English version

Nordic Walking

Publié le 02 octobre 2023

Nordic Walking first appeared in Scandinavian countries in the 1970s. It was originally a training activity for cross-country skiers during the summer season.

More dynamic than hiking, Nordic walking uses two poles to emphasise the natural swing of the arms. In this way, the body is propelled forward.

You go faster and further with less fatigue.

Energy expenditure is increased and the enjoyment of the sport begins with the very first strides because the technique is simple.

This new sport is accessible to everyone and will delight young and old alike, regardless of their physical condition. It's a family-friendly sport that attracts a wide audience.

The French Athletics Federation has the delegation for Nordic Walking and defines its standards. It is working with the FFRandonnée to develop the activity in France.

This activity is expected to develop in the FFRandonnée clubs. To date, 27% of clubs offer this activity.

Partners

Benefit from preferential conditions for your equipment and sports holidays:

Practice conditions

A short video presentation of Nordic Walking :

>> > You can find the full programme of video introductions to Nordic walking on the website of the NGO Sikana. Thanks to Jean-Bernard Sibour and Jocelyne Julien from our affiliated association Marche Ta Forme!

Course of a session :

A Nordic Walking session is shorter than a traditional hike, lasting between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Each session is structured similarly:

Muscle and joint warm-up (10 minutes)
Progressive start and actual Nordic Walking with some muscle-strengthening exercises (1-1,5 hours)
Stretching and recovery (10-15 minutes)

Advantages of this discipline

Involves every muscle in the body: thanks to the poles, both upper (arms, pectorals, abdominals, etc.) and lower (thighs, calves, etc.) muscles are involved.

- Greater breathing and oxygenation of the body: +60% compared to regular walking

- An ally in the weight loss process: fat is burned more efficiently.

- Bone strengthening through vibration.

Equipment

The poles

Components: mixture of fiberglass and carbon.

They must be: solid, flexible and comfortable single-stranded poles

Pole length

Depends on the height of the walker.

Ideal length: the walker’s height (in cm) x 0,70

The length can also be estimated more roughly: height - 50 cm.

In practice, beginners should choose poles that reach just below the elbow when the arm is bent.

The more athletic walker should choose a slightly longer pole to increase speed.

The tips

They depend on the surface you're practising on (soil, hard ground, grass, etc.).

The wrist strap

It is essential as it allows the hand to be open and to extend the thrust and make it as effective as possible.

It makes it easier to control the stick.

The shoes

Choose them according to the terrain: running shoes, low-cut hiking shoes, hiking boots, etc.

Thématiques :

FFrandonnée Nordic Walking