstrider web site suggests a predominant use of the words Exerstride® and Exerstrider and only occasional use of “Exerstride® Method Nordic walking”. Am I being naïve to ask if Tom Rutlin could consider a shift away from “Nordic walking” as a term – provided it formed part of a wider, mutually agreed development?

Likewise, could not the owners of both Fittrek and Ski walking (and any other forms I have not mentioned) come to terms with adding pole walking into its title?

Poor old Nordic walking

Agreed, the foregoing would mean that the term Nordic walking is discontinued. We all have become used to it and there are scores of organisations world-wide who include the term in its service/organisational description. However, it now comes with a great deal of unwanted baggage and it strikes me that matters might become clearer if we finally dispense with it altogether. Of course, the word Nordic would still be around for those who hanker after that connection, in the current context of Marko Kantaneva’s Nordic pole walking.

Pie in the sky?

A second enormous question: - could such a rationalisation lead to the forming of a global co-ordinating body with national associations and which could accommodate everyone currently jockeying for position? Would not such co-operation benefit all (and in particular the grass roots – i.e. the people who buy the poles and the tuition). Tom Rutlin has already alluded to this but I think it would be essential to get rid of any dysfunction first, and then everyone could be included.

Can you see it? The Global Congress (or Coalition) of Pole Walkers (to adapt Tom Rutlin’s suggestion) followed by the UK Congress…., the Australian Congress…. etc. The GCPW would be established to serve the whole Nordic walking community (not just teachers), would have proper governance, an elected president (with a fixed term and an ambassadorial function), membership for all and perhaps a foundation for research and development. In our commercial world sponsorship could be included, as with many other “governing bodies” but would take conventional and transparent form and might differ nation to nation.

Lastly – if that’s not enough

Or, is there simply too much at stake? Are things now too entrenched? Has it all gone too far? Am I simply being too naive and fanciful? Quite possibly “yes” to all of these things, but I do feel that the Nordic walking house needs to be rebuilt square if it is to flourish.

This issue has exercised me now for some considerable time and any views would be more than welcome.

A personal view of: Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

Nordic Walking UK Join New World Nordic Walking Federation

2010-07-23T04:32:00.004-08:00

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Stop Press News - From Mike Rollason in the UK!

"Nordic Walking UK (NWUK) are proud to announce that we have now joined the World Nordic Walking Federation (WNWF) and will be providing our full support to help create a professional and credible federation representing all aspects of Nordic & Fitness walking, including those involved in delivering and participants.

We hope that our experience in the outdoor and fitness industry can make a
significant contribution to the already vast knowledge of the three founders of
the WNWF".

Mike Rollason
Director - Nordic Walking UK
www.nordicwalking.co.uk

Note from David: WNWF was established recently by it founders Marko Kanteneva: Tom Rutlin & Mike Gates as an umbrella organisations to "serve" the interests of all Nordic Walking enthusiasts wherever they may live.

David Downer
Author: http://www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com

Three Nordic Walking Legends To Visit UK!

2010-07-23T04:12:00.009-08:00

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Hot off the press from Mike Rollason (Director)Nordic Walking UK) (www.nordicwalking.co.uk

"We're thrilled that in addition to Tom Rutlin's attendance, Marko Kantaneva & Mike Gates have now confirmed that they will be coming to the NWUK instructor conference on the 18th September & British Heart Foundation Walking event on the 19th September.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event on the 19th September in Milton Keynes
to meet these legends and participate in workshops, technique seminars or just
walk with them. Don't forget, this is also a charity event for the British Heart
Foundation and we would ask all attendees make a contribution at the event,

Look forward to meeting you all

Kind Regards

Mike Rollason

This is absolutely HUGE news! What a coup for the UK to be hosting the first
ever meeting of the two biggest legends in our industry Tom Rutlin & Marko
Kantaneva and to get another legend in Mike (Walking Wizard) Gates too -
Amazing!

If you are really serious about Nordic Walking or you are just an ordinary
enthusiasts who likes to support the industry in the best way you can, this if
an opportunity not to be missed!

Wherever you are living in the UK, even if you are living in western Europe this
event is "just down the road" for you. Consider the commitment of these three
industry legends to be there...

- Mike Gates will be flying in from Australia
- Tom Rutlin will be flying in from USA
- Marko Kantaneva will be flying in from Estonia

Start making your travel and accommodation arrangements... and see you there!!

David Downer
Author: www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com

Nordic Walking Magazine

2010-06-18T03:40:00.003-08:00

Summer Issue of Nordic Walking Magazine

Many of you will have received an email from David telling you about the launch of the latest issue of Nordic Walking Magazine (NWMag). For those of you who might have missed that please have a look at the web address given below.

This issue includes articles by Tom Rutlin, Marko Kantaneva, Ian Holloway (one of our forum moderators) plus yours truly.
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There’s also a list of great tips about “Sun Sense” produced by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

For those wanting to know more about the newly announced ‘World Nordic Walking Federation’ there are some details about membership categories.

The September issue is already in train and it will include a sizeable article (already complete) called “Specially Designed Walking Poles – A Primer”. Another fascinating article nearly “ready to go” is about Nordic Walking in a swimming pool – Aqua Nordic Walking. This has been written by one of our longstanding eCommunity forum members Andrea Childerhose, from Germany. Andrea’s article shows the current equipment used – and they are not poles!” We have a further article from Tom Rutlin who shows what can be achieved in a school setting when you have a highly motivated and open minded Phys Ed teacher – a lesson for us all!

So, get yourself a copy and make yourself comfortable.

Malcolm Jarvis Editor Nordic Walking Magazine

http://www.nordicwalkingmagazine.com/

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

2010-06-13T03:00:00.002-08:00

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The purpose of this posting is to announce the launch of a new international Nordic Walking organisation. The uniqueness and importance of this body lies in its mission to serve the “grass roots” community of Nordic Walkers and to act as a catalyst and promoter of this great life enhancing activity. At this juncture only the principles are announced and the details of the structure and membership categories will be progressively unveiled through a variety of online media.

For some considerable time three well known Nordic Walking innovator/educators have been working together to form a pan global Nordic Walking organisation to serve the interests of the whole Nordic Walking community. In some ways this organisation is to be the antithesis of existing industry based groups and its draft constitution is already well developed.

The three individuals concerned are Australian, Michael Gates, Fin, Marko Kantaneva and American, Tom Rutlin. These three individuals have also drawn upon the views of others who are engaged in the Nordic Walking world. However, these individuals see the ongoing development of this organisation being put in train by a larger collective; in other words, whilst they formed the initial idea, the organisation is not theirs.

A name has already been chosen and formally registered; it is: The World Nordic Walking Federation, or WNWF. The term Federation has been purposefully chosen as it is envisaged that the entity would be made up of national bodies (which will have a degree of autonomy to reflect national and cultural interests) and a global board, or presidium, to co-ordinate, the whole.

A mission statement has been written, and is as follows:

WNWF Mission Statement

The mission of the World Nordic Walking Federation is to unite member individuals, organizations and industry partners in educational, research and promotional projects aimed at increasing participation in Nordic Walking and thus creating a critically needed positive impact on public health on every continent around the globe. Our central focus will be on educating, empowering and encouraging people of all ages, abilities and means to enjoy a more active life, and in doing so prevent the onset of many of the epidemic diseases of sedentary living through regular enjoyment of the body, mind and spirit- nurturing benefits of Nordic Walking.

Since service to the expanding Nordic Walking community is the mission of the WNWF, it is proposed that there be created a Board of Servers (as opposed to Board of Directors). While this board will by necessity help direct the early course of the Federation it is intended that a board consisting of those committed to serving the community would underscore the mission of the Federation on the premise that the power of the Federation is derived from serving the grass roots community. To this end, each Server will be expected to make a pledge to the community, as follows:

WNWF Member (Board of Servers) Pledge

As a member (of the Board of Servers ) of the World Nordic Walking Federation, I pledge to place the organization’s mission of service to the Nordic Walking community ahead of my personal and/or professional goals with a full understanding that a united effort fully committed to serving -- rather than exploiting -- the Nordic Walking community through the Federation’s stated mission is what is absolutely essential in order to bring about the maximum life-changing public health impact and participation in this fun, healthy, life-enriching physical activity on a global scale.

Work is currently ongoing to develop the mechanics of the organisation. A domain name has been allocated and a web site is under construction to serve as the focal point for information. At the same time, this weblog and the eCommunity Forum, will also provide updates on development and will also facilitate discussion.

Malcolm Jarvis - Editor: Nordic Walking Magazine

http://www.nordicwalkingmagazine.com

Our Team

2010-05-30T05:19:00.007-08:00

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Our publications would not be possible without the efforts of our "whole" team. So here we introduce the TEAM:

Team portraits

David Downer

David is the owner of this Blog (& all our publications); Publisher of Nordic Walking Magazine; Co-moderator of Nordic Walking eCommunity Forum; Author of Nordic Walking Step by Step.

David has a background in sports and fitness training spanning over 30 years. His sports background includes coaching volleyball, gymnastic trampoling, orienteering and running.

As a fitness trainer his areas of expertise include group exercise; personal training; senior exercise programing; exercise training for people with a disability and outdoor fitness training.

In early 2005 David, who lives in Poole on the south coast of England, trained as an INWA Nordic Walking instructor and founded “Nordic Walking Dorset”. Shortly after, he published his first International online newsletter “Nordic Walking News”. “Nordic Walking eCommunity Forum” followed in 2006, as did his groundbreaking book “Nordic Walking Step by Step”, the first English language Nordic Walking book.

“Nordic Walking Magazine.com” is David’s biggest and most ambitious project to date. He is passionate about serving the worldwide Nordic Walking community and encouraging mutual co-operation between it’s leaders and educators.

Malcolm Jarvis:

Malcolm is the Editor and producer of Nordic Walking Magazine and co-moderator of Nordic Walking eCommunity Forum.

Malcolm’s former career as a lead architect with the City of York Council in England involved many challenges: group leadership, client care, design policy, resource planning and project management. Enjoyable though it was, he decided to retire early in 2005.

Malcolm learned his craft as a Nordic Walker, and then as an instructor at the Yorkshire Nordic Walking School in Ilkley. He discovered, however, that he preferred to research and write about Nordic Walking, rather than teaching it physically. Malcolm is a member of the ACSM Alliance of Health and Fitness Professionals but sees himself as part of the “grass roots” and aims to serve the interests of all Nordic Walkers.

Malcolm currently lives in Leeds, England, with his wife Cecily and spends much of his time researching, studying, writing, and… Nordic Walking.

Co-Moderators - Nordic Walking eCommunity Forum www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com

Nordic Walking eCommunity Forum Co-moderators:

Dafina Nikolovska

Dafina lives and works in Skopje which is the capital of Macedonia and she has been a part of the forum since 2006, making her one of the earliest members. Dafina’s former career was as a university educated English translator and interpreter but after 25 years she decided upon a career change. She is now a wellness coach who has also discovered Nordic Walking and is trying to persuade her fellow Macedonians to share her enthusiasm.

Iain Leiper

Iain is also a long term forum member and was the very first person to take up the moderator role. Iain is based in Dundee, Scotland, and from here he operates as a Nordic Walking instructor, running his own business “Nordic Walking Tayside”. Ian’s first introduction to Nordic Sports in general was with the Royal Marine Arctic Commando where he learned to Nordic Ski and represented his troop at biathlon events.

Norman Trubik

Norm’s first career was as a Solicitor and Barrister in South Australia but he now spends his time as a personal/group fitness trainer, older adults trainer, physical rehab provider and Nordic Polewalking coach. His commitment to health and fitness issues is demonstrated by him having embarked on a further degree (BApplSC) in Human Movement and Health Studies at the University of South Australia, which he expects to complete next year.

Ian Holloway

Ian is a Nordic Walking enthusiast whose personal mission is to encourage people to take up this great activity by writing about his experiences. Ian is a regular contributor to Nordic Walking News Weekly and lives with his family in the North East of England, close to the Scottish border. He began Nordic Walking many years ago as a means of training for Nordic Skiing and is our most recent moderator, having joined in December 2009.

Marek Zalewski

Marek has worked as a radio broadcaster and for the last ten years has been editor of the worldwide news website at Voice of America. Living in Virginia, US, Marek is also owner and editor of the highly respected weblog, Nordic Walking US and has been a contributor and member of the forum since its earliest days. He took on the mantel of joint forum moderator in September 2008.

Visit Marek’s website here. www.nordicwalkingus.com

Ed Urbanski

Ed lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has been a long standing supporter and member of the forum. Ed is a well known and highly respected figure in the world of Nordic Walking and is a certified Exerstrider® instructor and also a Leki trained instructor. A former Nordic Ski racer, runner and Triathlete Ed eventually had to undergo knee surgery. Fortunately he found Nordic Walking which has enabled him to get back to good condition.

Important Update...

2010-05-30T04:55:00.004-08:00

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Dear Nordic Walking Enthusiasts...

Here with a brief update of things.

You may be aware of our recent changes and the decision to focus our attention on:

1) Our new publication "Nordic Walking Magazine" [www.nordicwalkingmagazine.com]
2) Our long standing Forum "Nordic Walking eCommunity being our main communication hub [www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com].

As a result we no longer publish our weekly Newsletter "Nordic Walking News Weekly". The last edition was published at the end of April. Back issues can still be read at: [www.nordicwalkingmagazine.com/newsletter]

Also updates on this Blog will be infrequent.

Edition 1 of Nordic Walking Magazine can be read FREE at: www.nordicwalkingmagazine.com/magazine. Edition 2 will be published June or July. This will also be a FREE edition. Commencing Edition 3 (September 2010), the magazine will become bi-monthly and there will be a cover charge of $2 per issue.

If you haven't checked out our popular eCommunity Forum (or you haven't done so recently) we recommend that you do - There has been a lot of activity on there recently.

Please note: All general Nordic Walking related questions should be posted there, where one of our moderators or members will answer them.

David Downer
Author: Nordic Walking Step by Step
www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com

Important Changes!

2010-02-27T08:01:00.013-08:00

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Dear Fellow Nordic Walking Enthusiast...

With the launch of our new periodical publication Nordic Walking Magazine [www.nordicwalkingmagazine.com] updates on this blog will be infrequent...

Other than via the magazine which will become a bi-monthly publication from September 2010 our main communication hub will be our long standing and popular Yahoo Groups Forum at www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com

If you have general Nordic Walking related questions, please post them on the eCommunity forum where one of our moderators or members will answer them.

David Downer
Owner: Nordic Walking News Blog / Nordic Walking Magazine / Nordic Walking eCommunity Forum. Author: Nordic Walking Step by Step

Nordic Walking News Weekly - Issue 23

2010-02-04T14:36:00.010-08:00

Dear Nordic Walking Enthusiast

Issue 23 of Nordic Walking News Weekly is available for you to read at your leisure. Please visit:

http://www.nordicwalkingmagazine.com/newsletter

This week's edition includes:

- Socks I have Loved
- Healthy Lifestyle in the US
- SparkPeople.com
- More on Proprioception
- Misleading measure
- Positive Florida
- In the Buff

Have you read Edition 1 (it's FREE) of the world's first ever English Language magazine, dedicated to Nordic Walking enthusiasts? It's called Nordic Walking Magazine and is available as a PDF file to read on your computer screen or (for a real magazine experience), to print out and then read.

Go to:

http://www.nordicwalkingmagazine.com/magazine

David Downer
Author: http://www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com

Nordic Walking Magazine is Launched!

2010-02-02T15:38:00.017-08:00

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PRESS RELEASE

At last and long overdue, Nordic Walking enthusiasts across the world now have their own "special interest" magazine (Edition 1 published: 28 Jan '10) - aptly titled "Nordic Walking Magazine".

