ST. PAUL – Nordic walking is a total-body walking activity using poles specifically designed for the activity.
And every 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, the St. Paul Regional Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is hosting free Nordic Walking activity for all adults. They are doing this in partnership with Urban Poling, a Canadian-based company that distributes Nordic Walking poles, as well as education on the health benefits of Nordic Walking.
“It’s a way to take stress and strain off joints... it helps with balance and coordination," says St. Paul FCSS Director Lynn Smid, inviting people to come and try it out – and experience the benefits for themselves.
While there are more seniors taking up the activity in contrast to the young, the activity is good for people of all ages, says Smid. The poles will be provided free of charge for those who do not have them, so people can give it a try without any costs involved.
The International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA), the global governing body for Nordic Walking established in Finland, describes Nordic walking a form of physical activity, “where regular, natural walking is enhanced by the addition of a pair of specially designed Nordic Walking poles.”
INWA says Nordic Walking is safe, natural, and a suitable-for-all form of activity that trains the body.
