A big part of instructing new Nordic Walking students is freeing them of their tendency to grab the poles. If you do that, you will eventually pick them up. Gradually, they will migrate forward until you are walking behind them. That’s a no-no, unless you have a medical situation and all you want to do is maintain your balance. That’s what to do in that case.
Good poles have straps that are attached to the poles. You simply slip your hands into the glove-like straps, synch down the Velcro and begin to walk. You move with your hands in an open position. The poles will indeed follow. Don’t look down. Some brands of poles do not have straps at all. They require you to grab and clutch the poles. Not a good idea, IMHO. This can cause carpal tunnel issues in your wrists when you are doing the clutch for an hour or so.
Don’t grab the Nordic Walking pole like this.
It’s an odd feeling when first trying Nordic Walking. The urge to pick them up takes awhile to overcome. Don’t worry too much about it, as we have all been there. A little practice and you’ll be walking like a pro! A good instructor will be patient with you and spend the time to get you to feel comfortable with this and other moves.
I’ll be sharing other tips as we go along. Try to take a class. An hour a week or an intense compacted 3-4 hour program will allow you to head out confidently. One source recommended is the American Nordic Walking Assn. program. Workshops, semiars and instructor certifications are held nationwide. I teach in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. I live in the south bay and we meet at the Los Gatos Creek Trail. It’s a quiet, beautiful asphalt walk along the flowing creek populated with ducks. You will be amazed at how far we go. Between my instruction and stories, the day flies by. Then we have a nice deli lunch in town at the Purple Onion.
Again, don’t grip the poles!
Carpe Diem