Nordic Walking Magazine is the brain child of Nordic Walking online publisher David Downer. David, who lives in the town of Poole on the South Coast of England and who is also an INWA (International Nordic Walking Association) trained instructor, has been publishing popular Nordic Walking material online since early 2005.

David says: "For a long time I have found it frustrating, that English speaking Nordic Walkers have been deprived of having their own special interest magazine. So; it seemed a natural extension to what I have been doing online for the past 5 years, to fill a much needed gap."

David's publications to date have included "Nordic Walking News Blog"; "Nordic Walking eCommunity Forum"; "Nordic Walking Step by Step" (the first Nordic Walking book in the English language); "Nordic Walking News Weekly" (a weekly news report) and now "Nordic Walking Magazine".

Both Nordic Walking Magazine and Nordic Walking News Weekly is edited and produced by Malcolm Jarvis. Malcolm is a former lead architect with the City of York Council in the north of England, who took early retirement in early 2005. After training as an instructor at the Yorkshire Nordic Walking School in Ilkley, England, Malcolm discovered, however, that he preferred to research and write about Nordic Walking, rather than teaching it physically.

Note: The first couple of editions of Nordic Walking Magazine will be published (loosely) quarterly. However; from September 2010 it will be publish bi-monthly.

A feature of the magazine is it's virtual "advisory panel", including many of the top Nordic Walking leaders and educators from across the world. Names that will be familiar to Nordic Walking officionardos include, industry pioneers Tom Rutlin & Marko Kanteneva; Malin Svensson; Suzanne Nottingham; Bernd Zimmermann; Gary Johnson; Mike Rollason; Martin Christie; Karen Ingram; Catherine Hughes; Mike Gates; Patrick Burtscher & Maree Farnsworth.

Taking full advantage of technology, Nordic Walking Magazine is published as a PDF download.

Comments on the Magazine include:

"Well done - What a great magazine very informative well laid out and easy to navigate. Great being able to download read at leisure and file away for future referance."

Dave Scott

I raise my glass to you (nice Merlot); this is wonderful…finally, a home for wayward Nordic Walkers! I’ve had my share of being involved in website design and you’ve made the navigation through the magazine very easy.

Lindy Smith

"Gentlemen; I am extremely grateful to you for the sites shown here.
This is a professional job."

Gabor Nagy

Nordic Walking - David Downer Launches Nordic Walking Magazine

2010-01-22T09:41:00.008-08:00

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All special interest subjects have their own english language magazine, except it seems Nordic Walking, that is until now. A new publication Nordic Walking Magazine launches next Thursday 28th January 2010.

Published by David Downer (photo right) and edited by Malcolm Jarvis (photo left), Nordic Walking Magazine fills a gaping hole in the English speaking Nordic Walking scene and there is great enthusiasm for it from across the Nordic Walking world.

David Downer is taking full advantage of internet technology by publishing both Nordic Walking Magazine as a PDF File. This means that subscribers will enjoy instant access as soon as each edition is published. You simply click the PDF File and the issue will open for you to either read on your computer screen, or if you prefer you can print a copy first before reading.

The first 2 Editions will be FREE. Commencing Edition 3 there will be a cover charge of $2 per edition. Nordic Walking Magazine will be available to purchase on a per issue basis.

Edition 1 is available now here: www.nordicwalkingmagazine.com/magazine

David Downer
Publisher
www.nordicwalkingmagazine.com/magazine

Nordic Walking Pole Review

2009-12-03T09:13:00.010-08:00

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This review first appeared on Thursday 26th November 2009 in our sister publication: www.nordicwalkingnewsweekly.com

The following is a review of “Nordic Composite Stream” NW poles which has been prepared by a friend and colleague in the US, Marek Zalewski. Following an invitation from David Downer (Publisher), the US distributor, the Western Pole Company, has kindly sent Marek a complementary pair of ‘Stream’ poles requesting a test and review.

Marek might be known to you as a co-moderator of the Nordic Walking eCommunity forum www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com and you may have seen his own highly respected blog at www.nordicwalkingus.com

As a preamble to Marek’s excellent review (he walked for 100km to test them!) I include a few details about the product.

My Preamble

This particular model of pole is called “Stream” and they are manufactured in Finland by a company called Nordic Composite. They are distributed in the US by the Western Pole Company, Tampa Bay, FL. They can be seen at:

www.nordiccomposite.com

They comprise a carbon fibre composite one piece hollow shaft with a heat treated carbide steel tip. The handle comprises a two component construction with an adjustable wrist strap and Velcro fastening. The replaceable asphalt paw is made of a durable rubber. There are six standard pole lengths ranging from 42ins to 52ins in 2inch increments.

Sincerely

Malcolm Jarvis
Co-Editor

Marek’s Review - Photo credit: www.nordiccomposite.com

My first impression of the ‘Streams’ was that they looked pretty much like any other Nordic Walking poles that I have used so far, except for the straps.

Having from the beginning of my Nordic Walking “career”, which spans well over five years, always used some variant of the Salomon patent strap, which is a one-piece affair, with a single Velcro strip; the Stream’s strap arrangement certainly did look different.

It actually took several tries to figure out how they were meant to be used. Having experimented with several variants, all of which actually worked to a degree I finally went back to my first hunch, which was confirmed by Tapp Rinne from the US suppliers “Western Pole Company”. The straps are marked “right” and “left”, the fixed part of the strap goes on top of the hand and the separate, loose strap attaches underneath by Velcro, to the fixed one.

Just like in the case of classic – type ski poles, some adjustments of the length of the strap needs to be done initially, securing the straps within the grip with a plastic wedge.

Unlike the Salomon patent design, used by both Swix and LEKI with some modification, the Streams’ straps actually consist of two, separate parts and as I mentioned above, they hark back to the old, proven, ski pole-type attachment to the grip.

Having logged thousands of kilometers with the one-piece straps, these at first seemed confusing and a bit of a throw back. There also wasn’t any provision for the now well-established trigger release, to which many of us have become accustomed over the years and which allow quick and easy removal of the strap from the grip of the pole, for taking a drink, wiping one’s face, or answering a cell phone.

However, after figuring out the strap arrangement, my first impression was that it seemed to distribute the force a bit more evenly than the Salomon patent straps. There also seemed to be a bit less pressure at the base of the thumb and more on the edge of the hand, which offers ideal weight distribution.

After more than 100 kilometers of walking with the Streams, I can safely say that they work as well as any other poles that I have used. The lack of the trigger release turned out to be only a minor inconvenience. All it takes to free one’s hand is removing a single Velcro attachment on a strap and they easily slip off.

Some might object to having a strap between the web of the hand. From my experience, discomfort in this area can be minimized simply by proper strap adjustment, or if needed, by wearing a pair of light gloves.

Many traditionalists, who have been cross-country skiing for a while might like this arrangement, as the strap and wedge attachment system is practically identical to the classic ski pole set-up, with the important addition of a strap, which also works well for Nordic Walking.

The poles are made in Finland and are very light weight (approximately 6 ½ oz). The replacement straps and the asphalt boots are less expensive to replace than in most other brands. The two-component, rubber-lined grips are very comfortable to use.

The pros are definitely the lower cost and the almost infinitely adjustable straps. A more even force distribution seems to be possible through the uniquely designed straps, potentially helping those with thumb and / or wrist problems.

The possible downsides might include some initial confusion, as to how to adjust and use the straps and the lack of the trigger strap release.

Nordic Composite “Streams” are available from:

www.nordiccomposite.com

Review by: Marek Zalewski

www.nordicwalkingus.com

Nordic Walking News Weekly - Issue 6

2009-10-09T15:28:00.002-08:00

Dear Fellow Nordic Walking Enthusiast…

Issue 6 already; How time flies when you are having fun

There is a definite ‘British’ flavor to this week’s newsletter, due wholly to the fact that my fellow Brits have not been backwards in coming forward recently, in sending me in content for our newsletter.

So; if you live anywhere else; e.g. over the other side of the ‘pond’ (North America), or Australia or New Zealand or over in Europe… Yep I know, isn’t GB part of Europe – Well put it this way, one recent survey concluded that given the chance of a referendum (which we won’t get), 55% of Brits would vote in favor of leaving the European Union! Yes by majority we love Europe but hate the EU (apparently)!

This past week I’ve continued to be busy developing this website, or at least trying too. I can’t believe it; the amount of hours I’ve put into ‘attempting’ to create simple drop down menus to aid navigation, is no odds to anyone. What I thought would be a simple task has turned into a major, as yet unresolved nightmare – Aaagh! At least I’ve started creating content on the “Shop” page!

Don’t forget your contributions are always very welcome (wherever you live!); e.g:

* Your Questions
* Brief Articles
* Photos
* Event Reports
* Event Notifications
* Reader’s Letter’s
* Product reviews
* Etc.

Email to: david (at) nordicwalkingnewsonline (dotcom)

I just remembered; way back in 2005 when I launched my first Nordic Walking newsletter; I used to include a yummy ‘healthy’ recipe. Those recipes were always very popular. So; I add ‘healthy’ recipes to the list above!

I hope you enjoy this week’s issue of Nordic Walking News Weekly.

Have a fantastic Nordic Walking week…

David Downer
Editor / Publisher

In this weeks edition...

New Instructor Qualification - The CYQ Nordic & Fitness Instructor Qualification
Ask David - David Downer answers reader's questions
Event Report - The 2009 Birkie Trail Run, Relay & Trek
Nordic Walking Social Club - The new Online Nordic Walking Club
Product Review ~ Ay-Up Lights (head torches)
Etc, Etc...

To read edition 6 of Nordic Walking News Weekly visit:

http://www.nordicwalkingnewsweekly.com

Event Report - Lakeland Trails - Coniston.

2009-10-09T15:24:00.002-08:00

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With Thanks to Ian Holloway in the UK for this Nordic Walking event report.

The last of the 2009 Lakeland Trail Events was held on Saturday October 3rd when Trail Runners met with Nordic Walkers at the John Ruskin School in the picturesque village of Coniston.

The morning dawned wet and stormy but the weather experts predicted fine, if windy, conditions for the afternoon race and the organisers were confident that competitors would enjoy stunning views over the 15km course on a variety of terrain.

The race began over a short section of tarmac through the village enabling a good Nordic style to be achieved before walkers began the prolonged gradient up hard packed gravel towards the Youth Hostel at the former Coniston Mine complex. The route became steeper towards Levers Water Bridge and after contouring round beneath Stubthwaite Crag on a narrow wet and rocky track walkers descended towards Walna Scar Road on a broad track well suited to our sport. A section of moorland track came before the rocky path to Torver village and a welcome opportunity to enjoy water and some delicious chocolate coated Kendal Mint Cake.

The route through Torver Common Woods to the lake shore was rocky and slippery but the final section back to the finish at the school was superb Nordic Walking territory with stunning views of Lake Coniston and the surrounding fells.

The entire course was thoroughly marked with flags and marshalled and the atmosphere during the event and at the finish was superb.

My thanks go to the organisers and to Puma, Bridgedale and Ay-Up lights, who sponsored the event, for a great day on the fells.

Check out the slide show of the route on www.lakelandtrails.org and consider entering the 2010 series if you would like to Nordic Walk on fantastic trails and, yes, the weather people were correct even if the wind strength was at times beyond belief !

Ian Holloway

Nordic Walking News Weekly - Issue #5

2009-10-02T08:08:00.003-08:00

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Dear Nordic Walking Enthusiast...

Welcome to Issue 5 of Nordic Walking News Weekly. I have been away since last Saturday and so now I have some serious catching up to do!

There's lot's for me to do, particularly on this website e.g. the Events listing! Yes, please keep those events coming in and I will get them up as soon as I can...

In case you are not aware you may comment on anything you read on this website (please try to keep comments constructive). To comment simply go to the comments box at the end of the appropiate page, enter and submit your comments.

Note: There will be a delay before your comments appear, because all comments are moderated to ensure that nothing is posted that shouldn't be posted e.g spam.

Finally; good luck to all participants taking part on Sunday (4th October), in the "Nordic Walking World Championships" (26.2 miles, 5 miles, 10K fun event), which is incorporated into the famous Portland, Oregan marathon!

I hope you enjoy this week's issue of Nordic Walking News Weekly.

Have a fantastic Nordic Walking week...

David Downer
Editor / Publisher

Ask David

This week's question comes from Jay Radford in the UK. Jay asks...

"If you are taking your poles on holiday / vacation, can you get bags to carry them in?".

Most of the main manufacturers sell pole bags...

To read the rest of this week's Newsletter visit: www.nordicwalkingnewsweekly.com/

Nordic Walking News Weekly - Website Now Live!

2009-09-25T09:12:00.004-08:00

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Coinciding with Issue 4 of my new "Nordic Walking News Weekly" newsletter, comes the launch of the new website!

From now on I will no longer be sending the weekly edition to my subscriber base via email . Instead, I will send a brief email notification informing subscribers that the latest edition has been published, along with a link directly to the website.

To see the new website visit:

http://www.nordicwalkingnewsweekly.com/

To subscribe (its FREE) visit:

http://www.nordicwalkingnewsonline.com/

David Downer

Secure Your FREE Copy of Nordic Walking News "Extra" Today!

2009-08-28T06:07:00.015-08:00

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Long time readers of Nordic Walking News and it's sister publication Nordic Walking eCommunity http://www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com/ may remember the FREE newsletter updates I used to email out. Unfortunately, due to increasing demands on my time, the newsletter fell by the way side about 2 years ago... That is until now!

My Newsletter is about to be relaunched under a 'New' name: "Nordic Walking News Extra". I intend to publish "NWN Extra" once a week, delivering it direct to your email Inbox. All you have to do to receive it, is to make sure you have taken a FREE subscription via: http://www.nordicwalkingnewsonline.com/ . "NWNews Extra" is part of my ongoing committment to the world wide Nordic Walking community.

Note: Once subscribed, if at any time you decide that you no longer wish to receive NWN Extra, no problem! Simply 'unsubscribe' by clicking the 'unsubscribe' link at the bottom of any of the newsletters emails that you receive.

The first issue (remember all issues are Free) will be published next week! If you were previously subscribed you should receive the email Newsletter automatically. However; if you haven't previously subscribed or if you can't remember, or you are not sure if you are still subscribed, simply go to http://www.nordicwalkingnewsonline.com/ and enter your first name and email. If you are already subscribed via the email address that you enter, you will see a message that confirms that.

There will be an alternative way for subscribers to view NWN Extra. This will be via a 'NWN Extra Archive' Blog. I am offering this option as sometimes email newsletters sent out to 'lists of subscribers' fail to reach their intended destination. Sometimes they are blocked by over zelous spam filters and over zelous ISPs (Internet Service Providers).

Any questions? Please let me know. In the mean time I look forward to delivering the first edition of "Nordic Walking News Extra" to you next week!

Here's the subscriber link once more:

http://www.nordicwalkingnewsonline.com/

David Downer
Owner / Co-Moderator
Author : http://www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com/

A personal review of Claire Walter's new book "Nordic Walking: the complete guide to health, fitness and fun".

2009-07-21T07:27:00.014-08:00

Firstly, can I confirm that this review is entirely spontaneous, personal and independent. I have no connections whatsoever with either the author or publisher and my account is offered in the spirit of information and opinion sharing. Malcolm Jarvis.

It having been published recently here in the UK, I have just finished reading Claire Walter’s new book “Nordic Walking: the complete guide to health, fitness and fun” (ISBN 978-1-57826-269-4).

Many will know the author, Claire Walter, from her Nordic Walking blog (www.nordic-walking-usa.blogspot.com) and may have encountered her insightful postings on the Nordic Walking forum, Nordic Walking eCommunity.

Her new book charts a passage through the seemingly bewildering world of Nordic Walking – or more accurately, the world of Nordic Walking in the US. After all, the US is a big country which has its own home grown method (Exerstride Method Nordic Walking™) and a scattered selection of imported variants. This book sets out to shed some light on what is currently on offer, and in so doing, provides a useful service for the newcomer.

