Nordic Walking

About the Product

Adaptable, effective, and fun, Nordic walking is an outdoor adventure with something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a new way to spend time outdoors or want an enjoyable new workout, Nordic walking is the perfect activity for you. Developed in Finland, Nordic walking incorporates specially designed poles and specific techniques to enhance the action of walking. It’s an ideal low-impact cardio activity that can be practiced in a variety of outdoor settings.

Nordic Walking presents an easy three-step method for learning the basics so you can get started right away. The book provides information on walking correctly both with and without the poles to ensure an injury-free experience as well as using the poles correctly so that you can reap all the physical benefits of the activity. You’ll also learn techniques for climbing and descending during your walk. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you will build your skills so you can move on to more challenging walks.

Nordic Walking offers information on fitness fundamantals, etiquette and safety considerations, and tips for selecting the correct gear and apparel. The book also provides a list of Web sites that will help you plan trips in the United States and around the world and find Nordic walking instructors, organizations, and events.

About the Author

Malin Svensson is internationally recognized as one of the leading authorities on Nordic walking. She is a certified coach through the International Nordic Walking Association and is one of only four individuals, and the first female, to obtain this prestigious certification. Also a certified personal trainer (NSCA and NASM), Svensson is founder of Nordic Walking USA and founder and owner of Nordic Body. Malin holds a master’s degree in physical education and is a nationally ranked track and field athlete.

As an fitness speaker and coach, Svensson has conducted Nordic walking seminars and presentations throughout North America, Europe, and New Zealand. Her writing on Nordic Walking has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fitness, and Body+Soul.

Svensson is the author of the Nordic Walking Instructor Manual and coauthor of the INWA Instructor Manual. She is also cohost of the Exel Nordic Walking DVD along with Mark Fenton. She is a member of INWA Advisory Board and has served on the INWA Educational Committee and as director of education of Exel Sport North America.

A native of Sweden, Svensson moved to the United States in 1989. She resides in Santa Monica, California, where she enjoys Nordic walking in the Santa Monica Mountains. Travel and improvisational theater are also favorite leisure pursuits.

Table of Contents

Part I: Preparing for a Nordic Walking Adventure
Chapter 1: Going Nordic Walking
Chapter 2: Adventure Fit for Nordic Walking
Chapter 3: Poles, Footwear, and Clothing
Chapter 4: Where to Go Nordic Walking
Chapter 5: Outdoor Safety and Etiquette

Part II: Nordic Walking Techniques and Workouts
Chapter 6: Building Your Basic Nordic Walking
Chapter 7: Components of a Nordic Walking Workout
Chapter 8: Urban Nordic Walking
Chapter 9: Nordic Trail Walking

Words of Praise

"Nordic Walking answers every question and inspires you to discover the fun, simple, and powerful total-body workout that this great fitness activity offers.”

Mark Fenton - Host of PBS television's America's Walking

"Malin captures everything you need to know about Nordic walking, and her love for the sport shines through."

Marcy Schwam, Reebok International

"Discover this fun, easy way to incorporate Nordic walking into any fitness routine. After reading Nordic Walking, you will never want to walk without poles."

Karen Asp - Fitness and health writer - Fitness columnist for Allure
2007 and 2008 winner of the Marathon Distance Nordic Walking World Championships in Portland, Oregon

Audiences
A text for college-level activities courses; resource for people who want to learn the basics of Nordic walking.