I was reading this morning about all that is going on in Leavenworth this week (February 2008). I’ve been snowbound here in Spokane for about a week now. The snow keeps falling. How I wish I was snowbound in Leavenworth instead. One of the activities that caught my eye was Nordic Walking. I wasn’t entirely sure what it was, so I Googled it. What did we ever do without Google?
So what did I find? Nordic Walking, also known as Pole Walking, Ski Walking, or Fitness Walking, is defined as fitness walking with specially designed poles. Nordic Walking, practiced by about 10 million people world wide, can be done year round and in any climate and anywhere you would walk without poles. The poles provide stability and balance. Nordic Walking is easier on hip, knee and ankle joints. Back pain is eased with the use of poles. You can read more about Nordic Walking in Wikipedia.
A free Nordic Walking group meets in the parking lot of the Leavenworth Ski Hill Tuesdays at 8:30am and 6:30pm. Beginners can meet for free instruction one half hour before the group meeting. You can find out more about the Nordic Walking group and many other activities at the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce website. On my next trip to Leavenworth I’m going to check out these and other great community activities.
If Nordic Walking still intrigues you, please check out http://nordic-walking-usa.blogspot.com. It’s filled with how-to. where-to, equipment, clothing, benefits and more information.