Whilst the book is aimed at the beginner it is also useful to anyone who wishes to explore the arcane world of Nordic Walking. As a European Nordic Walker I found this US account highly informative and gave me a better understanding about what is happening on the “other side of the pond”.

With some honesty, the author explains that she presents her case for Nordic Walking, not from the perspective of a “fitness professional” (although she has a Nordic Walking Instructor’s certificate) but rather through the lens of a writer and enthusiast. I think this gives the book a distinct flavour and makes it a reassuring read for anyone who may be starting their personal Nordic Walking journey. There is nothing intimidating here.

I very much warm to the writing style which is informal and chatty but nonetheless very well researched and informed. Also, the book does not advocate any one technique over another and instead, offers an “expanded Nordic Walking menu” (to quote Tom Rutlin). The author’s enthusiasm for Nordic Walking is evident.

The structure of the book follows a fairly conventional path.

What is clearly a well researched historical perspective is given in the five page introduction. There is however one glitch which might sow the seeds of confusion in the reader’s mind in that it states that Marko Kantaneva was hired (sic) by Exel in the mid 1980’s. Of course, it was in the mid/late 1990’s when Marko collaborated with Exel in the design and development of the Nordic Walker® pole. Furthermore, Marko joined Exel as an employee in 2000.

A raft of Nordic Walking “benefits” is incorporated into a section called “Nordic Walking for Wellness”. This covers many of the usual suspects and is done in a very accessible manner, avoiding technical gobbledegook and favouring some hard hitting facts and sound advice. There are also a number of inspirational testimonials from those who are using Nordic walking to battle against personal difficulties.

There follows a chapter on Nordic Walking poles and the author maintains her mission by presenting the reader with a veritable catalogue of named brands, rather than the usually encountered generic descriptions. Of course, there is also a section which deals with general pole anatomy. As a matter of interest, the photograph which accompanies the Boomyah product shows the “E-Z Flip Lock” which is more or less identical to the “Power-lock” found on the Komperdell Vario pole (my wife has had pair of the latter for some time).

Let me now open “pedant’s corner” by challenging the meaning of “Oy” (as in Exel Oy) which is given by the author as being Finnish for “Industry”. My understanding is that “Oy” is the equivalent of limited company and not industry. Furthermore, it is Exel Oyj, which translates as public limited company. (Some time ago, I followed the ups and downs of the sports division of Exel Oyj on the Helsinki Stock Exchange – hence I take an interest. Of course, you are free to think that “I need to get out more”.)

Chapter three gives us a very useful catalogue of footwear; again by brand name. I would be interested to learn if MTB shoes are suitable for Nordic Walking. Here in the UK those people I know who wear them (not Nordic Walkers) tell me that the “induced” walking action might not be compatible with Nordic Walking technique.

All of the other paraphernalia which a Nordic Walker might want is given in a further chapter amusingly called Toys and Togs. This also nicely sweeps up discussions about hydration and heart rate measurement.

The penultimate chapter brings us to technique. Here the author gives us a flavour of the main procedures which are available in the US but persuades us to seek out the help of qualified professionals. This accords with her own personal experience (as does mine!).

Rather than attempting to give one full explanation of technique the author uses an interesting device of describing what you might expect during a typical Nordic Walking lesson. Subsequently, to illustrate variations on a theme, a brief account is given of a number of differing offerings (ANWA, Exel, Leki and Fittrek). However, given that Exerstriding is mentioned, and illustrated variously in the book I was a little puzzled as to why a section hasn’t been included on the Exerstriding technique here. Furthermore, and perhaps sowing some seeds of confusion, the pictures which sit with the text describing the ANWA approach appears to be of an individual Exerstriding!

The book rounds up with further dimensions of Nordic walking which includes a section called “Pushing the Nordic Walking Envelope” (I liked the phrase!) and one on Competition.

An essential message which emerges from the book is that learning to Nordic Walk is not that difficult, notwithstanding the fine details of technique which abound in the instructional literature and media. Indeed, in her own summary of techniques the author says:

“Unless you are out to become a certified instructor or serious race competitor, don’t get so hung up on the minutiae that you are reluctant to begin Nordic walking and so worried about the details that you can’t enjoy the activity.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walking Leeds UK

Nordic Walking: “Experiences Going Walkabout on Poles with a Modern Day Legend” ~ By Mike ‘Walking Wizard’ Gates.

2009-07-02T23:38:00.011-08:00

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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

Calling all INWA Instructors - 2009 INWA Convention

2009-07-02T13:00:00.007-08:00

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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

UK Nordic Walking Summit at Lyme Regis

2009-06-25T08:48:00.006-08:00

Two Nordic walking activists, David Downer (seated right) and Malcolm Jarvis meet for the first time to discuss the status of Nordic Walking in the UK. Well, it wasn’t quite Santa Monica, although Lyme Regis is a delightful seaside town..

Whilst forthcoming vacations in Cornwall and Corfu featured highly on the agenda, the two Nordic Walking aficionados did manage to touch on the subject of fitness walking with poles (just a little, of course).

No minutes were taken but rest assured that both friends had a good chin wag. Of course, it would be great to have a meeting of Nordic Walking friends from all over the world.....but then that’s another story.

Your reporter at the scene - Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walking Leeds UK

Tom Rutlin's Report on the Recent Santa Monica Nordic Walking Event

2009-06-16T14:12:00.007-08:00

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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

Nordic Walking in North America - No Longer Poles Apart!

2009-06-15T06:40:00.034-08:00

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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

Tom Rutlin's (2nd) Open Letter to the Nordic Walking Community - Spring 2009

2009-06-11T16:03:00.007-08:00

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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

Stop Press: The Program for this weekends Ground Breaking Nordic Walking Event in Santa Monica!

2009-05-27T04:42:00.003-08:00

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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

Nordic Walking - A Future Hope

2009-05-14T00:33:00.003-08:00

The last three articles to feature here on Nordic Walking News collectively indicate the possibility of a shift in the world of Nordic Walking, at least at industry level. I am of course referring to the developments at the International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA) and the emerging spirit of co-operation which seems to be becoming a strong feature of the US Nordic Walking community. Perhaps the participants in the latter are taking their cue from the refreshing approach to be witnessed in the country’s highest political office. Of course, it’s difficult to guess where all of this will lead but I’m sure many of us will support such positive trends.

In the fascinating interview with Gary Johnson, it was interesting to see a brief mention about individual members of the public becoming members of the US association of the INWA (NWNA). This reawakens a strongly held conviction of mine for the need for a world-wide organisation which is committed to serve the interests of ALL Nordic Walkers, not just those of the industry. Thus far, it might be said that only one component (the instructor cadre) of the Nordic walking community has some form of collective. The other part (the customers who actually fund the former) has no collective voice.

To my mind, the INWA, with its strong international construction, has always been a likely candidate as the foundation for such a global organisation. However, I am aware that this was never its remit and it is therefore wishful thinking on my part. Furthermore, there is more to the world of Nordic Walking than the INWA previously seemed prepared to recognise, as they appeared to jealously guard the portals to this great activity. Of course, given their former raison d’être they probably could not do otherwise.

However, I sense a shift in attitude which could eventually lead to a spirit of mutual recognition and respect. The success, or otherwise, of this will be largely dependent on those concerned keeping an open mind and putting the interests of the customer first. Perhaps, when matters have consolidated, a debate could be started about providing a strand within, or linked to the INWA which is designed to serve the total Nordic Walking community. Through this mechanism the interests of the customer could be immediately reflected by responses from its service community, the instructor cadre.

The INWA, with its strong educational remit, could thus maintain an independent and authoritative certification of all viable Nordic Walking modalities including the dissemination of methods and guidance about all of the associated paraphernalia. The same organisation could commission and fund (via subscription) scientific test and analysis of Nordic Walking and further validate its undoubted benefits. The advantages for the customer would be quite considerable and would give both a sense of focus and community – something which is currently lacking.

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.

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walking Leeds UK

An Exclusive Interview with INWA’s “North American" Representative Association

2009-05-07T07:33:00.001-08:00

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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 .

Ground Breaking North American Nordic Walking Event in Santa Monica!

2009-05-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

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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.

Meet the top Nordic Walking Pole companies:

LEKI, EXEL, SWIX, FITTREK, EXERSTRIDER

Meet the top Nordic Walking educators:

Tom Rutlin (Exerstride® Method Nordic Walking), Malin Svensson (NWNA & Nordic Body™), Dan Barrett (FITTREK), Suzanne Nottingham (NWN)

What's on Offer?

- Free Admission

- Free and easy demos for beginners

- Free and fun advanced classes

- Free and simple lectures on getting in shape

and healthy weight loss tips.

- Meet author, Malin Svensson, as she signs her new book
Outdoor Adventures: Nordic Walking (Human Kinetics, May 2009)

Where & When?

Santa Monica Beach

2600 Barnard Way

Santa Monica, California 90405

Saturday May 30, 2009

8:00AM - 4:00PM

There is only one place to be for North American based Nordic Walking enthusiasts on Saturday May 30th and that's with the US industry leaders in Santa Monica, California. Come and support this initiative and welcome in a new era of co-operation in the North American Nordic Walking industry!

For further details email:

info(at)nordicwalkingusa(dot)com

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

International Nordic Walking Association (INWA) Becomes a Federation

2009-04-07T11:23:00.007-08:00

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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

Up Hill and Down Dale

2009-03-29T07:13:00.002-08:00

A recent vacation in the English Lake District has given me ample opportunity to evaluate technique for Nordic Walking hills. Those quiet moments of introspection whilst toiling up long steep slopes also afforded me a chance to put my thoughts in order.

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.

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walking Leeds UK

Is Nordic Walking a Sport?

2009-02-15T05:16:00.003-08:00

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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

Nordic Walking -Training Agenda

2009-02-15T02:41:00.002-08:00

Introduction from Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds, UK

The following article was written by Stacy Meyer Jochem who, amongst other things, currently runs the Employee Health Improvement program for Medical Care Development in Augusta, ME. Stacy also has a passion for Nordic Walking and holds instructor certification through INWA and Nordic Walk Now.

The article first appeared over on the Nordic Walking eCommunity at:

www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com

As it is a very informative article, we thought that we would re-produce it here as it will sit well with a suite of “technical articles” planned for the near future. Of course, Stacy has kindly agreed to us doing this. Please note that her original introduction has been modified very slightly in order to allow the material to function as a “stand-alone” article.

Also, it gives those who do not subscribe to the forum an opportunity to read Stacy’s comments and add it to their “fitness file”.

Here is Stacy’s article:

How often can I go Nordic Walking?

When we exercise our muscles breakdown and small amounts of protein in the muscle cells rupture. The more you exercise, the more the muscle is likely to tear. It’s one of the reasons why we become weaker by the end of a vigorous workout.

After any workout muscles need to recover. But if muscles are not given enough time to recover fully before another workout then muscle can progressively become smaller.

As your fitness level increases it’s possible to increase the number of training days in a week and still be able to recover within a day. Most overtraining is due to a combination of excessive volume and intensity. Most exercise programmes include both resistance and cardiovascular exercise. This combination presents a very complex setting from a physiological standpoint. The data available suggests that both components may have to be modified to prevent overtraining.

According to Andrew Fry PhD, most overtraining occurs when either volume or intensity is excessive for too long. It is also important to note that training volume and intensity are inversely related. In other words, when training volume is greatest, intensity must be relatively low, and vice versa.

The defining characteristic of overtraining is an unexplained drop in performance. Some important signs to pay attention to are: exaggerated fatigue, “heavy legs” and changes in mood, sleep and concentration.

John Douillard PhD, author of “Body, Mind and Sport” (Three Rivers Press, 2001), states “The way you’re breathing can indicate how effective your training is. If you’re soaked with sweat and panting for breath every minute of your workout, you’re probably overtaxing your body. Shallow panting can actually make your body more stressed. When you gasp through your mouth, you’re triggering your fight-or-flight stress receptors,” he explains. “When you breathe through your nose, your lungs and ribcage work in a more efficient manner.”

What exactly is overtraining? An expert panel from the US Olympic Committee and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) have answered this question by defining the differences between overload training, overreaching and overtraining.

Overloading is:
Planned pushing of training limits that is necessary to achieve improved performance.

Overreaching is:
Unplanned, excessive overload without adequate rest. This is a short-term problem marked by poor performance in training and competition.

Overtraining is:
Untreated overreaching that results in chronic decreases in performance and an impaired ability to train. This is a long-term problem associated with prolonged overload training without proper recovery time.

Over training occurs when an athlete spends too much time training and not enough time resting and eating the nutrients needed to rebuild muscle tissue that is damaged during intense exercise.

Marathon Training Guidelines

I used the following training formula when I trained to walk a marathon. It is outlined here as a general guide but the full text can be found at:

http://www.marathonbythesea.com/walk_well

The “guidelines” are crafted around four specific walking modalities: Easy, Tempo, Maximum-oxygen and Long. Essentially each modality is as follows:-

Easy walks:
Many coaches and exercise physiologists maintain that most walkers should do 80 to 90 percent of their weekly training at an “easy walk” pace.

Tempo walks:
These are described in the guidelines as "hard but controlled" walks, and they suggest they will help you prepare for events of 10,000 metres up to the marathon. They go on to say that “tempo workouts” generally fall into one of two categories: steady walks of 4 to 8 kms; or long “intervals” with short recovery periods. It is recommended that you should do tempo walks no more than once per week.

Maximum-oxygen walks:
It is said that the so called “maximum-oxygen” walks help you improve your walking “economy and racing sharpness”. These workouts are often called "interval training," and are most useful when you are preparing for a race of 5000 metres to half-marathon distance. They offer an example of a typical workout: 6 x 800 metres at maximum-oxygen pace with 1-4 minutes of recovery walking between repeats. You should do maximum-oxygen workouts no more than once a week.

Long walks:
They claim that “long walks”, as defined, are the very foundation of all marathon training programs. So, even if you are not training for an event, it's a good idea to do one semi-long walk each week. Because long walks are done at a relaxed pace, there is a latitude in how fast you actually walk and in general, the guidelines suggest that a slow pace is appropriate.

Putting It All Together:
It is not suggested that you shoe horn all of these modalities into each and every week. Therefore, please take into account the following:

Hard days:
Many authorities recommend that most beginner and intermediate level walkers do no more than two hard days per week. More advanced walkers can attempt three hard days if they're very careful. Each of the following is classified as a “hard day workout” in the guidlines: tempo walks, maximum-oxygen walks, long walks.

Hard days/Easy days:
A hard day workout should usually be followed by one, or preferably, two easy day workouts. Easy days can of course include rest days and cross-training days.

Rest days:
Most beginner and intermediate walkers should aim to walk 4 to 6 days a week. We recommend one or two rest days, when you do no training at all (or just take a relaxed 30-minute walk) and one or two cross-training days.

Cross-training days:
While research indicates that cross-training probably won't make you a faster walker, the guidelines suggest it can make you a stronger and healthier and less injury-prone. They suggest that walkers do best with cross-training exercises that are non-weight-bearing which includes swimming and aqua-walking, strength-training, bicycling and rowing. Non-impact exercises, which include Nordic skiing, elliptical training and step climbing are also considered beneficial.

Article Author: Stacy Meyer Jochem
Currently running the Employee Health Improvement program for medical Care Development in Augusta, ME. Additionally, Stacy is liaison to the Maine Governor’s Council on Physical Activity.

Is Nordic Walking a Sport? A former Leisure Services Director responds.

