Nordic Walking in Christchurch

Nordic Walking is a form of fitness walking using specially designed poles and a learned technique to produce a low impact, high results, total body workout. The poles serve as a resistance exercise for the upper body, thus Nordic Walking increases cardio output, burns more calories and activates more muscles compared to normal walking. Originating from Scandinavia and the sport of cross country skiing.

Walking is the Best Exercise
Nordic Walking Exercise is Better

New Classes Start:

4 Dec - Wednesday 1pm

4 Dec - Wednesday 6.45pm

Nordic Walking is for everyone regardless of age or fitness level. From high intensity cross training for sports people, to recreational fitness, to chronic condition management or rehabilitation therapy. Nordic Walking is suitable for all

Health and Fitness benefits of Nordic Walking

When performed correctly Nordic Walking:

- activates 90% of the body's muscles

- burns up to 46% more calories compared to regular walking

- gives up to 25% grater cardiovascular workout than regular walking

- strengthens and tones upper back, shoulders and arms

- develops core stability and strength

- improve co-ordination and balance

- promotes an upright and improved walking posture

- releases pain and tension in the neck and shoulders

Hi I’m Charlie

I am a certified Nordic Walking Instructor

I first experience with Nordic Walking happened purely by chance. My wife had enrolled me into a course that she was doing and thought it would be great to learn together.

Not knowing anything about Nordic Walking or even seen it, I was willing to give it a go. I cannot put into words how great my body felt as every muscle in my body woke up and got engaged to my bones, ligaments and tendons.

I was hooked on Nordic Walking from that day.

If You Enjoy Walking - You'll Love Nordic Walking

Each class starts with learning the Nordic Walking technique and how to use the Nordic Walking poles (or Nordic pole walking sticks).

This class takes place at Charlie's fitness gym in Riccarton where he explains the techniques developed from and used by cross country skiers - but don't need skis!

Once you've got the basics of the Nordic Walking and co-ordinating poles and feet it's off to lovely Mona Vale the next 3 weeks to practice.

Bring your camera for the beautiful scenery
Have a cuppa when finished your exercise at the Mona Vale Homestead.
Nordic Walking poles are provided.
Purchase poles from Charlie to get more exercise and practice

Can I use Hiking Poles for Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking Poles or Trekking / Hiking Poles – what’s the difference?

Can you Nordic Walk with ordinary trekking or walking poles? The simple answer is ... No you can’t! However, you can use Nordic Walking poles for trekking so anybody who is looking at purchasing poles, consider Nordic Walking poles as they come with extra benefits.

The significant difference between the two poles is the wrist strap. The Nordic Walking pole has a strap (some call it glove) that is attached to the grip.

The reason for the wrist strap is twofold.

For once - the emphasis with Nordic Walking is to apply pressure through the strap onto the pole. One can apply far more pressure through the strap onto the pole than holding onto the grip and applying pressure that way.

The second reason for a proper wrist strap lies in the Nordic Walking technique – once you push your body past the pole forward, you need to let go of the pole grip to get the pole further back behind the body and for the pole to become an extension of the arm.

Hiking poles have a variety of grips, many of which are designed for comfort (see pictures) because the trekker will use these to transfer body weight onto the pole which helps to share the load and provide some stability. Most poles will have shock absorber built into the poles which will make it hard to fully transfer the power through the pole that needed to push you forward.

In general the trekker is not trying to push themselves forward in the way Nordic Walkers do. Therefore they plant the poles in front of them at a much more upright angle.

Note: Trekkers / hikers often use only one pole – we’d not advocate that as it can cause in-balance and back discomfort.