Nordic Walking: Why the Finnish-born exercise has grown in popularity

You’ve definitely seen them, people on a casual walk through fields and green spaces, kitted out in hiking gear with poles in hands, and probably wondered what’s that about?

Nordic Walking Bristol founder Ros Ingleby has often got this response while out on a walk. She laughed as she said: “People have been saying that for years, but then there’s still loads of people who don’t know what it is.”

I joined the mysterious group of trekkers on the Downs to find out how it works and why we’re all of sudden seeing it everywhere.

Susan Smith, one of the walkers, quickly made a beeline for me. As she struggles with joint pain, the poles allow for her to “whizz round” and the instructors are “wonderful,” she told me.

She didn’t want her photo taken but she was more than happy to fill me in on the fitness and social activity.

For the Bradley Stoke resident, feeling safe when out on a walk was a key motivation for her and when she saw a post on NextDoor advertising Nordic Walking she decided to give it a go.

Walking in reverse targets the hamstrings and knees – photo Hannah Massoudi

Unlike hiking, the poles used in Nordic Walking help engage more muscles and burn more calories by transferring more of a person’s weight from their lower to their upper body.

Research shows that not only is it a more effective workout than walking but that it also improves posture. It also takes people outdoors which, by now is well-known, is hugely beneficial to one’s health.

“It’s a tonic to this everyday world of phones and laptops, pressure and lack of community,” says Ros.

My class’ instructor was Patsy Warn, a former fitness instructor (now retired), who led the group through a series of variations to ensure they were getting the maximum benefit from the walk.

Once Patsy found Nordic Walking she gave up everything else and now has been doing it for ten years.

This isn’t unique to her – many of the individuals in this group have been partaking for years, it’s become a lifestyle choice for them.

The concept originated with Finnish skiers in the 1930s, who began using their poles during summer training and were impressed with the results – photo Hannah Massoudi

People at all levels of fitness come to the sessions.

Admittedly the bulk of attendees at my session were in the 50 plus category, but more often than not they are there every week without fail, come rain or shine.

In fact, the classes run 364 days a year, stopping only for Christmas Day.

For this mostly retired group, the offering of 20 classes a week keeps them busy.

The classes take them across some of Bristol’s best green spaces, including Oldbury Court and Ashton Court. Of course, it isn’t just good for improving your fitness levels, many people attend to socialise with others, with the most prolific ramblers (and I don’t mean walkers) trailing behind the group as they catch up with one another.

Then, if they want to – which they often do – they end the hour-long walk at a cafe for a coffee and cake.

On September 28, the Bristol group will be taking their adventures further afield to the Cotswolds, before heading global on a trip to Girona.

If you fancy getting involved, you can book a beginner walk where you’ll learn the Nordic technique for £15 with poles provided for free. Head to bristolnordicwalking.co.uk for more information.

All photos: Hannah Massoudi

Read next:

• Building a village for Bristol’s mums
• Pilates studio to open in former nautical booksellers
• Former England cricket captain joins parkrun wellbeing initiative