2009-02-08T02:45:00.003-08:00

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Introduction
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The following article was sent to me by Paul Chesmore of the City of York, here in the UK. Paul had been trawling through the archive of “Nordic Walking News” and was particularly intrigued by the article entitled “Is Nordic Walking a Sport?” As the former Director of Leisure Services for the City of York, Paul has a particular philosophical outlook on such issues. Here is his response:-

Is Nordic Walking a Sport? A former Leisure Services Director replies.

The article “Nordic Walking and Sport” (Nordic Walking News 3 August 2008) posed the question: “Is Nordic Walking a Sport?” The spirited analysis by Malcolm Jarvis struck a chord with me. So here is my reaction to the question, for what it is worth.

In England it has been usual for a local council to provide, or support, a wide range of free-time activities for its community. It is essential that elected politicians and their advisers can determine defensible priorities and make valid investment choices between indoor and outdoor sport, music and drama, museums and libraries, parks and playgrounds, allotment gardens and community centres, etc. Could we find a single word that could bind all these wide-ranging and apparently disparate things to a common purpose that would make comparisons and decision-taking valid? My department was called “leisure services”. The word “leisure” was pretty good, but it has never been an easy one for policy-makers in England: probably because it sounds too much like idleness and that offends our ingrained puritan instincts! But help is at hand.

I put the case for the word “recreation”. To make the point, add a vital hyphen: “re-creation”. Whether you play soccer in the park using jackets as goal-posts, play tennis in the local league, or are in an elite squad with Olympic pretensions; whether you collect matchboxes, grow prize-winning vegetables, paint pictures or sing in a choir: these are all things we do to re-create ourselves after the paid work and our other commitments are out of the way. And, I suggest, we define ourselves and who we are as much by our free-time pursuits as much as by our paid employment. The need for recreation binds us together: amateur and professional, activist and spectator, and helps us to share common values.

So don’t agonise too much about Nordic Walking as sport: accept that it may evolve competitive dimensions for some, simply because competitiveness is part of the human condition. But sport can only ever be part of it: recreation in all its manifestations brings benefits to mental and physical well-being. Let Nordic Walking take its place on that basis. Above all, just do it!

Author of the article - Paul Chesmore
Ex-Director of Leisure Services for the City of York

Nordic Walking and what to wear!

2009-02-03T08:23:00.004-08:00

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As the UK is currently gripped in unusual wintry conditions, it puts me in the mood to have a look at clothing for Nordic Walking and the “layering system” in particular.

If your outings usually comprise half an hour or so around the streets of your neighbourhood, getting sophisticated about the principles of clothing seems unnecessary. Even so, it’s not much fun venturing out on a cold windy afternoon unless you have something to wear which makes the effort reasonably agreeable. Of course, if you go for long walks or you venture further afield, then clothing systems come into their own.

Most outdoor activists traditionally apply the layering system when choosing clothes, and with recent technological advances there is now a bewildering choice. My own Nordic Walking “wardrobe” is a combination of garments from my mountain walking interests, mingled with a bit of trail running stuff (I have to confess, that as a typical mountain walker [here, we call it fell walking] I am a sucker for “gear”).

The classic system involves three layers: base, insulating and shell. The base layer is essentially underwear and it should feel comfortable and remain essentially dry as you are exercising. Coping with perspiration is key and in this respect synthetic materials which are hydrophobic (water hating) are ideal. Such materials are able to maintain a dry microclimate next to the skin by “wicking” moisture away to the outer layers. It is for this reason that cotton is not recommended for this layer, particularly during the cooler months.

The question as to whether such a base layer in winter needs to have thermal properties has to be matched to the conditions. For example, in lowland UK I would never bother with a thermal base, but it’s a matter of personal choice. For leg wear, some walkers/runners like to wear longjohns plus a pair of outer running shorts and this offers a good combination. My own choice is a pair of “trackster” type trousers which are cheap and cheerful and also wash and dry quickly.

I have found that the most suitable second, or insulating layer, is a lightweight, windproof fleece jacket with a full length zip (not a smock). I stress lightweight, as the level of insulation needs to be tempered by the fact that the body constantly generates considerable amounts of heat whilst Nordic Walking (particularly if your exercise level approaches vigorous). A jacket is also useful as you also get pockets – ideal for stowing paws, mobile and the dozens of paper hankies that are needed when it’s cold!

If you can be very confident that the weather will remain dry, then an outer shell can be dispensed with. However, if your journey takes you into wilder places then a breathable, waterproof shell is essential. A jacket designed for running, or even mountain biking, can be good in these circumstances as they tend to be ultra light and have little bulk. Such qualities will allow the freedom of movement needed to effectively Nordic Walk.

To complicate the picture, manufacturers have now introduced the “soft shell” concept in place of the “hard shell” (the outer waterproof). Some may view these garments as being little more than marketing hype as they seem to have a “difficult fit” within the layer concept. They are usually only water resistant, not proof, and do not have anything like the insulating properties of fleece. However, they are windproof, are very comfortable and work well as a Nordic Walking jacket owing to their soft feel. Be prepared for a hefty bill, though, if you go down the soft shell route.

Also, on cold days, I find it’s better to slightly warm the chest strap of my heart rate monitor – it saves that initial rapid intake of breath!

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

The effects of wind chill

2009-01-23T01:51:00.003-08:00

A recent Nordic Walk in bitterly cold conditions here in the UK gave me a sharp reminder of the effect that the wind can have on perceived temperatures. Even when the still air temperature is about average, a strong north-easterly wind can make it feel very cold. Indeed, such a wind is often described as being “lazy” as most people will have described it as having “gone straight though them”, rather than “around”!

The apparent cooling effect is called “wind chill” and can prove dangerous, particularly if your Nordic Walks take you into remote or upland territory. Even in your local park the effects at best can be uncomfortable. Of course, citizens in countries where exceptionally cold winters are commonplace will be well aware of the risks and have mitigation measures in place.

As a guide, it is suggested that if there is a wind of ten knots, a calm air temperature of 0 Celsius will feel like minus 5 Celsius. As the wind increases to 25 knots the wind chill falls to minus 12 Celsius, and so on.

Certain medical conditions can have an impact, eg. people with diabetes who have peripheral neuropathy may find that they sweat more on their face and neck, where we lose a large proportion of our body heat. Also, people taking Beta-Blockers (often used to manage high blood pressure) may have colder hands and feet owing to constriction of blood vessels. (Therefore, if you are an instructor, your medical screening questionnaire will be relevant).

Fortunately, if you are exercising hard the effects of wind chill are somewhat mitigated by the heat generated by metabolism. Of course, what you wear plays a key role, but this can prove difficult to gauge for the keen exerciser. Another article will follow soon which discusses the principles of the “layering system” of clothing.

In the meantime, keep well hydrated – both inside and out!

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

Update on Ticks - and their removal!

2009-01-21T02:34:00.003-08:00

You might recall that last year (4 and 5 May 08) I posted a couple of articles about the risks from “tick” bites (here in the UK we call these delightful little creatures “sheep ticks”).

Since that time I have noticed a number of published “warnings” about the increase in the UK tick population and it is claimed that cases of infection have increased dramatically since 2006. Indeed, I recall a recent report by Nordic Walking UK which mentioned two instructors who had contracted Lyme disease following tick bites (perhaps NWUK could confirm my recollection?).

Tick “hot spots” are said to be the New Forest, the South Downs, Berkshire and Dorset (David watch out!) although ticks can be encountered in almost any geographical location, even London parks!

The increase in numbers in the UK has been attributed to the nature of the past two summers, which have been wet and mild (ticks do not like hot, dry weather). Reports from elsewhere in Europe tell a similar story (I have no details from the US).

Just to remind you…….the main risk to humans from a tick bite is the bacterial infection known as Lyme disease, or Lyme borreliosis. It was so named after a cluster of cases in Old Lyme, Connecticut, in 1974. Thankfully, the disease is rarely fatal although the outcomes can be very serious: possibly affecting the heart, joints and nervous system. In the UK the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health is now calling on the government to make Lyme disease a notifiable disease.

Successful removal of a tick from the skin surface is therefore important. Whilst recently reading a UK outdoor magazine, I noticed a useful looking device which seems to make the task much easier, and effective. It is a pen sized removal tool called a “Rix Tick Lasso” (pictured above) and retails in the UK at around £7.00 (I have not mentioned other currencies as the exchange rate seems to change hourly!). It looks like a useful addition to an instructor’s first aid kit and can be found at http://ww.misotrading.co.uk

If you are not already doing so, I would recommend that Nordic Walking instructors who take their clients/parties into known “tick territory” should give a warning appropriate to the circumstances. You might also consider if your clients are wearing clothing suitable for the identified risk.

Also note that it might be easier removing ticks from your canine companion using this ingenious looking device.

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker, Leeds UK

3 New UK Nordic Walking Challenge Events in 2009

2009-01-03T05:38:00.008-08:00

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.

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

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

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

A personal review of "The Ultimate Nordic Pole Walking Book"

2008-12-01T09:02:00.003-08:00

Preliminaries:

A few facts and figures about the book:-

Published in paperback, the ISBN number is: 978-1-84126-252-9
Published by Meyer and Meyer Sport

The colophon in the UK version suggests that the book was first published in 2009(!!) by Meyer and Meyer. The Amazon US site tells us it was October 2008. The book, which is paperback, contains 181 pages and measures 23cm by 16 cm, or thereabouts, on face. The cost (Amazon) is 9.99 GBP or 12.21 US dollars, which appears to be an “offer” price. As far as I am aware, it is published in English only.

The author, Dr Klaus D Schwanbeck, originates from Germany and holds a list of impressive qualifications and, amongst other things, has been Germany’s National Track and Field head coach. He is currently president and CEO of Nordic Pole Walking USA LLC, which is based in Florida, USA.

Impressions:

The book is well set out, easy to read and lavishly illustrated. I very much liked the fact that the “people pictures” were by and large ordinary folk instead of the usual young glamorous model types who have probably never picked up a Nordic pole prior to the photo shoot! The book contains a good balance in this respect.

There is one particular “odd” claim (or at least it seems to me) in that the author asserts that …..“In the USA, Nordic Pole Walking is rapidly gaining in popularity – spreading from Naples, Florida all over the country.” Any comments from the US are most welcome!

It’s also interesting to note that the author uses the term Nordic Pole Walking which is also the choice of Marko Kanteneva. However, I could not find any explanation for the departure from, simply, “Nordic Walking”.

The book focuses exclusively on the European Method Nordic Walking (my terminology) and does not touch on the other main technique, Exerstriding ™. At least, in the brief chapter on history there is a tribute to Tom Rutlin, although we are led to think that Nordic Walking as such did not happen until 1997 in Finland! I have no problems with a book about the European Method, but I do wish that some fuller thought had been given to establishing the broader historical picture.

Whilst the book’s main thrust is walking for health and fitness there are a number of programmes to suit those who seek “performance” based outcomes. That’s great but I just wish the author had not liberally used the word sport throughout the book. You might think “what’s the harm?” I freely admit that this is a personal “bee in the bonnet” about which I have elaborated previously in the pages of Nordic Walking News. Whilst it might seem quite innocent, I feel that it can be counterproductive – I will say no more here.

The section on technique shows us the core “cross crawl” method only. There is no mention of how to manage steep ground, nor any additional procedures to “up the ante”, such as double poling, skipping or bounding. The technique shown seems to embody the “extended arm, pump handle” practice although there is no explanation of the bio-mechanical actions involved. The novice walker is warned about the risk of over-striding, which is good.

There is an excellent raft of exercises with poles, including range of motion, plus stretching and strengthening procedures. There are a number I have not seen before and I am tempted to include them in my own praxis (provided it’s not blowing a gale or freezing cold! They look fine when practised in balmy Florida!)

Whilst I found the chapter on equipment and clothing a bit thin, there are however, some excellent chapters on health related matters, as follows:-

Nutrition and weight loss
Cardio-pulmonary issues
Diabetes
High blood pressure problems
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Healthy veins
Stress management

With the exception of the chapter on “stress management” I found the content of these chapters just right. There is plenty of technical explanation (although not dryly presented) plus charts and “self tests”. As a lay person I found it very helpful to have all of this kind of material brought together. I’m sure that experts may well dispute some of the conclusions, which is what they do, but I found it all very persuasive.

The final section of the book contains a “fitness calculator” plus a comprehensive range of training plans. I have to admit to being a bit of a mug for this kind of stuff so I look forward to sitting around the fire filling in the boxes! The closing pages touch on frequently asked questions, research sources and details about the author.

On balance I enjoyed the read and will certainly refer to it again with regard to health matters and programmes. For the newcomer, the chapter on technique looked fine and will be helped by the DVD (available separately) or the online video. Of course, none of these media will provide feed back and therefore, in my view, can never replace the guidance of a good teacher. Having said that, I’m happy I bought it.

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

Competitive events in the UK

2008-12-01T03:48:00.002-08:00

Please note that the context of this particular item is UK orientated. However, readers from other countries might find the content of interest and may wish to make similar representations to their own official national sport administrations.

Earlier this year, one of the members of the Nordic Walking eCommunity (Brian Rulten) made enquiries to the governing body “UK Athletics” (UKA) about the inclusion of Nordic Walking within existing events. Brian has an interest in seeing NW being an acceptable and commonplace feature of various organised running/walking events. He has kindly sent me a copy of his correspondence for publication in this emagazine in the hope that other enthusiastic individuals might take up the issue with event promoters in their area.

Brian sent me a copy of two letters that he had received from the UKA. I have not reproduced the first as this is, by and large, an early response and asserts that broader consultation is required before any conclusive guidance can be given. The second reply from the UKA contains the outcomes of consultation and I am delighted to reproduce it in full (for privacy reasons I have not shown Brian’s home address).

Any reader who wishes to see published the first UKA letter should let me know via a comment to this article or by a posting on the forum at:

http://www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com

Finally, can I thank Brian for getting this issue underway and I hope that interested Nordic Walking enthusiasts will pursue the matter. Apart from providing an opportunity for participation, such events can also give Nordic Walking a boost. It is my plan to get in contact with the organisers of the Lakeland Trails events with a view to seeing if they would be interested in using our “off road” version of the “Portland Protocol”. More on that in a future article.

The following is the facsimile of the UKA letter:-

(recipient’s address withheld)

30 April 2008

Dear Brian,

Nordic Walking in UK Athletic Events

I am pleased to confirm that I have received replies from colleagues which I can now share with you. These include:

Insurance: Our Brokers have commented “insurers are aware of this and have agreed that if competitors use Nordic Walking equipment (in events promoted by affiliated organisations) that’s ok……Nordic Walking events are not covered as they fall outside the UKA discipline” (road running, cross country, etc.).

Road Running: This is an issue to be discussed within the road running technical/rules group that meets infrequently. I have discussed the subject with the Chair of the group and her first thought is that it would be necessary to disqualify anyone in an awkward winning situation but there would be no real concerns about the use of Nordic equipment as a participation activity.

Fell and Hill Running: Comment received from the chair of the UKA Fell & Hill Committee – “I am aware of the use of poles in fell events but only rarely and only in the mountain marathon type events. We see no need to legislate for these or other technical innovations ie GPS and leave it to individual race organisers to decide what is suitable for their event using the catch all equipment rule if needed. However we would not wish to encourage the use of poles especially in fell races where they could prove a danger to other competitors and of course to the environment due to additional erosion.” (see my comment on this latter issue below - Malcolm)

Cross Country and Trail Running: I have not received any feed back from either of these disciplines. However I can speak with a strong background in cross country administration and competition and I would be surprised if use of Nordic equipment were to be accepted in cross country races.

Race Walking: I have not pursued an enquiry with race walking colleagues as my interpretation of their rules for competition – straight leg, continuous contact with the ground, etc. – would automatically exclude any variations.

In summary I would suggest that the use of Nordic equipment would be broadly accepted and would create no issues with our insurers – as long as the usual requirements in respect of health and safety and risk assessment are fulfilled, but instances will arise where local issues will arise. These issues may take the form of a promoter deciding that he will not accept entries or a race referee choosing to disqualify a competitor.

