Nordic walking and Parkinson's

What is Nordic walking?

Nordic walking is a style of walking where you use a specially designed walking pole to help you move forwards. This means that you use your arms as well as your legs. As the poles ‘propel’ you, they help you to walk faster and more steadily than you may do normally. 

When they are used properly, the poles take the weight off the knees and lower body joints. This can make you feel lighter on your feet.

What’s the technique?

You move in a similar way to ordinary walking. But when walking with poles, you swing your arms from your shoulder with your elbows straight. This is a bit like a soldier marching.

How does it help?

Walking is great for your overall health. It can improve your heart and lung health, and lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. It can also help manage your blood sugar.  

Nordic walking in particular can help you maintain a better posture and keep you more upright. At the same time, taking longer strides can gently stretch your limbs and keep your body rotated. This can help loosen you up and improve your coordination. 

If you feel that you tend to walk slower and take smaller steps, Nordic walking creates a steady beat to improve your pace. It can also make exercise fun and social when done in a group.

Getting started

Nordic walking is something that anyone can try and is suitable for all ages and abilities. Classes range from gentle walks to full-on workouts.

It’s not the same as other styles of walking, such as trekking or hill walking, so you may need some training to get the technique right. Instructors can supply the poles, or you can buy a pair for around £30. 

You may also need to buy some equipment incuding the right footwear and appropriate clothing. 

Accessing classes

You can try Nordic walking anywhere, such as a park or in the countryside. But it’s best that you get advice from a qualified instructor first. 

Many places offer a taster session to see if it’s right for you. You may then be able to join walking groups or practise yourself.

You can find local walks, instructors and classes all across the UK at the following organisations:

• Nordic Walking UK
• British Nordic Walking

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 5 years ago at the age of 49. Since then I have had to stop working and can no longer drive, which has had a huge impact on my life.

My husband died suddenly 2 years ago. Living an independent life became increasingly difficult for me. I lost my confidence, hardly ever left the house and my mobility was getting worse. I had to use a wheelchair whenever I did go out, and I was close to getting a mobility scooter to get around.

Then my friend, whose husband has Parkinson’s, told me she was taking me to a British Nordic Walking group. I was reluctant at first – I just didn’t think it was for me. But as soon as the instructor showed me how to use the poles it was like getting two new legs. I found a confidence I never knew I had.

We meet up once a week to do walks in the local area. There are around 12 of us with similar neurological conditions. Not only am I able to walk more confidently again, but I can also walk uphill with more ease. The group is amazing – we support each other and I have formed new friendships.

Since I started assisted Nordic walking I have been to the seaside several times, gone shopping and done so many other activities, all without the need for a wheelchair. 

Being out of the house and walking daily in the fresh air has given me my mobility back and a new lease of life. My poles go everywhere with me now.