I would recommend a common sense approach in respect of acceptance of entries to races; entrants planning to use Nordic equipment should advise the promoter of their intentions and give the opportunity for objections. Rules for competition are often open to interpretation and each promoter and referee may view issues differently. I would be interested to hear of any examples that you are aware of.

Please let me know if you have any comments or if there are any issues that I have missed.

Yours sincerely,

John Temperton
Athletics Services Manager

(Letter ends.)

Personal comment: Whilst I respect the views of the Chair of the Fell & Hill Committee can I mention that I have previously been in contact with officers from two of our National Parks about erosion caused by poles (trekking or Nordic). Footpath officers from both parks I approached (Yorkshire Dales and Lake District) informed me that they have not seen, nor been alerted to any problems caused by walkers using poles. The biggest cause of footpath erosion has been from the pressure of numbers and the fact that most walkers wear boots with deep cleated soles. Walkers “cutting corners” is another source of problems. Also, concerns about poles constituting a “hazard” can be overcome by common sense, plus some “guiding principles” for the activity.

Article posted by: Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

A Newbie's Guide to Nordic Walking

2008-11-21T09:39:00.007-08:00

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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.

THEM BONES THEM BONES

2008-11-14T05:19:00.002-08:00

The following guidance on load bearing activity was compiled by a colleague and friend, Tony Pattison, who is a Nordic Walking instructor here in the north of the UK. Tony prefers to teach Nordic Walking to clients over the age of 50 (being just a ‘little’ over that age himself means that he can empathise with those of us with the occasional creak and groan). Tony, who is an INWA qualified instructor, can be reached on:

tjpattison@yahoo.co.uk

First published locally here in Leeds, UK, here is Tony’s article:

THEM BONES THEM BONES

There was a popular trick at primary school whereby we would press the ends of straws. If you got the pressure just right the straw didn’t bend or crumple but became stronger.

Bones are like that. The idea of exercising a bone may seem strange, but they are not the solid material that many people believe but are in fact being broken down and replaced constantly. This process is in balance as we mature but then the breaking down starts to dominate. It can affect any area but is usually where there are large areas of trabecular (spongy) bone, ie. hips, wrists and upper spine, between the shoulder blades. If you think that this sounds like Osteoporosis you are correct. Women past the menopause are particularly susceptible. Within 10 years approximately 50% will suffer from this brittle bone disease. (Anorexics and young models trying to become a size zero through inadequate nutrition are inviting the early onset of this process and building up developing problems for the future).

So, what to do? Increasing calcium intake has proved to be of great help, but dairy foods are the most common source and they tend to contain a lot of fat plus a lot of calories and some people are worried about gaining weight. So what of physical activity? How do you exercise a bone?

The official recommendation is for Plyometrics. That’s running, skipping and jumping: rebound movements. Some people do run well into advanced age although it is often those who start later in life who keep going the longest. For someone who has run over a number of years the official recommendation is to ease off after reaching age 50, before knee problems develop. Also, as our various body systems interrelate so do the results of their integral wear and tear, and if you suffer with osteo-arthritis in your knees the very thought of leaping and bouncing can make your eyes water! Osteo-arthritis is erosion of cartilage, a joint problem, and if you do suffer chances are that you will know about it! Osteoporosis, however, usually becomes apparent only if you suffer a fracture when this becomes, in reality, a ‘splinter’. It is often known as’ the silent killer’.

So the question remains, what type of activity?

Swimming is very popular amongst seniors. It is terrific for muscles, lungs, heart and mobility - as is cycling. Getting your weight off your feet can feel wonderful; but neither swimming nor cycling will do anything for your bones. In both cases you’re being supported, either by water or a bike. This is why people who are obese can still swim. Bones need to be load bearing and to receive an impact. The only impact that you are likely to gain on a bike is going over bumps or if you fall off! Your weight needs to be on your feet. If you do cycle how do your legs feel when you get off? Can you run? You would not use different muscles, as some profess, leg muscles are leg muscles. You would use your hips more and your lower back for support and probably pump your arms instead of using them for balance and stability, but the main difference that you feel is the sudden impact on your bones. This is even more apparent after swimming.

All this is not prejudice. I swim regularly and cycle everywhere, but bones need something else as well.

The social aspect of any activity is an essential requirement for many seniors. Walking, dancing and bowling are the official recommendation. They all are good for your bones. They also complement swimming and cycling.

Walking is ideal, especially uphill, but not with your chin on your chest or staring at your feet and with arms at your sides and hardly moving. The effect of load bearing is localised, specific to the part that is working. What of that vital area between your shoulder blades? The distance between them is a sign of ageing. ‘Dowager’s Hump’ is the extreme condition. It can alter your whole centre of balance (and cause osteo-arthritis in your knees).

Here I must admit a prejudice. In November last year I first experienced Nordic Walking and was an instant convert. It immediately relieved my knee problems (osteo-arthritis) and since adding it to my other fitness instruction it seems to be taking over. For present purposes it solves most of the problems being discussed. If you can walk you can Nordic Walk and, once you have learned the technique, it works the whole body. No more problems with posture.

The object of functional exercise is to develop and/or retain the ability to perform everyday tasks such as housework, gardening, decorating etc. This becomes increasingly important as we ‘mature’. So, without spending any extra time you can guard against brittle bones, just learn to Nordic Walk using your whole body. Many of my clients have developed the confidence and ability to try something new or take up long cherished interests, to date: Archery; Dry-stone walling; Salsa dancing; Falconry and Go-karting. Makes you think!

Author: Tony Pattison, Nordic Walking Instructor, Leeds UK

Posted by: Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

Tom Rutlin's 'ORIGINAL' 1992 Exerstrider (Nordic Walking) Video on YouTube

2008-11-13T11:35:00.002-08:00

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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

ANWA's - Highlight of the 2008 Nordic Walking Season!

2008-11-12T05:36:00.004-08:00

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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.

The Holy Grail

2008-11-09T06:44:00.007-08:00

Some Nordic Walkers seem keen on having equipment which can be used in all circumstances and conditions with equal and total efficiency (I include myself!). Perhaps it might be simply the trait of “perfectionism” or “unreasonable expectation” manifesting itself, but it strikes me that in reality, no equipment could ever fulfil such wants. The asphalt “paw” fitted for hard surface walking seems to fit this category well.

When I heard of the Leki “Silent Spike Tip” (photo left) I rushed to their website and bought a pair, in the hope, that at last, all my grip/noise/wear problems were over. I was encouraged by a few brief reviews which had appeared over on the Nordic Walking eCommunity forum (this can be found at http://nordicwalkingecommunity.com) so I thought it opportune to do a number of test outings myself and compile a report. In addition I thought it helpful to bring together some of the material I could find on the forum, in particular the report posted by one of my fellow moderators, Iain Leiper (Iain has agreed to me reprinting his review).

Background

Early in 2007, the pole manufacturer Leki introduced their “Silent Spike Tip” which essentially is a rubber “asphalt paw” having six small protruding tungsten carbide studs designed to aid traction (see photo). Leki intend that they would be appropriate in any circumstance where a rubber paw would normally be used, ie. asphalt (tarmac), concrete or hard packed trails. Furthermore, the manufacturer claims that the useful life of these new pads is four times greater than the conventional none-studded article.

Being a direct replacement for the standard part, these tips will fit any current Leki Nordic Walking pole (quite possibly trekking poles as well) and retail at around 15GBP (about 23.5 US Dollars, 34.8 Aus Dollars or 18.5 Euros, although local costs will apply) plus of course, shipping costs. Leki advise me that they will not be suitable for a couple of “top models” due to go on sale in the spring of 2009.

Performance

Whilst the Leki supplier here in the UK has advised me that the new paws are intended for the same application as the standard item I have used the studded paws on a number of other surfaces, which may well exceed the design use. However, I obtained some interesting results.

I have had several outings in my local park (the second largest in Europe) which affords a considerable variety of surface – grass, asphalt (coarse and smooth) compacted stone, compacted earth (plus rutted and muddy sections).

Interestingly, I found the best effect was had on grassed areas, whether wet or dry, provided the grass was fairly short. I used this 100% effectiveness as my yardstick for all other surfaces – which was perhaps a little demanding.

Next came a conventional asphalt highway with a coarse surface. Here the paws were just as good as the grassed area – 100%. Where I found very fine, smooth asphalt the effect was not quite as good, say 80%. I have to say, however, that they were not “silent” as the name implies, indeed how could they be on any hard surface? Nonetheless, the noise produced was considerably less than that produced by a conventional open carbide tip. The annoying “tac tac” is replaced by a more muted “scratch” and I find this much more acceptable.

One of our forum correspondents (Richard Roseweir) has informed me that in the US and Canada these paws are called “Rubber Fitness Studded Traction Tips”, there being no mention of “silent”. Richard has also tested the spike tips and informs me: “Although my intent was to use these studded tips on compacted gravel pathways, I first tested them on dry and wet asphalt (tarmac) and concrete surfaces. True to their manufacturer’s claims, they performed quite admirably in both dry and wet conditions. In fact I had a whole lot of fun trying to get them to slip on wet asphalt. They did not disappoint.”

I also encounter paths made of compacted stone with a hard, smooth surface and these paths are almost as unforgiving as asphalt and there is just as much noise generated when using open carbide spikes. Generally, the spike tips provided the same excellent traction as elsewhere, even when walking through puddles and I would rate them as 100%. However, they did become unstuck where the path had a surface dressing of loose fine particles. Here, some slipping was encountered but was largely overcome by going into Exerstrider™ mode. This has been borne out by other users who have reported their experiences on the forum. In November 2007 Doug Baguley wrote: “They don’t work very well on fine, loose, gravelly material, but neither do ordinary rubber feet, in my experience”. Also, Richard Roseweir bought his initially to be able to walk on stone paths in his local park only to be disappointed at their performance where the surface was friable.

Other surfaces on my usual journeys involve paths of compacted earth where here too the traction was very good with perhaps only an occasional slip where the surface was “disturbed”. I gave a rating of 90% here. Muddy sections were readily overcome by using a less angled pole plant and a reduced push.

On balance I have found the spike tips a very good investment and they allow me to complete my whole outing without having to mess about taking off/putting on asphalt paws with all the attendant problems. Giving excellent traction on many surface types they give sufficient confidence to really give a firm “push off”. Whilst these items may not be the “Holy Grail”, they come very close. Only time will tell if they outlast conventional units, as the prospect of having to part with 15 GBP on a regular basis is not good. Perhaps another posting is required if and when they eventually wear out or fall apart!
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posted by Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

I am pleased to be able to reprint Iain Leiper’s review here. As you will see, Iain’s conclusions are favourable although he is not able to comment on noise levels owing to the strains of rock music in his ears!

Iain’s "spike tip" review

“Perhaps it seems strange an off road walker trying out the Leki Silent Spike Pad. However, I was keen to try out something which had intrigued me since being gifted a pair and that was whether the Silent Spike Pad could enhance the purchase I could get during elbow extension whilst road walking.

One of my reasons for being an off road walker you see is that I feel road walking does not allow for a full elbow extension and push off – the asphalt pad tending to slip when pressure is applied, especially on wet or slippery surfaces.

For those who are unfamiliar with this type of pad it is basically an asphalt rubber pad with 6 tiny spikes therein.

On a damp Saturday afternoon I set off to a favourite glen and a very quiet road with mountains, heather and wildlife providing landscape postcard scenery to my left and right. The pads slipped easily onto my Leki Varios and provided a sturdy and secure fit. And off I went.

Immediately I could feel the difference. As I drove my elbow extension backwards, instead of the characteristic slip of the asphalt pad suddenly the pole was rooted and planted rock solid enabling me to get the necessary purchase and anchor for a strong push off. For the rest of the afternoon’s walking the pad never once failed to bite and provide purchase.

It’s perhaps interesting that this product has been marketed to reduce the noise or tap of poles in the ground. One website markets this product as follows: “At last – the annoying tic tac sound ringing in your ears when Nordic Walking is about to end! When you use the new ‘Silent Spike Pad’ you can get back to enjoying the sounds around you whether that’s the local wildlife or rush hour traffic.”

I would suggest after my experience that this product’s true value lies in providing secure purchase during elbow extension thus enabling better technique on roads. It was so successful that I am now contemplating undertaking more road walking – especially during wet periods.

For those who are wondering whether it lived up to its true name of being “silent”……I’m afraid I can’t answer that one. With Meatloaf’s “Bat Out Of Hell” blaring in my ears the test as to whether it is a silent spike pad will have to wait for another day”.

Iain is both a moderator of the Nordic Walking eCommunity and a Nordic Walking instructor in the Tayside region of Scotland. Iain’s details can be found on his website at: http://www.nordicwalkingtayside.co.uk

posted by Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

Testimonial - 14 Pound Weight Loss in 5 Weeks!

2008-11-07T08:52:00.002-08:00

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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

Press Release from INWA (International Nordic Walking Association

2008-10-21T05:45:00.002-08:00

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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

The Portland Marathon - a brief history of the new "rules"

2008-09-01T07:38:00.004-08:00

Now that we have got the draft in the public domain I thought I might take the opportunity to explain a little of the history behind this. Some readers might be thinking, how come two people from the UK end up writing race rules for a US event? There was originally a third party to our team; a Nordic Walking enthusiast from Los Angeles called Joel D Roberts (of Joel D Roberts and Associates and worth a ‘Google’). When Joel first saw the published race rules he wrote to Portland to protest. The race organisers took what he said very seriously and returned by asking him to come up with something else!! (I have to salute them for listening and for being willing to consider change.)

At about the same time, Joel had seen the flurry of postings on the Nordic Walking eCommunity about the same issue and expressing similar sentiments as his. To cut a long story short, Joel got in touch with both David Downer and myself and invited us to collaborate over the writing of the new rules. However, since that time, Joel has been overwhelmed by developments in his media business to such an extent he has had to withdraw from the team. He has handed the task over to us.

So here we are.

I have been working with Judy Heller who is the coordinator of both the Racewalk and Nordic Walk divisions of the Portland. Judy tells me that the race director, Les Smith, would like to see the event as having “world championship” status and therefore welcomes international input. Of course, Nordic Walking has no governing body so we are giving an opportunity for international consultation via Nordic Walking News and the Nordic Walking eCommunity. Claire Walter has also kindly posted an item on her eMagazine, Nordic Walking USA.

Please visit http://nordicwalkingecommunity.com/ and, in addition click on the link to Nordic Walking USA at the left hand side of this page.

I will keep an eye on all of the usual sites so please take an opportunity to express your opinion - we do not get the chance that often!

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

THE PORTLAND MARATHON

2008-08-30T08:22:00.003-08:00

A few weeks ago both David Downer and I were asked to collaborate on the drafting of new “race rules” for the Nordic Walking categories in the forthcoming Marathon at Portland, Oregon.

We are now working closely with Judy Heller of Wonders of Walking LLC of Portland. Judy is the coordinator for both the Nordic Walk and Racewalk division of the event.

David and I have put together a draft protocol which is currently posted on the Nordic Walking eCommunity (forum) with a view to starting a ten day period of consultation. This protocol is also published here and any comments are very welcome.

The underlying thrust of the protocol is to emphasise safety considerations but to keep the Nordic Walking “rules” to an absolute minimum. In fact, we have asserted that there should be no control over walking technique whatsoever and that reliance be placed upon the Nordic Walker’s integrity. See what you think and let us know, either here or over on the forum at:-

http://www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com

This is the draft:

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

Water, water, everywhere.......

2008-08-14T06:51:00.006-08:00

On longer Nordic Walks we are encouraged to take a supply of fluid with us, particularly during the warmer months. Some walkers may opt for “isotonic” drinks, either commercially made or homemade to a personal recipe. However, I’m sure most of us will carry good old plain water.

In recent years, the plastic bottle of water has become ubiquitous and is now seen as an essential accessory of modern life. Whilst drinking water is a good habit, we have been sold a seductive image of bottled water being a key to health and well being. As a consequence, it is estimated that worldwide 154 billion litres of bottled water is consumed annually which generates revenue amounting to about £58 billion.

Given that most of the developed world has good quality water, this is yet another product we do not need. Furthermore, it is “environmental insanity”.

The energy and resources required to produce the millions of plastic bottles needed, plus the energy used in transporting bottled water around the world, gives us one of the most wasteful commodities we have. Furthermore, whilst the recycling of plastic waste is growing, it is still pitifully small with only 7% of plastic recycled in the UK and 5% in the US. Most goes to landfill, or ends up in the environment, and being non-biodegradable, it will persist for centuries.

Furthermore, doubt has been cast on the quality of the water product itself and there have been numerous reports which identify possible health risks. Phthalates, brominated flame retardants, bisephonol A and dioxins are just a few of the chemicals which have caused concern. Phthalates, for example, is a hazardous toxin often used in PVC and may be released when the plastic comes into contact with saliva. There are also a number of well documented cases of a number of manufacturers having to withdraw a product following the discovery of carcinogens in the drink. Remember Coca Cola’s ‘Dasani’ which was withdrawn in 2004.

So, I make a point of taking tap water on my Nordic Walks, rather than buying the bottled variety. I simply put a jug of water in the fridge, first thing in the morning, and a much cheaper and better option is available compared with the stuff which comes in plastic. As a matter of interest, I looked at the cost of plastic bottled water in the store attached to my local petrol station. The median price was £1.20 per litre, which is 6p more per litre than the unleaded petrol they sell! (this equates to 2.36 US Dollars per litre, or 1.52 Euros).

My own practice is to take tap water in my old reliable Swiss “Sigg” bottle (a good example above!). Granted, these are made from aluminium, but they are very long life and are readily recycled, if ever they do become punctured. It is my understanding that the internal surface is lined with a coating which is resistant to fruit acids or isotonic drinks and my own experience bears out the claim that the taste of water is not impaired. The only maintenance I have given mine is the occasional clean using a sterilising fluid (as for baby bottles) in order to keep things “sweet”. A further bonus is that Sigg is a member of the 1% For the Planet scheme where they give 1% of their annual net revenue to a variety of environmental organisations.

So, it makes good environmental and economic sense to “bottle your own”.

Malcolm Jarvis Nordic Walker Leeds UK

Sustainability

2008-08-09T05:50:00.003-08:00

You might have read my somewhat emotive introductory chapter on environmental issues and sustainable action (Our Planet’s Future, July 24). In this next episode I aim to offer some positive suggestions and recommendations that you might consider both as “ordinary” citizens, but more especially as Nordic Walking citizens. And I stress…..you might consider…..it is not my intention to “preach”.

What is sustainability?

Having been defined in the 1987 Bruntland Report the concept of sustainability is key to global environmental management:

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

The report (also called “Our Common Future”) highlighted three fundamental components to sustainable development, which are: social equity, economic growth and environmental protection. Whilst there is some disagreement about how the term translates into practice most will accept that it revolves around the idea that economic development must go hand in hand with a healthy planet and social justice.

Healthy Humans

Whilst poor health is often linked to poverty, it has become the case that it is also linked to affluence, and in particular “affluent inactivity”. Here in England the Government’s Department of Health has estimated the financial cost of inactivity as being £8.2 billion annually! (That’s just in England, not the whole of the UK!) This figure includes the mounting costs of treating chronic disease, the cost of absenteeism and loss of production. It is mind boggling to try to imagine the quantity of resources wrapped up in this level of expenditure, and the size of the “carbon footprint” is inestimable!

Additionally, the above figure does not account for dealing with the consequences of obesity which is estimated to cost the nation a further £2.5 billion each year. Of course, none of these figures can demonstrate the levels of human misery associated with failing health.

In response to the accrual of kilos some have attended their local gym and have attempted to right the balance by using powered treadmills operating at over 1kW electric power. Even when trying to lose weight, many do so in energy-inefficient ways. Furthermore, thirty minutes of frenzied action is often followed by many hours of inaction and thus no improvement is obtained. People lose heart in more ways than one.

However, as Nordic Walkers, and therefore as active outdoor people, you might take pride that you are already endeavouring to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Whilst exercise is no absolute guarantee against disease, the participation in regular moderate exercise gives excellent odds in your favour.

As far as the maintenance of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle is concerned, you are already taking the right steps. Of course, there is still an expenditure of resources associated with our form of recreation, plus a carbon footprint, (eg. you have to be fuelled) so it makes sense to audit how we “manage” our walking and to consolidate our actions.

CO2 emissions - what’s my share of the challenge?

As far as the UK is concerned, if you divide greenhouse gas emissions by the population you get an average figure of about 12.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person per annum. About half of this – around 6 tonnes – is created by each individual in running a home, driving a car and using other forms of transport. The other half is generated by all of those additional social, commercial and industrial activities which go to make up our national living. The overall figure of 12.5 tonnes needs to fall to a total of no more than 3 tonnes if we are to meet any of our long term climate change control measures.

Both as a citizen, and as a Nordic Walking citizen, there is much that we can do.

Your car

Considerable savings are possible when it comes to personalised transport, but it does mean we would have to modify our behaviour. When you next change your car, you might want to consider the purchase of a small diesel vehicle. Or, you might reconsider private ownership altogether and consider joining a “car club” instead.

If you need to keep your current car for some time, why not consider driving less often. When you go for your Nordic Walk do you drive to your usual venue? Could you walk, go by bike or take a bus? If you go with others, could you all share one car?

When you do drive, can I persuade you do so as economically as you reasonably can and to make a point of keeping your vehicle well maintained and tyres properly inflated.

An efficient home - some general issues

It’s quite possible that in your homes you are already taking action to make your house as efficient as possible with the inclusion of uprated insulation, a condensing boiler and the fitting of thermostatic radiator valves. However, there is a catalogue of low/no cost options you might like to consider:

When not in use, consider turning off at the mains all those appliances which have a “standby mode” – stereos, TV sets, DVD players, set-top boxes etc. Be mindful that some appliances actually expend about 113kg of carbon dioxide per annum in standby mode.

Only operate your dishwasher when fully loaded (I now cut our dishwasher tablets in half!) and run on an “eco setting”.

Turn your central heating thermostat down by 1deg.

Consider replacing your light bulbs with long life, low energy types.

Resist using a tumble drier.

Consider switching to a green electricity tariff.

Only put into your kettle as much water as you need – or buy an “Eco Kettle”

About 90% of energy used in a typical washing machine goes to heat the water. Run your washing machine on a cooler wash (modern powders work just as well)

Ensure that your doors and windows have effective draught proofing tape fitted, and don’t forget putting a “brush seal” on the back of your letter box.

In chapter three I plan to talk about other resources, such as drinking water and how you carry it on your walk, eco friendly outdoor clothing, and last, but not least, is there a problem with poles?

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

Nordic Walking and sport

2008-08-03T01:14:00.003-08:00

I pose two questions:

Question 1: Is Nordic Walking a sport?
Question 2: Is question one relevant?

My answer to the first is no! and my answer to the second is yes!

Nordic Walking expressed as a sport

Examination of a number of the Nordic Walking “establishment” websites reveals terminology such as “Nordic Walking belongs to a wider concept called Nordic Fitness Sports”(1) and “Nordic walking is primarily an endurance sport”(2). I have also encountered the terms “open-air leisure sport”, “wellness sport” and “health sport” during my research for this article. (my italics)

On the one hand, I suspect that organisations use the word sport in order to imbue the activity with a degree of charisma, a sense of allure and an association with athleticism. In much the same way, a sports car is seen as being more dynamic and attractive than a humble family hatchback (even though there is no gain in its function as a vehicle). I believe it is do with image, a matter of “spin”.

On the other hand, I suspect that the word sport is used as a convenient handle for virtually any activity that involves purposeful human movement. As such, it’s a collective noun which is used in a very laissez faire manner.

Whichever condition prevails, I believe that the use of the word, and the image it conjures, is detrimental to the further mass popularisation of Nordic Walking.

A categorical perspective

Without doubt, the concept of sport is hard to define and it is not my intention to stray far into that territory here. However, examination of some of the literature reveals a number of common characteristics of the enterprise known as sport: it is governed by rules, is practised formally and, most importantly, is competitive. Intrinsically, Nordic Walking does not fit any of these criteria.

Of course, Nordic Walking, as with any other form of human propulsion, can be practised in a “sporting context” and thus becomes sport owing to context and intent. A similar thing happens with running. Running, in itself, is not a sport. It can be said that there is a continuum, where at one end running is simply a means of human locomotion whilst at the other end, where running takes place competitively on an athletics track, it takes on the mantel of sport. (Interestingly, there are some sociologists who maintain that athletics is distinct from sport, but we shall not enter that labyrinth here!)

If not a sport, then what……?

By way of a definition, I would contend that Nordic Walking is a form of active recreation – specifically, a form of exercise. It requires no further elaboration.

But, surely, it’s just a harmless word?

Above I suggested that the use of the word sport, with its associations of “high performance”, may hamper progress of the widespread adoption of Nordic Walking, especially in the quest to reach the least active. I draw many of my conclusions from guidance and data obtained from various reports published by the UK government agency, Sport England. (3) Whilst the statistics pertain only to England (not the whole of the UK) I think that it is reasonable to suggest that the trend illustrated applies to most industrialised nations.

As part of the “Active People Survey”(4) conducted in 2005/06 it was recorded that only 21 % of the adult population aged 16 and over (8.5 million) take part regularly in sport and active recreation. Of course, we would more than welcome this segment to take part in Nordic Walking, but from a purely national health perspective these people are already part of the solution and not part of the problem.

28.4% of adults (11.5 million) have built some exercise into their lives, but accept could do more.

However, most critically 50.6% of adults (20.6 million) do not regularly take part in any moderate intensity sport or active recreation. Sport England points out that many health care professionals take the view that the very word “sport” and all its associations may be a deterrent to many in this category.(5)

Furthermore, another feature of the UK (and probably most other developed nations) is its ageing population. It is estimated that by 2020 almost half of the UK population will be over 50 years old. Though chronologically older, attitudinally many older people “act young”. (Be mindful that Mick Jagger recently celebrated his 65th birthday!) The implications for participation in physical activity for this group are enormous. As part of its policy, Sport England expressly recommends avoiding using the word “sport” in connection with this particular segment.(6)

Whilst many Nordic Walking organisations claim that the activity is “for everyone”, they then proceed to put up barriers to those who would benefit most from taking part. Of course, whilst the removal of those barriers will not in itself open the flood gates to mass participation, I do believe it’s a necessary precondition.

At sport level

The INWA organises its teaching procedure around three “levels”, namely health, fitness and sport. (7) Furthermore, I have also seen an elaboration of this by a member association which incorporated the concept of “progression” between these levels. The implication that could be inferred here is that the individual moves from the “mere” health level, via “fitness” to eventually come to the excellence of “sport”. Whilst this may not be the intention behind this concept I suggest that many will interpret it as being so.

I take the view that the bedrock of Nordic Walking (in any of its guises) needs to be “functional fitness”. This can be defined as a common sense approach to exercise designed to foster and sustain lifelong well-ness and to prolong physical independence.

Of course, everyone must begin by learning the basics of their chosen technique(s) simply to provide the tools of the trade. However, functional fitness does not need to be broken down into a hierarchy.

Needless to say, any individual who cultivates a high performance mindset and wishes to go beyond their “optimum” of functional fitness is free to do so. By the same token, any individual who wishes to use Nordic Walking as a means of training for a particular sport is also free to do so and is able to adopt some highly demanding procedures (Nordic Walking on hills, interval techniques, double poling, running with poles etc.). However, these developments are not part of some “essential continuum” but are simply adaptations or extensions of the core activity.

What about Volkssport?

Paradoxically, there is one particular instance where the usual associations inherent in sport are substantially absent, and that is Volkssport, or Peoples’ Sport. This concept, which has become popular in the US, embodies the concept of popular, non-competitive, but structured fitness activity. Thus far, the recognised disciplines include walking, swimming, cycling and Nordic skiing, all done in a friendly and enjoyable context. Nordic Walking could fit this practise, and indeed, many of the events held in Germany follow these lines.

Conclusion

Whilst I have urged dispensing with sporting allusions, Nordic Walking should not, however, be portrayed exclusively as a modality for the sedentary or the ageing population. This may only serve to defeat the “object of the exercise” by creating yet another barrier, only this time to those who are already fit.

As a form of accessible and inclusive recreational activity, Nordic Walking can be readily adapted to meet the needs of everyone, regardless of age, ability, social group, ethnicity or fitness level. In upholding as its core characteristic the concept of functional fitness, the enterprise can provide an enduring and sustainable exercise methodology.

References:

(1) The INWA website at http://nfis.verkkopolku.com
(2) The website of the German Nordic Walking Union at http://nwunion.de
(3) Sport England is the central government agency in the UK responsible for advising, investment and the promotion of community sport to create an active nation.
(4) The “Active People Survey” was carried out by Ipsos MORI on behalf of Sport England in 2005/06 and is claimed to be the largest such survey ever undertaken.
(5) From the Sport England report “Best Value through sport – The value of sport to the health of the nation”.
(6) From the Sport England publication “Understanding participation in Sport: What determines participation among recently retired people.
(7) The INWA website

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

Nordic Walking UK - 'The Big Story' Update!

2008-07-31T05:54:00.008-08:00

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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

THE BIG STORY! NORDIC WALKING UK GO INDEPENDENT OF INWA!

2008-07-28T12:29:00.007-08:00

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The Nordic Walking scene in the UK looks very different today! Nordic Walking UK, who have held the INWA (International Nordic Walking Association) licence for the UK since 2003, have announced that they are now under new ownership and operating independently of INWA. They will now be running their own instructor training program, specific to the needs of the UK market and (I quote): "...away from the influence and politics of Europe."

Crucially they are now independent of a specific pole brand (having previously been tied into Exel poles which was a requirement of their INWA licence). This means NWUK will now work with a number of different pole manufacturers and promote a number of different pole brands.

Oh, and you will see in the press release below that I get a mention too. I am delighted to say that I fully endorse the new vision of NWUK and I am excited to have been asked by the new owners to contribute my own knowledge and experience to their cause.

The potential for Nordic Walking in the UK has always been there but now building on the strong foundation created by the former owners - Nordic Health Ltd - I'm firmly convinced that with the vision of the new owners, there really are exciting times ahead for Nordic Walking in the UK.

Do check out the new look NWUK website which will give you further information about the direction of NWUK - visit: www.nordicwalking.co.uk

David Downer
Owner
Nordic Walking News

Here is the PRESS RELEASE from NWUK ....

Nordic Walking UK Training under new ownership

After 12 months of advising the previous owners, Nordic Health Ltd on developing a new instructor training programme and structure for the future of Nordic Walking, Exercise Anywhere Ltd has now acquired the training business and brand of Nordic Walking UK from them.

It was Exercise Anywhere’s objective to make sure the training standards were in line with the requirements and appropriate to the UK market and move away from the influence and politics of Europe. Nordic Walking UK will also now be in a position to remain independent of a specific pole brand and will work with a number of different manufacturers. This allows the instructors to have more choice and flexibility without compromising on health and safety.

Exercise Anywhere have also developed a range of courses and support programmes for Instructors, PCTs, Local Authorities & Health Clubs together with consumer products to assist the promotion of Nordic Walking and it’s integration to all levels of the community. They have also launched a voluntary Code of Practice for instructors to sign up to.

To accommodate the diverse backgrounds of instructors and extensive markets to which Nordic Walking can be delivered there will be a new structure of instructor qualifications, providing better clarity to instructors and the consumer alike. This structure will accommodate the previous qualifications to avoid re-accreditation.

The two founders of Exercise Anywhere have applied their combined 47 years of expertise in the fitness and leisure industry and more specifically their knowledge of special populations, cardiac rehab programmes and working with local communities.

Managing Director and founder of Exercise Anywhere, Mike Rollason has 27 years of experience in the leisure industry and was a director of The Fitness Industry Association for 10 years. He has played an integral part of the development of standards in the fitness industry that are now being recognised throughout the world. This knowledge will be used to assist the future professionalism of Nordic Walking in the UK. Co founder of Exercise Anywhere, Gill Stewart has twenty years of experience pioneering many community projects including GP referral, cardiac rehab and workshops for special populations. Similarly, Gill’s vast knowledge will help with establishing Nordic Walking from a community level through to working with Government.

It’s not all change and there are some familiar faces in the new look Nordic Walking UK. Martin Christie, who can without doubt, claim to have trained more Nordic Walking instructors in the UK than anyone else will head up Education and Training and David Downer, probably best known for his written work and internationally acclaimed blog, will be helping advise Nordic Walking UK instructors in a new Instructor Forum Group. Their experience and knowledge will be invaluable and be a great asset to everyone.

A Nordic Walking tidbit

2008-07-25T03:07:00.003-08:00

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I think that by now most readers will have heard of the Cooper Institute report about physiological responses to Nordic Walking. You will recall that this was the 2002 published study which shows that Nordic Walking gives an average increase in calorific expenditure of around 20% compared with ordinary walking.

It’s also worth recalling that the Cooper Institute itself was established by Dr Kenneth H. Cooper in 1970 as a centre for the research into preventative medicine. Dr Cooper’s book “Aerobics” first published in 1968, and which introduced a new concept in exercising, can now be said to have achieved iconic status.

The former medical director, Dr Tim Church who headed the now famous Nordic Walking study mentioned above, is now director of preventative medicine research at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La. Amongst other things, his current research interests include the study of exercise and the treatment of mood and anxiety disorder. However, Dr Church tells me that there are currently no plans to examine Nordic Walking with this issue in mind. He has, however, generously sent me a number of learned papers about the subject and I hope to be able to include something about this in a future article.

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

I'd Pick More Daisies

2008-07-24T10:30:00.005-08:00

A few years ago, whilst taking part in a post grad course on management, I recollect one of our tutors giving us a sheet of paper containing a particular inspirational text. It is said to have been written by the late Nadine Stair of Louiseville when she was 85 years old. I have always kept it, and I found it this morning whilst sorting out some papers at home.

Whilst out on my usual Nordic Walk during the afternoon I was constantly reminded by some of the sentiments contained in the text. Primarily the feeling about being "in the present". Nordic Walking seems to promote those kinds of feelings.

So, I thought I would share it with you. You may, or may not like it, but here it is:

I’d Pick More Daisies

If I had my life to live over, I’d try to make more mistakes next time. I would relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic. I would take more chances. I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets…. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones. You see, I am one of those people who lives prophylactically and sanely and sensibly, hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I have had my moments and, if I had to do it all over again, I’d have more of them. In fact I’d try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead each day. I have been one of those people who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had to do it over again, I would go to places and do things and travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over, I would start bare-footed earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would play hooky more. I wouldn’t make such good grades except by accident. I would ride on more merry-go-rounds. I’d pick more daisies.

Attributed to the late Nadine Stair from Louiseville

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

Our planet's future

2008-07-24T07:40:00.002-08:00

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Having planned a number of articles to do with global environmental problems which we now face, I thought you might ask “what has this to do with Nordic Walking?” In suggesting an answer I will say that Nordic Walkers are, first and foremost, citizens of the planet and we all owe a common duty of care to our world and its future. There are many things we can do as individual citizens and also, there are some measures we can expedite as part of our Nordic Walking praxis. In forthcoming articles I plan to talk about both. You must also forgive me if this opening chapter sounds like a rant. It is.

This first episode sets the stage.

During the last thirty or so years the world has become increasingly aware of the environmental problems its rapid development is causing. I recollect the groundbreaking analysis published in the magazine “The Ecologist” in 1972 entitled “A Blueprint for Survival” and it’s still hard to see any change in our seemingly mindless rush towards environmental impacts. Already some of the major problems previously identified are now affecting the planet.

In 1987 the Bruntland report (also known as “Our Common Future”) alerted the world again to the urgency of making progress towards a more sustainable future. Twenty years later and we are still not dealing with the problem in an adequate manner.

Air pollution from emissions, the consumption of natural resources, the production of vast quantities of waste, acid rain, poverty, global warming and ozone depletion are all affecting us now. Governments are beginning to recognise that the level of environmental degradation which current practices of economic development are having cannot be sustained without significant impacts upon future generations. But yet we do not have a multi-nationally agreed strategy to solve the problem.

A shocking report emerged very recently which has shown that the air quality in Beijing is so bad that the marathon may have to be deleted from the Olympics! We learn that officials in Beijing have introduced measures to improve matters for the games. But what happens when everyone has gone home?

Apparently, data gathered by satellite reveals that Beijing is one of the worst environmental victims of China’s rapid industrial growth. Furthermore, air pollution is so bad nationally, that conservation groups say that acid rain falls on one third of China’s territory. This has resulted in around 70% of rivers and lakes being so full of toxins they can no longer be used for drinking water.

Climate change is particularly challenging. Whilst the warning signs are there, governments, the big corporate organisations and also individual citizens have only taken tentative steps towards a sustainable future.

Only recently I noticed an advert in a popular magazine for a new “vitamin water” drink launched by a well known cola drink company. (A press release I subsequently found on the same subject read “thirst no more….”) Later in the same magazine, there appeared an advert for a charity whose aim is to bring drinking water, of any description, to a massive section of the planet where there is a dire shortage. As a member of the developed world, I felt utter shame.
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Finally

I could go on….and on. A bleak picture perhaps, but one which we must face. What can we do as ordinary citizens, or as Nordic Walking citizens? I will look at some of the things which we can realistically do in forthcoming articles. It’s not important that the measures I suggest may only be “drops in the ocean”. At least, if implemented, you become part of the solution and not just part of the problem.

Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

Now that summer's here!

2008-07-08T02:04:00.004-08:00

The longest day passed a few weeks ago and we are now well into summer. Having said that, I sit here in the north of the UK and wonder if summer will ever actually arrive!

On the occasional sunny day we have here I am reminded of the risks to which we put ourselves by lengthy and unprotected exposure to the sun. We may frown at those who lie out for extended periods but we think nothing about going out for an hour’s Nordic Walk in blazing conditions. Of course, if you live in part of the world which has continuous hot summers you will probably have developed your own coping strategies. It’s interesting to note how one of the members of the eCommunity (nordicwalkingecommunity) who lives in Macedonia has to try all sorts of tricks to defeat the sun in order to get her “daily fix with the poles”.

Of course, there is a serious issue here and the risks associated with exposure to the sun are becoming better known. Here in the UK a leading cancer charity (Cancer Research UK) is running a campaign called “Stay safe” which, amongst other things, offers guidance about the risks of skin cancer brought about by exposure to sunlight and how to protect yourself from such risks. They give five “SunSmart” messages and I would like to share these with you:-

Spend time in the shade between 11.00 and 3.00
Make sure you never burn
Aim to cover up with a hat, t-shirt and sunglasses
Remember to take extra care with children
Then use factor 15+ sunscreen or higher

Protection afforded by clothing is becoming increasingly important and in recent years some clothing has been given “protection ratings”. These garments tend to fall into the outdoor activity or travel categories so are well suited to the needs of Nordic Walkers. However, whilst there does not appear to be an internationally agreed standard, those used in Australia and the UK have become well respected. The following table shows the UK “Clothing Protection Factor” or CPF:

CPF rating and description
less than 10 is low (inadequate for summer use in the UK)
10 is medium
20 is high
30 is very high

So, even though it’s hot (well, warm anyway) make sure you protect yourself at all times, but especially when out Nordic Walking.

Malcolm Jarvis - Nordic Walker Leeds UK

The Origin of the Walking Pole Family

2008-07-04T01:02:00.003-08:00

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Many thanks to MIKE GATES from Australia for this enlightening and factual article. Mike was one of the 'original' instructors to train with Marko Kanteneva and INWA and heads up the 'PoleAbout' team in Australia. You may know of Mike for is 'ultra distance' exploits as previously featured on this Blog.

G'day David

I have been giving some long thought to this walking with poles process and my involvement from the early beginnings. I have drafted a basic genetic pathway. I have long time been advocating strongly, well against all others belief (Nordic walking orgs and manufacturers) the universal generic term for walking with poles sits well with the wording "Pole Walking" all others terms & styles follow.

This document is a blue print of my thoughts & knowledge but I am more than both humble and grateful if people would like to add or detract from my rough blue print as walking with poles belongs to the people. So all positive productive comments welcome from all you wish to share it with.

Warmest Regards
The Walking Wizard from Down Under
www.polewalkabout.com

The Origin of the Walking Pole Family Starts within a Gene Pool

No wording of Nordic or any other name precedes this genetic factor above, it was born from a pole or a stick. Genetics show the true source of Origin

1) Walking Staff or Pole or simply walking stick.

Origin:

Some Nomad or Shepherd long before we where here and maybe before Jesus Christ himself…

Trekking with a pole or Bush Walking with a stick was genetically created from above and all else follows this gene pools biological pathways.

2) Ski-pole transformed to the modern day walking pole with the Strapless – Method

Origin:

An innovative way to enhance walking with the concept derived from the sport of skiing. This innovative creation was the efforts and energies of Tom Rutlin (Wisconsin, USA) which was termed Exerstrider (mid 1980’s). This legend worked tirelessly and with endless passion to bring his innovative waking method to the global community some years before Marko Kantaneva's Method.

Exerstrider is a credit to the man above and the belief in the “Strapless Method” of walking with poles.

All other styles and brands evolve from this gene pool and biological pathways

3) Ski-pole transformed to the modern day walking pole with the Strap Method.

Origin:

Summer condition for X-Country Skiers in past history some say at the turn of the last Century. Modernised for the Global Community by Marko Kantaneva (Early / Mid 1990’s) and known by his fellow Finnish countrymen as Sauvakavely. “Sauva” means Pole and “Kavely” means Walking. No Nordic there.

Exel joins forces with Kantaneva (1997), and the Nordic WalkerTM pole product was born then the slang word of Nordic Walking was termed & adopted by all who became involved.

Kantaneva was a main force behind establishing INWA - International Nordic Walking Association (year 2000) and then other European pole manufacturers and education organisations followed and the rest is history.

Marko Kantaneva - Modern “Strap Method” - Credit to the man above as he’s been the “True Spirit & Blood” behind the European Walking way with poles.

Whatever you may wish to call it; all other styles and brands have evolved from this gene pool and biological pathway.

“The greatest thing of all is genetics and biological pathways of all things known to man can be traced from the original origin man can try and clone/genetically modify but all must start from the origin, just like it all started with a pole.”

So why not establish the “POLE WALKING” family?

So, what's in a name? - a personal view

2008-06-23T00:16:00.002-08:00

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Thus far we have encountered Nordic walking, Nordic pole walking, Ski walking, Exerstrider ™ Nordic walking, Exerstriding ™, Dryland ski walking, Pole walking, European Nordic walking, the American Nordic Walking System and Uncle Tom Cobbly Nordic walking! (I will also add my own favourite sobriquet, namely, Finnish Nordic Walking).

It must surely be the case that many potential participants will be confused about what is on offer?

[For the purposes of this discussion I will continue to use the term Nordic walking (NW) meaning simply “fitness walking with poles” and which includes all current variants. I will use the term European Nordic walking (ENW) for the model which is espoused by the INWA (on a personal note I will add that I find the term ENW misleading, but it seems to have gained currency). I exclude “trekking” with poles here as I would assert that as such it is not “fitness walking” but “economical walking”.]

A question

Can the Nordic walking world settle on some simple definitions in order to make life less of a muddle?

If we want to agree that the term “Nordic walking” has now assumed generic status (which some now do) then the INWA would have to be persuaded to share that conclusion. However, the INWA will possibly say that its own founders (Exel Oyj) originally invented the term as a tag for a new commodity, namely a form of fitness walking with poles.

INWA’s initial working definition was “fitness walking with specially designed poles” and this has entered into Nordic walking lore (notwithstanding recent amendments made by the INWA, seemingly to parry a number of alleged “misuses” of its definition). At this point, can I refer you to previous articles written by David Downer on this weblog which explains the origins of Nordic walking (30 Sept 05 and 19 Nov 07).

I feel sure that the INWA will contend that only its model is Nordic walking, simply because its founders invented the term, and it is therefore exclusive. The logic only goes one way, they might say. In other words, Nordic walking is Nordic walking and everything else is everything else. Of course, I feel sure it would probably accept that, say, Exerstriding ™ is most certainly a legitimate pole walking modality (and even the first ) but might go on to say that it does not, of itself, make it Nordic walking, although it is like Nordic walking. As an aside, Exel Oyj should have perhaps registered the name back in 1997 along with that of their poles, “Nordic Walker ™”.

It strikes me that the term “Nordic walking” is itself going to sustain an irreconcilable and dysfunctional state of affairs, with no obvious way out – an impasse. Why would the INWA, or its new “partners,” freely abandon its “guardianship of the ideal” when it no doubt see it as its “right”.

What might our options be?

Turbulent history notwithstanding, we need to move on. As a starter, can we consider that there are, in principle, two main variants of pole walking, i.e. the model as exemplified by the INWA (European NW), and Exerstriding™? Can any other current styles be classified as being variants in their own right: - e.g. Ski walking or Fittrek, or are these hybrids or developments of one, or both, of the two main forms?

Firstly Exerstriding ™ is a very specific form of pole walking, strongly underpinned by testing and experimentation and its presentation to the world has an almost “missionary” quality. It is winning many friends as it embodies a highly resolved ethos which is uncluttered, direct and honest. Of course, the name Exerstrider ™ therefore needs to feature, unsullied, in any fresh definitions.

The creator of the European variant, Marko Kantaneva has reinvented his technique as “Nordic pole walking” in deference to its pre Exel manifestation, which he called sauvakavely (Suomi for pole walking). It is also verified by a large body of research and testing and a return to its “roots” gives it pristine condition.

Likewise, the owners of Ski walking and Fittrek would surely welcome inclusion in this scenario, along with any other variants currently on stage.

As a possible alternative, should we therefore consider “pole walking” as a generic term in place of “Nordic walking”? I know David Downer has alluded to this in the past. Would that fit everyone? This could lead us to:-

Exerstrider ™ pole walking
Nordic pole walking.
Fittrek pole walking
Ski pole walking

Could INWA accommodate the term “Nordic pole walking”? At least it would “shake hands” with its creator with whom it collaborated very closely in the early days. It would still be upholding “le method” still much liked by many, albeit with a slight shift in title.

A glance at the current Exerstrider ™ web site suggests a predominant use of the words Exerstride and Exerstrider and only occasional use of “Exerstride method Nordic walking”. Am I being naïve to ask if Tom Rutlin could consider a shift away from “Nordic walking” as a term – provided it formed part of a wider, mutually agreed development?

Likewise, could not the owners of both Fittrek and Ski walking (and any other forms I have not mentioned) come to terms with adding pole walking into its title?

Poor old Nordic walking

Agreed, the foregoing would mean that the term Nordic walking is discontinued. We all have become used to it and there are scores of organisations world wide who include the term in its service/organisational description. However, it now comes with a great deal of unwanted baggage and it strikes me that matters might become clearer if we finally dispense with it altogether. Of course, the word Nordic would still be around for those who hanker after that connection, in the current context of Marko Kantaneva’s Nordic pole walking.

Pie in the sky?

A second enormous question: - could such a rationalisation lead to the forming of a global co-ordinating body with national associations and which could accommodate everyone currently jockeying for position? Would not such co-operation benefit all (and in particular the grass roots – i.e. the people who buy the poles and the tuition). Tom Rutlin has already alluded to this but I think it would be essential to get rid of any dysfunction first, and then everyone could be included.

Can you see it? The Global Congress (or Coalition) of Pole Walkers (to adapt Tom Rutlin’s suggestion) followed by the UK Congress…., the Australian Congress…. etc. The GCPW would be established to serve the whole Nordic walking community (not just teachers), would have proper governance, an elected president (with a fixed term and an ambassadorial function), membership for all and perhaps a foundation for research and development. In our commercial world sponsorship could be included, as with many other “governing bodies” but would take conventional and transparent form and might differ nation to nation.

Lastly – if that’s not enough

Or, is there simply too much at stake? Are things now too entrenched? Has it all gone too far? Am I simply being too naive and fanciful? Quite possibly “yes” to all of these things, but I do feel that the Nordic walking house needs to be rebuilt square if it is to flourish.

This issue has exercised me now for some considerable time and any views would be more than welcome.

A personal view of: Malcolm Jarvis, Nordic Walker Leeds UK

John's marathon

2008-06-15T05:12:00.002-08:00

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A few days ago David advised us of a blog set up by John Merritt, a Portland resident who is currently training for the Nordic walking category of the 2008 Portland marathon. John has changed the design of his site, plus you can now leave responses. His new address is:-

http://johnnordicwalks.blogspot.com

John also wishes to populate his blog with pictures of Nordic walkers - or their pets - or their favourite walk locations. Come on - don't be shy!

Malcolm Jarvis Nordic Walker Leeds UK

"Exer-rolling"

2008-06-13T05:01:00.002-08:00

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I have just finished reading Tom Rutlin's Summer 2008 Newsletter. This edition is packed with interesting ideas and tips, but one particular article grabbed my attention, and imagination.

Tom explained that he had been serving as a member of an advisory panel for the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center of the University of Illinois at Chicago. There, a number of other panel members, who were wheelchair users, were invited to take his Exerstrider (R) poles and have a go at wheelchair "exer-rolling". One of those who tried them out, Terry Chase, subsequently bought a pair, and now uses them as part of her exercise regime ( you can see a picture of Terry with her poles on John Merritt's blog at http://johnnordicwalks.blogspot.com) .

Terry, who lives in Denver, explained how effective they were at providing a good workout for both her cardiovascular system and her upper body. Terry was already an active person who engaged in a range of sports including kayak, swimming and XC-Skiing but simply pushing her chair as a form of exercise didn't appeal. It looks as if Exerstriding has filled a void.

I wonder if Finnish Nordic Walking would be viable for a wheelchair user? Perhaps the "push past the hip" - which is about at the same point as the wheel hub, would be difficult owing to the space taken by the wheels. However, I could envisage a wheelchair user "double poling" to great advantage. Feedback on this would be very welcome. Perhaps there might even be a category here for a marathon event - Nordic Rolling -or am I getting carried away?

Let me conclude with Terry's own closing, and inspirational remarks:-

"So now I have an exercise option that is inexpensive, portable and easy on my body and fun. I can train for XC-skiing any time of year and get a great cardiovascular workout at the same time. Happy poling!!"

Malcolm Jarvis
Nordic Walker Leeds UK

Hearts and Minds

2008-06-12T05:18:00.005-08:00

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With some justification we tend to focus upon the physical benefits of Nordic walking, with perhaps a passing reference to the "improvement of mood". For a long time I have "intuited" that the effect exercise has on the brain has far reaching physical ramifications.

To some extent this has been borne out by a recent article in the UK publication "Heart Health" published by the British Heart Foundation (19 April 2008). The article refers to a study published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology which has looked at the effect which long standing anxiety has on the risk of heart attack in men over 60.

The British Heart Foundation has added: "It has long been established that poor mental health can have a negative impact on a person's physical health and, sadly, can increase their risk of heart disease".

So, it looks as if exercise can give protection to the heart from two sources - a direct physical effect through good use, plus an indirect effect through better mental health. Given that Nordic walking provides substantial benefits physically then it is likely that it could do so mentally. Research carried out on walking with trekking poles seems to bear this out (Journal of Exercise Physiologyonline Vol 11 No3 June 2008).

Exercise, particularly walking and jogging, has been used with considerable success in people who are suffering from depression and anxiety. We all experience a "high" to some extent following our Nordic walks (see my earlier anecdote "Prozac on a stick"). This is brought about by the secretion of the hormonal substance, beta endorphins into the bloodstream during exercise. This has an analgesic effect on the brain resulting in a state of euphoria and also reduces stress levels.

However, perhaps more importantly in the case of those suffering from depression and anxiety, it is the release of other substances, called catecholamines, which may be bringing about improvement. The effect of catecholamines on the nervous system is evidently to do with the neurotransmitters linked to depression and anxiety states.

Enough of chemistry.

We now know that Nordic walking at a moderately vigorous level brings about a significant range of physical benefits and it seems quite likely that the mood improvement we often experience goes much further than simply giving us a "feel good" effect.

In future we had better reverse the maxim "Healthy body, healthy mind" to "Healthy mind, healthy body".

Malcolm Jarvis Nordic Walker Leeds UK

Karhu and Exel

2008-06-10T23:54:00.003-08:00

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On 30 May 2008 Exel Oyj issued a stock exchange release which confirmed that the sale of the Exel Sports Outdoor business to Karhu Sports has now been completed. Exel has claimed that this move will allow them to focus on their core industrial activities. Exel Sports Oy still exists as part of the Exel company but consists purely of the Floorball business.

It is understood that Exel had already outsourced the assembly of its poles to China in a bid to reduce its production costs. Reports suggest that this action had not met with success. The press release does not say if Karhu (a Finnish company) will take on board the complete manufacturing, assembly and distribution process.

The brand name "Exel" will continue to be used by Karhu alongside its other products. Previous reports indicated that brands such as "Nordic Walker" and "Nordic Blader" will be used as part of a long term licensing agreement.

It will be interesting to see if there is any manifestation of this in the function or operation of INWA or whether it will be "business as usual". Presumably Karhu will welcome the ready made network of sales outlets previously set up through INWA's cadre of instructors.

Malcolm Jarvis
Nordic Walker Leeds UK

John Shares his training log as he prepares to Nordic Walk the Portland, Oregan Marathon (26.2 miles)

2008-06-10T07:42:00.003-08:00

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John Merritt is preparing to Nordic Walk the Portland, Oregan marathon in October and he is sharing his experience. John has set up a training blog and it makes interesting reading.

John is also looking for Nordic Walking photo contibutions, so why not send John a photo or two? John's Blog has already featured photos of Tom Rutlin, Ed Urbanski, a wheelchair Nordic pole user, myself and Malcolm Jarvis (who you may know as a Nordic Walking eCommunity moderator).

To view John's training Blog visit:-

http://web.mac.com/johnmmerritt/All_Things_Pie/Welcome.html

Photos should be sent to:-

johnmmerritt@mac.com

To join the Nordic Walking eCommunity Forum visit:

http://www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com/

David Downer
Author
http://www.nordicwalkingstepbystep.com/

Nordic Starlight Trek 2008 – Saturday 14th June

2008-05-14T15:05:00.005-08:00

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With thanks to Catherine Hughes in the UK for this information

This event may be of interest to UK based Nordic Walkers...

“Dig out those trainers or walking boots, rope in your friends or family members and take part in the Nordic Starlight Trek."

On Saturday 14th June Midlands Nordic Walking is teaming up with Nottingham and East Midlands Sharers of Bereavement by Suicide to raise funds for the charity.

- Today, 8 people in the UK will take their own lives
- Today, at least 70 peoples’ lives will be broken apart with grief

By walking the 10 miles of Nottingham’s ‘Big Track’ route, which passes through some of Nottingham’s most attractive waterside scenery, people can show their support for the charity that aims to provide a drop in centre, called the Garden of Grace, for self help and healing after bereavement by suicide. We will finish with an informal party at the pavilion just as the sun is setting with some live music to celebrate.

For more details and how to register visit www.midlandsnordicwalking.org/starlighttrek

P.S. The National SOBS Charity provides a telephone support line 0844 561 6855

Cathherine Hughes
INWA National Coach & Personal Trainer
Btritish Orienteering Coach
http://www.midlandsnordicwalking.org/
07940 57 57 58

Postscript on Ticks

2008-05-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

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Only a few days after posting my article “Snakes and Cows” I read a “warning” about ticks in the June 2008 issue of the UK hill walking magazine “Trail”. The short article in Trail recommends a look at a web site called www.masta.com/tickalert which will tell you of the risks in Europe and the UK.

The article points out that there has been a 30% rise in cases of Tick Borne Encephalitis (TBE) across Europe and up to 3,000 cases each year in the UK of people suffering from a tick borne infection (including Lyme disease). So, rarity is perhaps no longer the case and this is maybe another symptom of climate change!

The above conditions can be very nasty, so please take care.

Malcolm Jarvis
Nordic Walker
Leeds UK

Snakes and Cows

2008-05-04T05:59:00.002-08:00

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Having just read an American book* about trail running I was impressed by the number of potential hazards that outdoor enthusiasts can encounter in various parts of the US. Apart from bears and mountain lions (albeit in limited regions) I was struck (no pun intended) by the variety of poisonous snakes which inhabit the US and that many varieties of rattlesnake can be found throughout the country! I concluded that we are very lucky here in the UK not to have any dangerous animals roaming around our countryside.

However, an article in the Ramblers Association magazine “Walk” put paid to that particular assumption. A full page report in the current edition explains the very real danger of attacks by overprotective cows during the calving season. By all accounts, the Health and Safety Executive has investigated nearly fifty incidents involving cattle and the general public in the last ten years, seven of which have tragically resulted in a fatality (HSE Information Sheet 17EW). There must also be a number of unreported incidents and “near misses” involving members of the public and cows with calves.

The reported attacks have happened to people whilst they were walking on rights of way in “managed” countryside – probably the kind of paths many Nordic walkers use. It therefore occurred to me that this might be a good opportunity remind us all (in the UK) of the accepted guidelines on dealing with the potential threat posed by animals (and smaller creatures) which you might encounter on your walks. Of course, the following “perils” are not commonplace but should nonetheless be a topic for your risk assessment regime.

Cattle:

All large animals are potentially dangerous, even if of a normally quiet temperament. A creature which weighs around a tonne can easily knock a grown man to the ground and being trampled can lead to very serious injuries. Stress, or when maternal instincts are aroused, can make normally placid cows aggressive. Whilst very few Nordic walkers take dogs on outings, the presence of a dog, even on a lead, can exacerbate the situation.

The Ramblers Association recommends finding an alternative route; but if you have to cross a field containing cows with calves, then go quietly. Never position yourself between a cow and its calf and do not act in an excitable manner. I would add that it’s probably best to carry your poles discreetly as cattle may “see” your Nordic poles as sticks. It follows that you must not brandish your poles at cattle in an effort to deter; it will simply make matters worse.

If you experience an “incident” then you should inform the landowner and the highway authority. It is also recommended that you inform the police and the Health and Safety Executive. Of course, if you are leading a group and there is an injury to one of the party (or yourself) which requires a trip to hospital then you should report the incident to the HSE under the RIDDOR requirements (The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995)

Legally in the UK a farmer can keep bulls, up to ten months of age in fields which are accessible to the public. However, the Wildlife and Countryside Act bans the keeping of bulls of recognised dairy breeds, and which are older than ten months, in open fields which are crossed by public rights of way. All other bulls are banned unless accompanied by cows or heifers.

Personally speaking I would not knowingly go into a field containing cows with calves or a field containing a bull, regardless of how much company it has. It’s up to you.

Dogs:

You may encounter dogs where a right of way passes close to farm buildings, or through farm yards. When coming close to farm buildings it’s best to take off your poles and keep them discreetly by your side. Treat untethered dogs with caution and back away slowly if you are approached. Do not stare at a dog, as it may view this as a threat, and do not wave your poles in an effort to deter. As with cattle, stay quiet and move away.

If you consider that the incident you experienced was dangerous and/or unlawful, then you should report the matter to the police. If this is a situation which you think you might encounter with some frequency it might be worth investing in a small portable ultrasonic device known as a “dog dazer” (currently retails in the UK at about £38).

Ticks and Lyme Disease:

Ticks can be active in many places, particularly in grass, bracken and leaf litter and some ticks can carry some very unpleasant infections, such as Lyme disease. However, the majority of people who are bitten by a tick will not experience disease symptoms and Lyme disease is thankfully quite rare.

Having said that, it’s still worth taking precautions if your Nordic walk takes you into tick territory (bear in mind that Lyme disease is known to be present in central London parks!). Advice given by the Lyme Disease Association suggests that methods of preventing ticks reaching your skin (long trousers etc.) have not been measured for their effectiveness and that awareness is probably the best strategy. Some insect repellents can be effective (permethrin) but a bit of a chore to apply and maintain, particularly if you are exercising quite hard.

In essence, the most sensible precaution is to avoid their favourite places by walking in the middle of paths and checking yourself if you sit, or lean against tree trunks. Also, after your walk, examine your clothing and yourself (particularly scalp, groin, under the arms and the backs of knees). If you do find a tick DO NOT SQUEEZE the tick but remove it by grasping it with pointed tweezers as close to your skin as possible, and pull it out without twisting. A proprietary tick removal tool can be obtained from many pet shops and are specially designed to avoid the risk of leaving the tick’s mouthparts still in you! Needless to say, seek medical advice if you are concerned about Lyme disease since early treatment with antibiotics will normally prevent the disease developing.

Malcolm Jarvis
Nordic Walker
Leeds UK

References:

* “Trail Running: From Novice to Master” by Poulin, Swartz and Flaxel and published by The Mountaineers Books of Seattle.

“Walk” Number 18 Spring 2008 published by the Ramblers Association

“Cattle and public access in England and Wales” published by the HSE

“Basics of footpath law” published on the Ramblers Association website

“Ticks – Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases in Britain published on the Lyme Disease Action website.

Asthma and Allergies

2008-04-21T14:24:00.001-08:00

Firstly, I’m glad that the event that David has reported didn’t turn into something very serious. I agree fully with his conclusion about “screening” for asthma and I would add the need to screen for ALLERGIES.
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It’s important to note that a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, is potentially fatal if not treated promptly.
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As well as food allergies (nuts particularly), some people can react very badly to a bee or wasp sting. Whatever the cause, people at risk usually carry a pre-loaded injection kit called an EpiPen which contains a single measured dose of adrenaline. This is the one medication that (in the UK) a suitably trained first aider can administer.
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So, if you are aware that a client is vulnerable you can check (discreetly of course) that they have an EpiPen with them before going off on the walk. Needless to say, you will need to ask where it’s kept.
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On a similar subject, some people can be allergic to latex so it might be worth considering swapping any latex gloves in your first aid kit for a non latex type.
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I also think that it is good practice to include “client medical condition” as an identified hazard on your risk assessment*. The control measures can be as above, ie. The walk leader is a qualified first-aider, screen via a questionnaire and check for medication prior to an outing.
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(* I know that if you are a self employed person (in the UK) having fewer that five employees you are not obliged to keep written risk assessments, but I have always been advised that it’s good practice to do so.)

If it’s been a while since your last first aid course, it’s worth a quick look at the EpiPen website at www.epipen.co.uk and the site of the Anaphylaxis Campaign at www.anaphylaxis.org.uk

Here’s hoping that you will never need to put any of this into practice.

Malcolm Jarvis Nordic Walker Leeds UK